It can be hard to know when it’s time to see a specialist about acne. You might feel like it’s just acne. Yes, you are not entirely wrong to think that your acne is not serious enough for you to see a doctor. But how do you know the severity of the condition of your acne? How serious is it? Is it treatable? Well, the first thing that you would do is find any products from drug store that can treat your acne. If you see there’s an improvement, then no need for you to see a dermatologist.
Dr. Ingky explains that you might need few products that give different treatments to target more than one type of acne. And we usually find acne not only on our face, but also on our shoulder, upper chest and upper back. These are among the reasons that can cause acne:
- Increased production of sebum (oil glands)
- Inflammation
- Increased amount of Propionibacterium acnes. Basically, all of us have this bacteria, but at the right amount won’t harm our skin. However, an increased production of acneswill cause the production of acne
- Increased level of androgen hormone which increases the sebum production
- Stress
- Age, race, family, food, season
Looks like the road to clear skin could be long and full of regimens, but it does not need to be expensive. Some of the best acne products are affordable and can easily be found at local drugstores.
For more on the subject, we turned to our dermatologist Dr. Ingky for advice on how to pick the right drugstore acne treatment and what products they recommend. He said that he believes in the power of these 4 products!
1. Papulex
Papulex helps to reduce the appearance of blemishes in cases of acne-prone skin. Papulex has three products: Soap Free Cleansing Gel, Oil-Free Cream, and Hydrating Cream. However, our dermatologist explains that you only need the cleansing gel and hydrating cream.
Papulex can be used on its own or you can it them with another dermatologist treatments. Other brands that carry acne products usually suggests that you to use the whole kit from cleanser, toner, to moisturizer. This is totally different with Papulex.
Papulex is specially formulated for acne-prone skin. Three of its ingredients are aimed to treat and prevent acne.
- EU-Patented ABA Technology: It helps prevent the proliferation of acne bacteria
- Nicotinamide: As anti-inflammation
- Zinc PCA: Reduces excess sebum
2. Clindamycin
Clindamycin is a topical antibiotic that treat acne. Clindamycin has come a long way in treating acne and it is the first-line acne treatment for mild to moderate acne. Clindamycin kills certain types of bacteria or stops them from growing. It kills Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) bacteria that can lead to acnes. While P. acnes bacteria naturally live on the skin, they can invade pores and cause inflammation that leads to acne.
Clindamycin also has anti-inflammatory effects, so it makes your acne less red and swollen. Usually, you'll start seeing improvement of your skin within 4 to 6 weeks after starting treatment. Although clindamycin is sometimes used in its oral form to treat acne, it is more commonly used as a topical treatment.
3. Tidact
Tidact is also known as topical antibiotic that treats mild to moderate acne. Tidact is not much different from Clindamycin. Tidact is in the form of gel and it’s also contain clindamycin phosphate 1.0% which prevent the spread of bacteria P. acnes. Tidact reduces fat and purifies the pores and shows excellent results if you combine with retinoids and benzoyl peroxide.
4. Adapalene A.K.A Differin
You probably know adapalene by the more common brand name Differin. Adapalene is a retinoid-like compound that is used to treat mild to moderate acne. But Adapalene is best used to treat acne that still in the form of small tiny bumps. It is classified as a keratolytic, or, in simpler terms, a super exfoliator. It keeps dead skin cells and oil from clogging up your pores and helps prevent not only acne, but also whiteheads and blackheads from forming. Adapalene also helps to reduce inflammation.
It’s important for you to know that adapalene works by stopping tiny bumps from forming under the skin's surface. Therefore, spot-treating existing tiny bumps won’t be effective. That is why it is suggested to be applied all over your face like a moisturizer.
Keep using adapalene, even if the acne seems to get worse when you first start using it. Try not to be frustrated because this is perfectly normal. It may take about 4 to 8 weeks before you notice an improvement.
A Word from Our Dermatologist
When it comes to over-the-counter acne treatment, some products from drugstore can work wonders for your skin! All you need to do is find all those acne products that shows up again and again in dermatologist recommendation. However, if all of the doesn’t work, then it is time for you to see dermatologist. You most likely need an oral medication to get the severe form of acnes under control.
If you want to know more, we are here to help you! SkynFyx is a platform that provides personal care education that is completely free. SkynFyx is run by our skin doctors and you can chat with us without ever leaving your home.
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