teenage acne treatments

During the past 10 years, the number of teenage acne treatment have increased tremendously according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Among the most significant advances:

• Newer topical products such as retinoids (derived from vitamin A), help unplug follicles. Although retinoids can irritate skin, new ones are made for different types of skin and promise to be less irritating.
• Combination treatments are becoming more common, with many doctors prescribing a topical retinoid together with a topical antimicrobial or an oral antibiotic to fight bacteria. Combination creams, putting ingredients such as the cleansing agent benzoyl peroxide and the antibiotic clindamycin in one product, are more common.
• Prescribing oral contraceptives for teenage girls with acne is becoming more accepted. At low doses, some types of birth control pills may help clear acne.
• Oral isotretinoin (or Accutane) can help in severe cases that have not responded to other medications. Because the drug has been associated with depression and suicidal thoughts, patients that use it are closely followed for any changes in their mood. Blood tests monitor any potential adverse effects, such as elevated cholesterol levels.