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Prescription Acne Treatments
What are the benefits
and risks of prescription acne treatments such as Accutane?
Prescription acne
treatments may be the solution if nothing else works for your skin,
but be sure you understand the possible side effects that go along
with the benefits. These treatments are usually the most effective
way to get clear skin, but there can be serious risks involved
(Accutane has nearly been pulled off the market on multiple
occasions), and the expensive costs don't make the decision any
easier.
There are a variety of prescription acne
treatments available, both in topical and oral forms. However, many
of these treatments are also available over-the-counter in lower
concentrations that work just as well for most people. Our focus
here will be two of the most potent prescription acne treatments
that are used generally in cases of severe acne affliction. These
drugs are Tretinoin (the active
ingredient in Retin-A) and Isotretinoin (Accutane).
They are both derivatives of Vitamin A and are recognized as
some of the most effective treatments on the market. Be aware that these drugs are not permanent acne
cures. As with
other acne treatments, the positive effects only last as long as you
continue with your prescription.
A popular brand of
Tretinoin treatment, Retin-A can be found in a variety of
forms such as creams, gels, and liquid applications. These
formulations may have different potencies, usually ranging from
0.025% to 0.1%. Retin-A works by directly effecting the regulation
of your oil glands (by contrast, vitamin B5 affects the metabolism
of skin oil, not the production of oil in the first place). By
reducing oil production, Retin-A can prevent clogged pores and acne.
Tretinoin also has added benefit of enhancing the texture of your
skin by stimulating the formulation of collagen in skin cells. This
treatment can aid in exfoliation and the dispersion of melanin
(repairing skin discoloration, although it may cause discoloration
temporarily).
While results may be more
dramatic than with typical acne treatments, it can still take a few
months before such improvement is seen. Unfortunately, when you
directly affect the action of your pores the side effects can also
be more serious, such as severe dry skin, blistered skin, puffiness
and peeling. Those with sensitive skin are more likely to experience
side effects, and these can diminish the benefits of the drug. Users
should exercise caution with sun exposure, other facial
applications, and especially other antibiotics (see your doctor
about complications with other medications). Do not use Retin-A if
you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Accutane
(Isotretinoin) is probably the most talked about prescription acne
treatment today. The risks involved, such as clinical depression and
fatal birth defects, have been well documented. However, Accutane
has also been shown to be the most potent acne treatment on the
market, producing almost completely clear skin for 6 out of 10
users.
Accutane is a more potent
form of the Tretinoin found in Retin-A, and effects your skin in
much the same way. It works primarily by minimizing the activity of
your oil glands, potentially shrinking your glands and pores. As
with Vitamin B5, the reduction of oil has a powerful effect in
eliminating acne.
The most potent acne
treatment on the market also comes with the most serious side
effects, and it's a long list. The most dangerous side effects are
the serious birth defects and mental problems previously mentioned
(Accutane has been considered as a contributing agent to suicide),
but besides these there are other side effects including: dry and
irritated skin, blistering, peeling, headaches, stomach aches,
nausea, diarrhea, pain in joints and muscles, rectal bleeding, hair
loss, and vision problems.
If you start to experience
any of these side effects other than mild skin irritation, it is
best to discontinue use immediately. As with Retin-A, consult your
doctor before taking any other medications or even herbal treatments
while using Accutane. If you are taking vitamins, make sure to
avoid any additional intake of vitamin A, as this can increase
your risk of side effects.
Vitamin B5 is an
effective alternative to manufactured derivatives of vitamin A, and
is much safer for your body. Do NOT try to
supplement high doses of vitamin A in an attempt to get similar
results to prescription treatments. Unlike B5, vitamin A is
fat-soluble, and high doses can pose serious health risks. While
vitamin A products attack your pores directly, vitamin B5 simply
enables your body to eliminate the excess oil produced by your
pores. This gives very similar results without the risk of adverse
reactions from directly altering your pores or hormones.
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