Types of Skin Products for Blemishes

• Different skin products work for different types of blemishes.skin care image by anna karwowska from Fotolia.com
  
  Finding the right product to treat blemishes can be overwhelming. Should you use an over-the-counter product or ask your doctor for a prescription? Should you go with a product that prevents acne or treats it directly? Ultimately, the treatments you choose will depend on your skin type and the severity of your blemishes.
  
  

Salicylic Acid

• Perhaps the best-known acne fighter, salicylic acid sloughs off old skin cells to clear pores, preventing future blemishes "See Reference 1." It's available over the counter, is usually safe for sensitive skin, and can be very effective for mild outbreaks if used continuously. But because salicylic acid doesn't kill bacteria or slow the production of sebum, it usually isn't the best skin product for clearing up moderate to severe acne.
  
  

Benzoyl Peroxide

• Like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide clears away debris to open up pores. But it also treats blemishes directly by attacking P. acnesa, a common bacteria found on the surface of the skin. Benzoyl peroxide creams and gels can sometimes cause redness, dryness, and flakiness in sensitive skin, especially when used over large areas of the face. This drug works best when teamed up with a stronger prescription treatment, according to www.Acne.com "See Reference 1."
  
  

Retinoids

• Prescription retinoid treatments such as tretinoin (Retin-A) and adapalene (Differin) use vitamin A-derived retinoic acid to unclog pores. When retinoid gels or creams are applied topically to the skin each day, the treatments slough off dead skin cells to keep pores clear and prevent future blemishes. Retinoids can often help moderate to severe acne that doesn't respond to over-the-counter products. However, retinoid products are not recommended for pregnant women, as they have been linked to birth defects "See Reference 2."
  
  

Antibiotics

• Antibiotics like tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline, and erythromycin work from the inside out by attacking pimple-forming bacteria before they can wreak havoc on your skin. They are most effective when used in conjunction with a topical treatment such as benzoyl peroxide. Antibiotic products tend to cause more severe side effects than do over-the-counter alternatives, including extreme sun sensitivity, dizziness, and a higher risk of yeast infections in women "See Reference 1."