Many people in the world - and this applies not only to women, but also to men - suffer from acne. In some, it is not very pronounced, while in others, not only the whole face, but also the back, neck and chest can be affected. Those who have not encountered a similar problem can not even imagine how difficult it is to get rid of acne. Cleansing lotion will help someone perfectly , and someone is forced to choose a comprehensive treatment that will not only cleanse the face, but also eliminate the causes of the rash. There is an opinion that retinoids for acne help perfectly, but is it really so? And which ones are best used?
Retinoids: what is it?
First of all, it must be said that retinoids are not some kind of ointments, tablets or acne creams. These are the active components that make up a particular drug of local, external or systemic action.
The term "retinoids" is derived from the word "retinol" (vitamin A). These acne preparations are called so because they contain the mentioned vitamin, which is simply necessary to maintain healthy skin. It positively affects the differentiation of epithelial cells. Also, during numerous tests, it was noticed that retinol copes well with various skin diseases, but if you use it in its pure form, serious unwanted effects are possible:
- liver damage;
- peeling of the skin;
- headaches;
- drowsiness;
- vomiting and nausea;
- osteoporosis and others.
Thanks to the studies, it became possible to use the unique properties of vitamin A, while its structural formula was slightly changed, and then began to be added to retinoids. From acne, to combat wrinkles, uneven pigmentation and other skin problems, such products began to be used in the last century. Specialists managed to achieve the desired effect in the treatment, but at the same time reduce the manifestation of adverse reactions.
Retinoid Classification
All retinoids can be divided into three groups:
1. First-generation drugs:
- Retinol Acetate.
- "Tretinoin."
- "Isotretinoin."
- "Alitretinoin."
2. Second generation:
3. The third generation:
Today in pharmacies you can find many different drugs that effectively cope with acne. All of them have a certain therapeutic effect: some cope with germs, others relieve itching, and others heal, so it would be better if the doctor selects retinoids. These drugs are inexpensive, so everyone will be able to purchase a good complex that will help solve all problems at once.
Antibacterial Acne Treatment
It must be remembered that acne does not appear just like that, they are caused by the activity of bacteria, a malfunction in the hormonal system or other factors, therefore, in order to get rid of them, you need to find the reason, and after that choose the treatment.
If acne is caused by bacteria, then antibacterial drugs must be selected. But before buying retinoids for acne, you need to consider the type of skin, the possibility of allergies, the individual characteristics of the body. Among a large number of antibacterial agents, azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide well help. They are easily combined with other medicines of this group, moreover, they do not lose their therapeutic effect when using preparations with vitamin A.
Acne Retinoids
The preparations “Retin A”, “Differin” and retinoic ointment, when applied topically, are well combined with the latest methods of treating acne of mild to moderate severity. All of these tools help slow down the growth and maturation of skin cells.
This reduces the synthesis of sebum and the percentage of probability that there will be a blockage of the ducts of the sebaceous glands and the hair sac in desquamated epidermal cells. But not all retinoids give a positive effect in treatment. For therapeutic purposes, only some are used, and in many countries most of them are allowed only as prescribed by the doctor.
Retinoids: creams, ointments
Acne retinoids are presented in a wide assortment, and each person can choose the remedy that will ideally suit him. Among local preparations, those based on the active substance adaptale are popular. They are available in the form of a cream and gel. For example, Differin. It is advised to be used once a day before bedtime. The course of treatment is from 1 to 3 months, but the effect is observed after 4 weeks.
Sometimes in the first three weeks you can notice that the skin condition has become even worse, but it will all go away, just the gel drives out and those acne that were hidden deep inside and therefore were not visible to the naked eye.
Another cream of excellent quality is Tretinoin, which is produced by Janssen-Cilag. The main component is transretic acid. "Tretinoin" copes with inflammation, it is the best choice to deal with many problems that affect not only the skin, but also subcutaneous tissue.
A Russian-made drug that is part of the retinoid group is a retinoic ointment. Its composition is rather modest, but the main component - isotretinoin - helps to cope with acne. Manufacturers say that it must be applied up to 2 times a day. The course of therapy is at least 4 weeks, and sometimes all 12.
In addition, there are other drugs that have long been used to treat acne and cope with them effectively, and they do not always contain retinol. The price is low, and the effect is good. Among them can be called such funds for external use:
- "Zinerit" is an ointment in which zinc and erythromycin are present. Due to the fact that this product has a small fraction of the antibiotic, it copes with a rash caused by bacteria.
- Zinc ointment is an inexpensive zinc supplement that is considered an excellent antiseptic and is recommended for treating acne in adolescents.
- Synthomycin ointment - perfectly dries the skin and heals, even pregnant and lactating women can use it for therapeutic purposes.
- Dalacin is an antibiotic gel, an excellent remedy for those patients who have acne not only on their face, but also on their back and chest.
- "Levomekol" is an ointment. It helps a lot when healing already opened abscesses, wounds.
As mentioned earlier, acne can be caused by hormonal disruption or bacteria. In the first case, doctors recommend taking hormonal drugs, and in the other, antibiotics. The use of retinoids in combination with antibacterial agents will help to improve and accelerate treatment.
Antibiotics for Acne
Antibiotics perfectly help if the patient has been examined, and it was revealed that it was the bacteria that provoked the appearance of acne. The rash will not pass until the root cause of the pathology is eliminated. Pharmacies have a huge list of antibiotics, but not all of them are effective for acne. Of course, it would be better if the doctor picks up the medicine. Antibacterial therapy is a rather serious process, and it is highly not recommended to engage in "amateur activity". And even more so, one should not purchase a product based on the reviews and advice of friends or acquaintances. The information below is for informational purposes only so that the reader can navigate the currently existing products. So, among the most popular and proven means of effectiveness are the following:
- "Erythromycin" - you need to take the drug for at least 10 days.
