There are non-prescription and prescription medications for treating acne. Over-the-counter products are often used for mild acne breakouts. However, a prescription from your well-trusted dermatologist may be needed for more severe acne. Acne treatment can:
- Alleviate your acne breakout
- Prevent scarring and other skin damage
- Make scars less visible
It is also important to remember that acne treatment may vary for each person depending on several factors. It can include the type of acne you are dealing with and its specific cause or triggers, especially hormonal acne.
This article will explain the ways to treat hormonal acne.
How to treat hormonal acne?
Hormonal acne, also referred to as adult acne, develops after puberty and adolescence and is caused by hormonal and genetic factors. Hormonal acne occurs typically in women and commonly develops on the lower part of the face.
Research shows that genes significantly contribute to the development of hormonal acne. This is because, the functioning of the sebaceous glands that is responsible for producing sebum is determined by genetic factors.
But, there is nothing to worry. Here are some of the measures you can take to treat hormonal acne:
Topical treatment
The most popular and successful alternative for controlling minor acne is using a topical treatment. These are usually over-the-counter products that do not require any prescriptions from a dermatologist.
Oral Medication
Oral medicine is the second option for treating hormonal acne that is more severe or persistent. A prior check-up and drug prescription from a dermatologist are needed in taking oral acne medication.
Natural Alternatives
The treatment of hormonal acne can be done naturally. You can opt for the following practices to alleviate your acne breakout:
- Healthier Diet – Inflammation and breakouts can be reduced by limiting dairy, artificial sweeteners, alcohol, red meat, and highly processed carbohydrates (white bread, pasta, sweets).
- Exfoliation – Using a brush or a more abrasive scrub to exfoliate the skin can remove elements that clog the pores.
- Applying Tea Tree Oil – To reduce swelling and drying of sebaceous glands, use tea tree oil topically.
- Omega-3-rich supplement – Fish oil contains Omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation and increase hydration without clogging pores and causing breakouts.
Acne drugs
There are non-prescription and prescription drug options that you can use and apply for your acne problem. Again, acne treatment may vary from person to person. So, it is better to consult a dermatologist to identify the root cause and an effective solution.
Nonprescriptive Drugs for Acne
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Salicylic acid
- Sodium sulfacetamide
- Topical retinol cream or gel
- Alcohol and acetone
- Natural medications
Prescription Drugs for Acne
- Antibiotics
- Topical clindamycin (Cleocin T, Clinda-Derm)
- Erythromycin (Akne-Mycin, ATS, Erycette, Erygel, Ilotycin)
- Retinoids or Vitamin A derivatives
- Azelaic acid
- Dapsone
- Spironolactone (Aldactone)
- Clascoterone (Winlevi)
