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 entire face, but also the back, neck and chest can be affected. Those who have not encountered a similar problem cannot even imagine how difficult it is to get rid of acne. A cleansing lotion will help someone perfectly, and someone is forced to select a comprehensive treatment that will not only cleanse the face, but also eliminate the causes of the rash. There is an opinion that retinoids are great for acne, but is it really so? And which ones are the best to use?
Retinoids: what are they?
First of all, it must be said that retinoids are not some kind of ointments, pills or creams for acne. These are the active ingredients that make up a particular preparation of local, external or systemic action.
The term "retinoids" comes from the word "retinol" (vitamin A). These acne preparations are called so because they contain the mentioneda vitamin that is essential for maintaining he althy skin. It has a positive effect on the differentiation of epithelial cells. Also, during numerous tests, it was noticed that retinol copes well with various skin diseases, but if used in its pure form, serious undesirable effects are possible:
- liver damage;
- skin peeling;
- headaches;
- drowsy;
- vomiting and nausea;
- osteporosis and others.
Thanks to the research, it became possible to use the unique properties of vitamin A, while its structural formula was slightly changed, and then they began to be added to retinoid preparations. From acne, to combat wrinkles, uneven pigmentation and other skin problems, such remedies have been used since the last century. The specialists managed to achieve the desired effect in the treatment, but at the same time reduce the manifestation of unwanted reactions.
Classification of retinoids
All retinoids can be divided into three groups:
1. First generation drugs:
- Retinol Acetate.
- "Tretinoin".
- Isotretinoin.
- "Alitretinoin".
2. Second generation:
- Etretinate.
- Acitretin.
3. Third generation:
- Tazarotene.
- Bexarotene.
Today in pharmacies you can find many different drugs that effectively deal with acne. All of them provide certaintherapeutic effect: some cope with microbes, others relieve itching, and still others heal, so it would be better if the doctor picks up retinoids. These drugs are inexpensive, so everyone can buy a good complex that will help solve all problems at once.
Antibacterial acne treatments
You need to remember 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 cause, and then select the treatment.
If acne is caused by bacteria, then you need to pick up antibacterial drugs. But before you buy retinoids for acne, you need to take into account 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 work well. They are easily combined with other medicines of this group, moreover, they do not lose their therapeutic effect when using drugs with vitamin A.
Retinoids for acne
Retin A, Differin and retinoic ointment topically work well with the latest treatments for mild to moderate acne. All these agents help to slow down the growth and maturation of skin cells.
Thanks to this, the synthesis of sebum is reduced and the percentage of the likelihood that blockage of the ducts of the sebaceous glands and the hair follicle will occurepidermal cells. But not all retinoids give a positive effect in the treatment. For therapeutic purposes, only a few are used, and in many countries most of them are allowed only on the prescription of a doctor.
Retinoids: creams, ointments
Retinoids for acne are presented in a wide range, and each person can choose the remedy that will be ideal for him. Among topical preparations, those based on the active substance adapalene are popular. They are available in cream and gel form. For example, Differin. It is recommended to use it once a day before going to bed. The course of treatment is from 1 to 3 months, but the effect is already 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 pass, just the gel kicks out those pimples that were hidden deep inside and therefore were not visible to the naked eye.
Another excellent quality cream is Tretinoin by Janssen-Cilag. The main component is transretinoic acid. Tretinoin copes well with inflammation, it is the best choice for dealing with many problems that affect not only the skin, but also the subcutaneous tissue.
A Russian-made drug that belongs to the group of retinoids 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 - not less than4 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. Their price is low, but the effect is good. Among them are such products for external use:
- Zinerit is an ointment that contains zinc and erythromycin. With a small amount of antibiotic in this product, it is great for treating rashes caused by bacteria.
- Zinc Ointment is an inexpensive zinc supplement that is considered an excellent antiseptic and is recommended for the treatment of acne in teenagers.
- 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 the face, but also on the back and chest.
- "Levomekol" - ointment. Great for healing already open abscesses, wounds.
As mentioned earlier, acne can be caused by hormonal imbalances 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 improve and speed up treatment.
Antibiotics for acne
Antibiotics are great if the patient was examined and it was revealed that they provoked the appearance of acnenamely bacteria. The rash will not go away 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 activities". And even more so, you should not purchase a product based on the reviews and advice of friends or acquaintances. The information presented below is purely for informational purposes, so that the reader can navigate the currently existing drugs. So, among the most popular and proven effective means are the following:
- "Erythromycin" - you need to take the drug for at least 10 days.
