Myths on Anti-Acne Medical Treatments
Approximately 98% of the population will experience acne at one point in their lives, but of those, only a very small percentage actually visit the doctor to solve it.
If you keep in mind that acne is a dermatologic disorder, this is actually quite strange. Just as people turn to medical professionals for other skin conditions such as rosacea or eczema, you would think that acne sufferers would do the same.
But the reflex action when you have a breakout is to rely on information found online. Those who have had acne have likely read through magazine articles with titles like “8 Best Products to Clear Acne - EFFECTIVE”, watched skincare routine videos from top beauty influencers, or check review websites for five-star anti-acne products.
Why is it that people do not tend to seek anti-acne advice from doctors? Let’s look at some commonly held misconceptions about anti-acne medical treatments.
Getting sound dermatological advice is expensive.
As much as possible, the ideal course of action is to consult a doctor for your acne problem. This disease is caused and influenced by multiple factors and the complex interactions between them. Patients that visit the dermatologist clinic may not be given the same treatments because the major factors that cause their problems are different.
Unfortunately, visiting a doctor regularly for acne is not financially feasible for everyone. But that does not mean you cannot get sound dermatological advice.
Many national and international dermatology associations have resources online for those struggling with acne which can be particularly helpful for those who suffer from mild to moderate acne. There are scientific journals and reviews that discuss the mechanisms of effective anti-acne drugs. You might also opt for online consultation if a clinic nearby offers it at a lower rate than visiting the doctor.
Choosing to get your anti-acne information from articles written by or videos presented by licensed medical professionals is a good starting point in your journey to clearer skin.
Medical treatments are only for severe forms of acne.
There are many kinds of medical treatments for acne. Oral drugs are usually prescribed for more severe forms of acne, but there are topical agents that are used for mild to moderate acne.
It doesn’t take an extreme case of the pimples to book an appointment with a dermatologist. If you feel that the condition of your skin is affecting you negatively, then by all means, turn to a medical professional for help.
You can skip the many anti-acne products on the beauty shelves that make big promises, and instead reach out for products with active ingredients whose claims are backed up by research. Following the guidelines of dermatological associations available online is usually sufficient to improve mild to moderate acne. However, people who suffer from severe breakouts should see a doctor, as this may require tightly-controlled drugs available only upon prescription.
Drugs that stop acne are only available on prescription.
There are some anti-acne drugs that are tightly regulated and require a prescription for use. These are usually oral drugs that have a systemic effect on the body that, if used incorrectly, can seriously mess your system up. There are also topical agents that have very high concentrations of active ingredients that can hurt you if you use it yourself.
But there are topical products available over-the-counter that can be very effective for those with mild to moderate acne. These also have active ingredients, but at a much lower concentration that has been deemed safe by regulatory authorities.
That being said, that is not to say that you can treat OTC topical anti-acne drugs as you would skincare and make-up products you buy in beauty stores. These are still potent and can have side effects. Before use, make sure to educate yourself on what to expect and how to use the drug properly. You can check online from dermatological resources or consult a doctor. And when you do finally try the product, do a patch test first to make sure you don’t have any allergic reaction to it.
Conclusion
Acne is a medical condition that concerns the skin. While commercially available anti-acne products may work for some people, your best bet for dramatic and long-lasting results are medical treatments. These drugs contain active ingredients that target at least one of the major factors causing acne: increased oil production, excessive keratinization, bacterial proliferation, and inflammation.
Following proper medical advice about the medical treatments you use is critical. Without it, you may be doing your skin more harm than good. With consistent use, topical products that are available over the counter can greatly improve mild and moderate acne. For more severe cases, a consultation with a dermatologist is the best course of action.
