I see lots of ads for skin care products claiming to completely cure acne in just a few days, or even overnight. Do these products really work? Is there any treatment that can cure acne?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for acne. Be skeptical of any product that claims it can magically clear acne fast: No treatment product can guarantee to rid the skin of pimples and breakouts. If these "miracle" products really worked as well as they claim, wouldn't everyone be using them? For real results, choose proven acne treatments and give them time to work.
Many over-the-counter products contain effective acne-fighting ingredients, such as benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, and salicylic acid. These ingredients can be found in many over-the-counter products, including:
- Clearsil
- Stridex
- Oxy
- Noxzema anti-acne products
- Neutrogena anti-acne products
- Proactiv
If over-the-counter treatments aren't working for you, it's time to see a dermatologist. Depending on the grade of acne, your doctor may prescribe topical or oral medications such as:
- Topical retinoids - Retin A, Differin, Tazorac
- Topical or oral antibiotics
- Azelaic acid
- Combination medications - Benzamycin, Benzaclin, Ziana
- Isotretinoin (Accutane)
Although there is no miracle cure for acne, the good news is acne can be controlled, and in many cases, virtually cleared, with the right treatment.
