Dr.sameen’s acne solution

In this article which is Dr.sameen’s acne solution , I will be explaining in detail all the possible treatment options available for the treatment of acne , whether it is a cystic acne , comedonal acne , or any other type . As discussed earlier, in my previous article , each type has its solution . Many treatment options are available. First of all , we try to treat acne with topical and oral medication . If it fails to treat , then we go for professional treatments. Professional treatments are working very well now. However, they are expensive options compared to others and also need multiple sessions. In this article, Dr.sameen’s acne solution, I will be discussing only the topical and oral treatment options. Professional treatment options will be discussed later in my articles because that itself is a very vast topic. Keep in mind that all skin treatments take at least 3-6 months to show results and improvement.

Dr.sameen’s acne solution

In this article , Dr.sameen’s acne solution, I will explain all the simple and combination treatments, along with their effectiveness . First, we need to understand the basic structure of the skin and the process of acne formation. For that click on the link below :

https://skinlikeu.com/understanding-your-skin-the-largest-organ/

https://skinlikeu.com/acne-dr-sameens-dermatology/

. Antibiotics – Dr.sameen’s acne solution

Both oral and topical options are available . They can kill  bacteria and have anti-inflammatory effects.

Oral :

1. Tetracyclines

50mg   x OD ( for mild acne )

100mg x OD (for severe acne)

These antibiotics usually come under the brand name Doxycycline . These antibiotics should never be taken with dairy products, as milk inhibits their absorption, resulting in reduced effectiveness .

 

2. Macrolides

250mg x OD ( for mild acne )

500mg x OD ( for severe acne )

These antibiotics usually come under the brand name Azomax .

 

Topical :

The most commonly used topical antibiotics are Erythromycin and Clindamycin. They can be used in combination with Benzoyl peroxide, which works well against bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. A few pictures of topical antibiotics are shared below :

 

 

NOTE :

All these oral antibiotics are contraindicated during pregnancy, as they can have teratogenic effects (birth defects). They should be discontinued at least three months before conception.

 

. Benzoyl peroxide – Dr.sameen’s acne solution

It is an acid that can effectively kill skin bacteria and open pores to prevent oil from accumulating in the deeper layers of the skin. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect. Benzoyl peroxide is only available in topical form and not in oral form.

NOTE:

1. It can cause dryness , redness and itching . Always remember to use it with a good moisturizer .
2. It also increases skin sensitivity. Always remember to use sunscreen when exposed to heat or sun .
3. It also has a bleaching effect, so it should be used with care as it may cause discoloration of fabrics.

 

 

 

 

. Retinols – Dr.sameen’s acne solution

They are present in both oral and topical form. Dr.sameen’s acne solution has discussed them in detail:

Oral :

Oral retinoids shrink the oil glands, resulting in less production of oil and, ultimately, a lower chance of pore blockage, which often occurs due to excessive oil production from glands under the skin layers. Retinoids are prescribed to patients based on  their weight and severity of acne. Usually the dose is 0.5-1mg/kg. They can be used with antibiotics .

 

Topical:

Topical retinoids increase the cell turnover, which opens pores and allows oil to move out. Open pores also improve the absorption of medication. They can be used in combination with topical antibiotics for better results. Usually a pea sized application is enough.

NOTE:

1. Both topical and oral retinoids increase skin sensitivity, so they should always be used with sunblock .
2. They may cause dryness, redness, irritation and itching .
3. Oral retinoids are contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation due to their teratogenic effects. A small amount of retinoids is also absorbed through the skin, so they should also be avoided during pregnancy .
4. In the beginning , they can cause purging .

 

. Hormonal therapy – Dr.sameen’s acne solution

Dr.sameen’s acne solution emphasizes OCP’s (oral contraceptive pills) only in case where there are fluctuations in an individual’s hormonal levels. Before starting hormonal therapy, certain hormonal tests should be conducted to check for any abnormalities. Tablets containing estradiol are commonly prescribed. Estradiol is an estrogen, which is a female sex hormone, sold under the brand name Diane or Diane-35. Usually the dose is 1 tablet per day at the same time .

 

NOTE:

1. They are also called birth control pills, so they are contraindicated during pregnancy.
2. They may cause irregular periods, heavy menstrual flow, breast tenderness, headaches, nausea and stomach issues.
3. If used for acne, may cause purging at the start .

 

. Salicylic acid – Dr.sameen’s acne solution

Salicylic acid is a BHA (beta hydroxyl acid) with anti-inflammatory properties. Its formula is in such a way that it can dissolve into oil easily, penetrate deep into the pores, mix with sebum, and be drained out of the inner layers of the skin, helping to unclog pores. It also increases cell turnover, removing dead skin cells, which are the primary cause behind clogged pores. It can also treat dandruff, keratosis pilaris and psoriasis. We can use them in combination with AHAs for better results.

NOTE:

1. It is recommended to use salicylic acid at night time.
2. It may cause redness and irritation of skin.

 

. AHA(alpha hydroxyl acid) – Dr.sameen’s acne solution

As we discussed already in salicylic acid – Dr.sameen’s acne solution, AHA and BHA in combination work very well. AHA can help increase collagen production, which is beneficial for reducing fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation. The combination of AHA and BHA is effective because BHA penetrates deep into the layers, while AHA works on the surface, making the skin look good and young.

AHA	BHA
Glycolic acid	Salicylic acid
Lactic acid	Salicylic acid
Mandelic acid	Salicylic acid

This table gives us the names of the acids that come under the class of alpha hydroxyl acids.

 

. Conclusion

Dr.sameen’s acne solution discusses all the possible medical treatment options available, along with their side effects. Keep in mind that none of the medications should be used without a prescription from a dermatologist. Self-treatment could be harmful and may increase the risk of permanent damage to your skin.

 

 

FAQs

1. What is the best treatment option of acne during pregnancy ?

Topical treatments are always available. You can use topical antibiotics, Benzoyl peroxide, topical AHA and BHA. Avoid using topical retinoids, especially during the first three months of pregnancy.

2. Can topical retinoids cause headaches?

Yes, at times. It mainly varies from one individual to another.