How To Know What Acne Medication Works for You

Finding a solution to your acne can be a long and frustrating process. There are dozens of products out there that offer "noticeable results overnight" or that claim to work for "99 percent" of those that use it. Those who have really suffered with acne know that there is no one cure-all, and those medications that work for some simply don't work for others.

Fortunately, there are many types of acne medications, ranging from herbal and homeopathic remedies to strong prescription medications such as Accutane. You should always start off with the mildest product available, and move progressively towards stronger medications if you don't see results. Some find better results when they combine medications, such as over the counter products with a prescription drug. A licensed dermatologist can help you determine what products to try and when to combine acne treatments.

If you are trying out various acne products on your own, use one at a time to judge their efficiency. Assess your own skin type (dry, oily, etc.), and try products geared toward your skin's characteristics. Many over the counter treatments today come in kits including a cleanser, toner, and moisturizer. These products work for a lot of people because they are designed to work together. As with any trial and error situation, it is helpful to keep a journal to track changes and side effects. This will give you a better idea long-term of what is working for you. Taking photos of your skin at various points can also help you to see which acne medications are working and which aren't. Photographs and journal entries can be more reliable than memory.

Whatever acne medication you're using, whether it's prescription or over the counter, you must follow the instructions for its usage. Missing a dosage or using a product incorrectly will certainly lessen its effects, or may cause the medications not to work at all. It is also important to inform your doctor of all medications, vitamin supplements, and herbal remedies you are taking. Drugs can interfere with each other, and some drug interactions can be very harmful.

Remember that most products will not work overnight, and it may be several weeks before you see results. In some circumstances your acne may get worse before it gets better. It takes a skin cell approximately six weeks to mature and reach the outer layer of your skin, and it can take as long or longer to begin to see results.

If you've used a product or medication for several weeks or months and are not seeing results, talk to your dermatologist. If you've been using an over the counter medication, you may need to begin using a prescription acne remedy. If you've been using a prescription without results, you may need to try something else.