Acne Medications

A drug that medicates the skin can take many different forms. It might be a cream, a lotion or a gel. It might be an oral medication, one that the bloodstream carries to the skin cells. In this section, the reader will be introduced to a few acne medications. Other medications will be studied in greater detail in other sections on this same website.

Acne treatment that bears the label “Differen” contains the chemical adapalene. As the active ingredient in Differen, adapalene manages to reduce the number of dead skin cells that form on the face. That then reduces the amount of material that can clog the skin pores. Use of a product with adapalene can lead to the appearance of these side effects: dry skin, red skin and itching, scaling or burning of the skin.

On the drug store shelf with Differen, one might find a product called “Azelex.” The active ingredient in Azelex is acrum. It enhances the ability of the skin to renew itself. Like adapalene, acrum reduces the formation of dead skin cells. It also destroys bacteria. Although it delivers a dual action performance, it seldom produces side effects. On occasion a user of acrum notes signs of stinging, itching, burning or tingling in the skin.

The substance known as benzoyl peroxide offers such benefits to a person with acne that it appears in at least two popular acne medications—Clearasil and Triaz. Benzoyl peroxide kills bacteria. It tends to dry the skin, and to promote peeling of the skin. The user of benzoyl peroxide must remember that it can bleach both fabric and hair.

Some acne products like creams and gels contain a chemical with a hydroxyl group. Others contain salicylic acid. It has a similar chemical composition, but it contains a substance with a larger molecule. It thus remains on the skin longer. It does a more thorough job of exfoliating the skin.

The antibiotic clindamycin can be found in lotions, gels and ointments. Application of clindamycin twice a day insures the destruction of bacteria. It can also bring on certain side effects, such as redness, peeling, burning, itching and dryness in the skin. In the digestive tract it can cause diarrhea, and colon inflammation.

Erythromycin is another antibiotic used to fight acne. It has the ability to interact with other medications. Consult with a physician about any other drugs you might be taking, prior to trying the standard, twice daily application of erythromycin.

As mentioned at the start of this article, some acne medications come in the form of a pill. Accutane is one such medication. It contains the chemical known as Vitamin A. It reduces the amount of oil produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin. A woman should never use Accutane if she is pregnant.