Treatment Acne

This section is about what over the counter treatments are available (not all treatments may be available in that country) and how they help.

Please check all ingredients if one are allergic or sensitive to them.
Treatments are not allowed on mouth, lips, eyes/ears, genitals and/or anus
For external use only
Applying topical treatments will not “spread” acne to other areas of skin
Wash hands after each application
All treatment takes time/several weeks to work, so please be compliant:
- Patients who expect an instant response could be disappointed and may stop using treatment. A 50% improvement in two months is a realistic expectation
- Acne treatment can be long-term and require bouts of intensive treatment separated by maintenance treatment for many months or year.

Aim:

To reduce patches and redness by removing sebum oil and minimise long term scarring.
This in turn will help the patient to be more social and confident.

Benzoyl Peroxide

This helps to kill bacteria, decrease blackheads (comedones), unblock pores and remove dead skin and is used in mild and severe acne.
Gels are good for greasy skin and creams for normal skin.
The product should be applied to THE WHOLE AFFECTED AREA and not just on spots 20mins after washing.
If one has sensitive skin, it should be used initially daily or every other day otherwise apply sparingly twice daily.
One can then use a light oil free moisturiser an hour after benzoyl peroxide treatment to reduce irritation (dryness).
It can take up to 6-8 weeks to work and full effect normally after 3 months so one needs to be patient.
It can makes one face more sensitive to sunlight and UV light, so consider a sunscreen if necessary.
If there is no improvement talk to your pharmacist or a medical doctor to increase the dose or seek an alternative treatment (One should try the lowest strength first and increase every 2-3 months if advised).
Side affects include: redness, dryness, stinging, scaling, tingling, burning and skin peeling.
If experience these effects then see your medical doctor.
It may bleach cloths, towels, bed linen and hair.

Antibacterial/Antiseptic

Have antibacterial properties and keep the skin clean.

Anti-stringent

These products help to dry up the skin.

Witch Hazel

It contains tannins which has:

Antioxidant properties
Anti-inflammatory activity
non anti-inflammatory activity that fights against bacteria
Can act as an astringent by drying out the skin
Always use a high quality forms (many cosmetics contain perfumed products and other additives which may not agree with your skin)- preferably non alcohol and/or contain aloe vera (has antiseptic properties and good for sunburns as well as moisturising properties) and/or hyaluronic acid (act as a good moisturiser)
It does not help to get rid of itchiness
It is not be advisable for certain skin conditions, such as rosacea and/or extreme dryness as it can be very drying, which could cause your skin to overproduce oil and worsen blemishes.
If one have any open skin areas, the product also cause the skin to burn when applied and/or one may want to use with caution if you have sensitive skin. If one finds condition is getting worst after using witch hazel then stop using it.
If you’re trying out witch hazel for the first time, it’s a good idea to test it out in a small area of skin away from your face, such as the inside of your arm. If you don’t see any redness, rash, or dryness after a couple of days, then you can try it out on your face.
Do not apply under the skin directly to help bags under the eye (mix with other creams and/or lotions).
If using this product and have signs of an allergic/anaphylaxis reaction, such as problems breathing, hives, facial swelling, or swelling of your lips, tongue, or throat, call for an ambulance and seek emergency medical attention.

Salicylic Acid

Helps to shed more dead skin by increasing moisture to the top layer of skin making it softer and easier to remove) and unclog pores.
It helps other medicinal treatments to penetrate more into the skin making them more effective, hence it is used in many products as a combination.
It should not be used by anyone who is sensitive to salicylates.

Nicotinamide

Have anti-inflammatory activity and reduce redness, and swelling of spots.

Vitamins

Multivitamins are not intended to prevent long term conditions, reduce infection and is not proven (or data is weak) to help with cancer.

These are essential nutrients that the body requires in small amounts to function properly.

Herbal

Vitamins - If depressed