- “Chloramphenicol” - the course of treatment is selected individually.
- "Metronidazole" is a powerful drug, the dosage and duration of the course of therapy are determined by the doctor.
- "Tetracycline" - this drug has proven effective in treating complex conditions, very often it is prescribed for patients suffering from dermatitis, eczema and folliculitis. But it is worth remembering that it adversely affects the work of the liver, so long-term use is unacceptable. This remedy is available in several forms, you can take orally tablets, and you can lubricate acne with ointment.
- Doxycycline is an excellent acne treatment, but it is worth remembering that it has a huge number of contraindications and side effects.
Retinoid treatment gives an excellent result. According to the reviews of those who have already managed to get rid of acne, the drug "Roaccutane" is considered one of the best. Its effect is to reduce the activity of the sebaceous glands and reduce the production of fat. Therapy with this tool is long - at least 30 days, if the cases are very complex, then the course can be extended to three months. He has many side effects, but nevertheless he is ideally suited to those people who have oily skin type and sebaceous glands produce too much fat.
Hormone pills for acne
Hormonal drugs are recommended for women who have problems with the hormonal background. These can be young girls who are just starting their menstrual cycle, middle-aged ladies and those who already have menopause. Thanks to the effects of hormonal drugs, it is possible to reduce the production of male hormone - testosterone, an excess of which in the body leads to the appearance of acne. Therefore, ideally, not only retinoids are used in the treatment process. Hormone medications are also very important. Among them:
- "Yarina."
- "Diana."
- "Jess."
- "Janine."
- "Midian."
How to take them, you can read in the instructions for the drug or ask your doctor for advice, who will monitor the therapy and monitor any changes. Also, acne can cause malfunctions in the intestines. So, constipation leads to intoxication of the whole organism, including the skin. appropriate medications will help to cope with these kinds of problems.
Bowel Cleansers
Slagging of the intestine leads to the fact that all the harmful substances that must go out together with the feces are absorbed back, and then disperse through the blood in all organs and systems. They also enter the skin and lead to acne. To get rid of acne, you need to do everything possible and cleanse the intestines. Therefore, it is not enough to use, say, the same retinol acetate for the face - tablets are also needed for cleaning the intestines:
- "Lactofiltrum" (in tablets and capsules).
- Atoxil.
- Activated carbon.
- Polypefan.
- "Filtrum STI".
By cleansing the skin and intestines, you can be sure that acne does not appear again. But there are other very good remedies, in addition to drugs that contain retinol. The price is also low, and the effect is good.
Brewer's yeast
This is one of the inexpensive, but at the same time time-tested acne remedies. Most often, doctors recommend using yeast to treat rashes in adolescents, as they have minimal side effects. Most often, acne is manifested at a young age due to the fact that changes in the hormonal background occur. You can, of course, use external means, for example, buy a cream with acne retinoids (the name can be obtained from a doctor or asked at a pharmacy), but internal use is also important.
Brewer's yeast is great for teens, women, and men. They are completely composed of natural ingredients and have no side effects. When the patient begins to struggle with acne, it is better to start right away with a simple and easy remedy, perhaps a regular mask of aloe, vitamin A (retinol) or tar soap will help.
Using retinoids and other types of drugs in the treatment of acne, you need to remember that most of these drugs cause the appearance of unwanted reactions. Every patient needs to know about them in order to immediately stop therapy as soon as they appear.
Adverse effects from taking retinoids
The very first thing that disturbs patients who use retinoids is irritation and dryness of the skin, often peeling, burning and itching appear. Retin A almost does not cause such reactions, but means based on adapalene - very often. During retinoid therapy, it is additionally necessary to choose skin care products that will perfectly moisturize and at the same time be almost free of fat.
At the beginning of therapy, you need to apply the product for only half an hour on the skin so that it gets used to it. In the event that the reaction to the drug is too strong, it should not be used in any case, otherwise the consequences can be much more serious rash.
I would also like to say that acne retinoids - tablets, ointments or gels - can increase sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation, so it is worthwhile to use special protection against ultraviolet radiation during therapy, less be in the open sun.
During treatment, you need to abandon the use of cleansing lotions, scrubs and other products that can damage inflamed skin. Alcohol tinctures can also adversely affect the condition of the skin. Most drugs with retinoids in the pharmacy are sold without a prescription, but it does not hurt to consult a doctor, because not everyone can help them.
Most often, acne can occur due to poor hygiene. Many teenagers wipe their skin with dirty hands or squeeze out a slightly emerging pimple, after which they bring in bacteria, and they are already doing their job. Also, very often acne appears in those who have relatives in the family with such problems. But doctors say that any problem can be solved if you undergo an examination, find the cause that provoked the appearance of acne, and only after that fight the disease.
You can listen to acquaintances and buy a remedy recommended by them in a pharmacy, but do not forget that each person has his own characteristics of the body, which means that one helps someone, and something else helps someone. Even the doctor will not always be able to choose the right complex treatment, because there are a lot of antibiotics, retinoids and the like, and it is not always possible to immediately choose the best therapy.
Change your lifestyle, pay attention to the diet. Sometimes this is enough to change the condition of the skin for the better. Personal hygiene, especially during adolescence, is also very important. Sometimes it is ignoring the basic rules that causes acne and various rashes.