- "Levomycetin" - the course of treatment is selected individually.
- "Metronidazole" is a drug of strong action, the dosage and duration of the course of therapy is determined by the doctor.
- "Tetracycline" - this drug has proven effective in the treatment of complex conditions, it is very often prescribed to patients suffering from dermatitis, eczema and folliculitis. But it is worth remembering that it adversely affects the functioning of the liver, so its long-term use is unacceptable. This tool is available in several forms, you can take pills orally, or you can lubricate acne with ointment.
- "Doxycycline" is an excellent remedy for acne, but it is worth remembering that it has a huge number of contraindications and side effects.
Retinoid treatment givesexcellent 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 action is to reduce the activity of the sebaceous glands and reduce the production of fat. Therapy with this remedy is long - at least 30 days, if the cases are very complex, then the course can be extended up to three months. It has a lot of side effects, but still it is ideal for those people who have oily skin type, and the sebaceous glands produce too much fat.
Hormonal pills for acne treatment
Hormonal drugs are advised to be used by 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 have already had menopause. Thanks to the influence of hormonal drugs, it is possible to reduce the production of the male hormone - testosterone, the excess of which in the body leads to acne. Therefore, ideally, not only retinoids are used in the course of therapy. Hormonal preparations 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 for advice from your doctor, who will monitor the therapy and monitor any changes. Intestinal problems can also cause acne. So, constipation leads to intoxication of the whole organism, including the skin suffers. to cope with such problems, appropriatemedicines.
Intestinal cleanser
Slagging of the intestines leads to the fact that all harmful substances that should go out with feces are absorbed back, and then they disperse through the blood to all organs and systems. They also get into 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 - you also need tablets for cleansing the intestines:
- "Laktofiltrum" (tablets and capsules).
- Atoxil.
- Activated carbon.
- Polypephane.
- Filtrum STI.
By cleansing the skin and intestines, you can be sure that acne will not appear again. But there are other very good products, in addition to drugs that contain retinol. The price is also low, and the effect is good.
Beer yeast
This is another inexpensive yet time-tested acne remedy. Most often, doctors recommend the use of yeast for the treatment of rashes in adolescents, since they have a minimum of side effects. Most often, acne occurs at a young age due to changes in the hormonal background. You can, of course, use external products, for example, purchase a cream with retinoids for acne (you can find out the name from a doctor or ask at a pharmacy), but internal use is also important.
Beer yeast is great for teenagers, women and men. They consist entirely of natural ingredients and have no side effects. When a patient begins to struggle with acne, it is better to immediately start with a simple and easy remedy, perhaps a regular aloe mask, vitamin A (retinol) or tar soap will help.
When using retinoids and other types of drugs in the treatment of acne, you need to remember that most of these drugs cause unwanted reactions. Every patient needs to know about them so that they stop therapy as soon as they appear.
Undesirable effects from taking retinoids
The very first thing that worries patients who use retinoids is irritation and dryness of the skin, peeling, burning and itching often appear. "Retin A" almost does not cause such reactions, but adapalene-based products - very often. During retinoid therapy, in addition, you need to choose skin care products that will perfectly moisturize and at the same time contain almost no 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 never be used, otherwise the consequences can be much more serious than the rash.
I would also like to say that retinoids for acne - tablets, ointments or gels - can increase sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation, so it is worth using special protection against ultraviolet radiation during therapy, less being in the open sun.
During treatment, you should stop using cleansing lotions, scrubs and other products that can damageinflamed skin. Alcohol tinctures can also have a bad effect on the condition of the skin. Most retinoid products are sold over-the-counter in pharmacies, but it doesn't hurt to check with your doctor as they may not work for everyone.
Most often, acne can appear due to insufficient hygiene. Many teenagers wipe their skin with dirty hands or squeeze out a little pimple, after which bacteria are introduced, and they are already doing their job. Also, very often acne appears in those who had relatives with such problems in their family. But doctors say that any problem can be solved if you undergo an examination, find the cause that provoked the appearance of acne, and then fight the disease.
You can listen to your friends and buy a drug recommended by them at the pharmacy, but do not forget that each person has his own characteristics of the body, which means that one thing helps someone, and someone completely different. Even a doctor will not always be able to choose the right complex treatment, because there are a large number of antibiotics, retinoids and the like, and it is not always possible to immediately find the best therapy.
Change your lifestyle, pay attention to your diet. Sometimes this is enough to change the condition of the skin for the better. Personal hygiene, especially in adolescence, is also very important. Sometimes it is ignoring the elementary rules that causes acne and various rashes.
