Acne | Mild Acne Treatments

Mild Acne is quite common and persists for different
amounts of time for different people. This can be due to
varying environmental or genetic factors, or a combination
of both.

Mild acne usually consists of minor breakouts of
whiteheads, blackheads, pimples and zits. While these
breakouts don't persist for extended periods of time, they
can be painfully uncomfortable or irritating to the skin,
especially the skin on the face and forehead.

For any type of skin problem, it's best to consult with a
dermatologist for advice. She or he will be able to
identify exactly the type of acne you have, its degree of
severity, and the type medication that you might choose to
use.

However, with mild acne, it's often recommended to start
first by using a topical cream. Commonly, this can be
bought without a prescription over the counter (OTC).

Topical creams are rubbed in over the affected skin area.
Used nearly two or three times per day, along with proper
washing and rinsing, it's effective against minor cases of
acne. But, you need to be sure and give the medicine six or
eight weeks, even if the acne has subsided, before you stop
using it.

In the beginning of use, even OTC medicines may cause you
some minor burning or irritation. Most OTC skin creams of
this nature take anywhere from a week or two to get used to
(or, for the slight burning or irritation to stop).

There are many types of medicines available. As mentioned,
it's important to consult with a doctor or dermatologist
before starting your own treatment regimen, even if the
creams or medications are available OTC. In any case,
benzyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid, and sulfur are
commonly used to treat minor cases of acne.

Benzyl peroxide will help lower the oil production in your
facial skin glands. Resorcinol, salicylic acid and sulfur
are effective against eliminating whiteheads and blackheads
Salicylic acid also helps cut down the shedding of cells,
which prevents pores from getting overly clogged or plugged
with residue. Topical creams can come in the form of a
daily lotion or gel, oil-free creams and soaps.

Again, remember that it can take some time before you start
to see (or even feel) the benefits of such medications.
There are other alternatives as minor acne isn't as much of
a nuisance as other, more extreme cases.

In any regard, be sure to follow your plan for several
weeks, otherwise the acne may not clear up completely. And,
if the problem persists, simply work out another treatment
option with your doctor or dermatologist.