Acne is a common skin condition which can cause a lot of psychological impact on patients. In this article, Dr Sophie Ladbrooke shares her personal recommendations for over the counter products that can be helpful for mild acne as well as prescribed products for moderate and severe acne.
Over the counter products
La Roche-Posay Effaclar range – the cleanser, moisturiser and toner set
Recommended by multiple consultant dermatologists who were teaching on my dermatology diploma course. Contains salicylic acid which helps to unblock pores, this generally works better than a physical exfoliating scrub.
Contains niacinamide which helps to reduce sebum production and has anti-inflammatory properties. If you are already on a prescribed treatment for acne (particularly a retinol prescription) then the Effaclar range may be a bit too strong. If this is the case, then the Cetaphil moisturiser is very gentle. You can use this both as a cleanser and a moisturiser so there is no need to buy the separate Cetaphil cleanser and moisturiser products.
Paula’s Choice 2% BHA liquid exfoliant
You could use this instead of the La Roche-Posay toner. A personal recommendation that I have found helpful.
Contains salicylic acid which helps to unblock the top layer of skin
Benzoyl peroxide
Works as a bacteriostatic to stop bacteria developing, different to an antibiotic which requires a prescription.
One of the key ingredients in ‘Duac’ – a commonly prescribed gel containing an antibiotic and benzoyl peroxide. Can cause dryness, if this occurs start using alternate days initially.
Be cautious that it can bleach dark towels/sheets!
The above guide is useful for mild acne.
Prescribed ACNE products
Moderate and severe acne will need prescription products. Dr Ladbrooke lists some of them below:
1.Topical antibiotics (creams/gels) such as Duac, Dalacin T, or Treclin
- Duac contains both a topical antibiotic and benzoyl peroxide
- Dalacin T contains only a topical antibiotic
- Treclin contains a topical antibiotic and a retinoid
or
2. Oral antibiotics such as lymyecycline, erythromycin or trimethoprim
Oral antibiotics are usually given for 3-6 months.
- The first line antibiotic is lymecycline. If this doesn’t help, erythromycin is usually tried next.
- They are usually well tolerated and can safely be prescribed for this period of time.
3. Topical retinoid gels/creams such as Epiduo, Adapalene or Tretinoin
- Retinoids are particularly important as they help to prevent spots from forming in the first place.
- They help to both prevent and treat scarring.
- They should always be prescribed along with either topical or oral antibiotics.
- They can be continued long term to help spots from coming back.
- The most common side effect is dryness/irritation – **tip – build up use very slowly over several weeks **
- Epiduo contains both a retinoid and benzoyl peroxide.
- Adapalene contains a retinoid only.
- Tretinoin contains both a retinoid and a topical antibiotic.
4. The combined oral contraceptive pill
Especially the pills containing the newer types of progesterones such as Yasmin or Lucette – the progesterone only pill does not help with acne.
5. Spironolactone
This can be given off licence and helps to reduce testosterone levels thereby reducing oil production in the skin.
- It can be given alongside topical treatment and can be given instead of oral antibiotics.
- It is not used in men with acne.
6. Oral retinoids (Roaccutane/Isotretinion)
These can only be prescribed by dermatologists and require blood monitoring. They are very effective for treating acne but are prescribed if other methods have failed due to the potential side effects and need for monitoring.
Here to help
If you or a member of your family suffers from acne, I hope that this article is helpful to you. But if you would like to book a consultation with me, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the team at The Barnes Doctors.
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