How is acne treated?
There are no general answers to the questions “What helps against acne?” and “What to do for acne?”, as different forms of treatment are recommended for each skin type. The form and causes of acne as well as individual conditions (such as allergies) must also be taken into account if acne is to be successfully cured. For example, acne inversa is a specific form of acne that mainly occurs in the armpit and genital area.
You can find out more about this form of acne and its treatment in the article Acne inversa.
Various therapies are generally used to remove acne. These can be roughly divided into external (topical) acne treatment (e.g. with ointments and peelings) and holistic (systemic) treatment with internal acne medication.
External acne treatment
Ointments, peelings & co.
Therefore, if acne persists over a long period of time, the appearance of the skin is constantly worsening or you are suffering psychologically from acne, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist for acne treatment.
For external treatment, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics (such as erythromycin and clindamycin) in the form of ointments and anti-acne creams for mild and moderate cases of acne. They reduce the number of bacteria on the skin.
Skin-renewing peelings also support local acne treatment. They are usually based on natural fruit acids (fruit acid treatment), alpha hydroxy acids (AHA). Salicylic acid or vitamin A acid are also used for acne.
It is important that you apply a good amount of cream to the skin after using an acne peel (e.g. fruit acid peel). Normally, about six to eight applications are carried out within four weeks. More frequent use is not recommended, as the peelings stress the skin.
Other methods of external acne treatment
Doctors or cosmetic specialists offer other forms of external acne treatment. These include, for example, steaming, icing and cosmetic opening and squeezing (cosmetic acne treatment) of pimples or abscesses.
Studies have also investigated the use of lasers against acne. However, such laser treatments are less effective for inflammatory acne and are mainly described for so-called post-acne conditions. The exact mechanisms of action of these laser treatments have not yet been conclusively clarified. It is conceivable, for example, that they inhibit the growth of microorganisms (such as bacteria) or excessive sebum production (depending on the type of laser) and have an anti-inflammatory effect.
A completely new procedure is microdermabrasion for acne. The doctor shoots fine crystals onto the skin at high pressure. This removes calluses and tightens the skin.
The doctor will only prescribe acne treatment with medication in moderate and severe cases. It takes time – results cannot be seen from one day to the next. With most acne medications, the first signs of improvement appear after six to eight weeks at the earliest.
The doctor usually uses antibiotics such as doxycycline for internal treatment of acne (e.g. in the form of tablets). These fight the bacteria that cause the inflammation of the pimples. Such treatment is recommended, for example, for inflammatory acne that extends to larger areas such as the back.
Another remedy for acne is vitamin A acid derivatives (retinoids). They combat pimples and blackheads, but do not help with bacterial infections. Doctors often prescribe the active ingredient isotretinoin (in tablet form, for example) for acne.
In many cases, acne is hormonal, i.e. caused by male sex hormones (androgens). Female sex hormones and anti-androgens may therefore contribute to an improvement in the appearance of the skin. This is why doctors often prescribe the contraceptive pill (also known as “the pill”) to adult women as a remedy for acne.
Monk’s pepper (also known as Vitex agnus-castus) is used for women who have menstrual disorders, for example. Monk’s pepper is said to have a stimulating effect on the production of the corpus luteum in women and therefore helps with acne and other skin disorders.
Homeopathy is also used in acne treatment. Schuessler salts are also popular, twelve of which are said to be particularly effective against bad skin. It is best to discuss with an experienced therapist which homeopathic treatments and Schuessler salts are most suitable in each individual case.
A skin disease similar to acne is Malassezia folliculitis, which also leads to pustules and papules. However, this is a disease caused by certain yeast fungi (Malassezia).
The term “fungal acne” is misleading in this context. Although Malassezia folliculitis is often misdiagnosed as acne vulgaris, it requires a different treatment. For Malassezia folliculitis, the doctor prescribes certain medications that are effective against fungal diseases (antimycotics).
Home remedies for acne
Tea tree oil is a natural essential oil extracted from the tea tree. It is said to have an antibacterial effect, i.e. against bacteria, and is applied directly to inflamed or reddened areas of skin to treat acne. The disadvantages of tea tree oil are that it smells very strong and can irritate the skin.
Sage oil is also said to be effective against bacteria that are involved in skin inflammation. As part of acne treatment, you can mix ten parts olive oil with one part sage oil. Put a few drops of this mixture on a cotton pad and dab it on the inflamed areas. Repeat this several times a day.
The best-known home remedy for acne is healing clay. Acne patients often use it as a supplement to existing drug therapy. Healing clay is available as a ready-made paste or as a powder that is mixed with water.
It is applied to the skin and left on until it is completely dry. This frees the skin of oil, sebum and excess skin flakes and stimulates increased blood circulation.
Please note, however, that healing clay dries out the skin considerably. People with sensitive or naturally very dry skin are advised to apply a lot of cream to their face after a healing clay treatment.
People with acne often also use zinc, or more precisely zinc oxide, to treat acne. It is said to have a disinfecting effect and can be used as an ointment or in tablet form. If you treat your acne with a zinc ointment, please note that this also has a strong drying effect.
If zinc is taken in tablet form, there is a risk of causing an excess of zinc in the body. Zinc displaces other minerals and may then have serious side effects. It is therefore advisable to discuss this with your doctor before taking zinc tablets to treat your acne.
Home remedies have their limits. If the symptoms persist over a longer period of time, do not improve or even get worse, you should always consult a doctor.
Diet for acne treatment
Diet is very important for acne. Scientists believe that dairy products and a high-glycemic diet, i.e. a diet with lots of sweet foods such as chocolate, potato chips or honey, worsen the appearance of the skin. Although this is not the case for everyone, it is still not possible to determine exactly who’s diet has an impact on the appearance of their skin and who does not.
Recent studies have also shown that milk protein shakes, which athletes often drink to build up muscle mass after sport, worsen the appearance of the skin if they are prone to acne.
Further tips against acne
If you notice the first signs of acne, see a doctor if possible and discuss the most suitable acne treatment for you. The aim of early treatment is, for example, to avoid severe progression, which often leads to severe scarring. If you already have acne scars, the doctor may suggest treating these scars (e.g. microneedling).
Other medications may also influence the occurrence or treatment of acne. For example, long-term cortisone treatment promotes the development of acne. You should therefore inform your doctor of any medication you are taking.
Many websites recommend acne treatment with UV radiation under a sunbed or in the form of sunbathing. However, you should definitely refrain from doing this: UV radiation dries out the pimples but does not make them disappear. In the long term, it also ages the skin more quickly and increases the risk of skin cancer.
Washing
Care
Take care of your face with anti-acne products that contain acids (such as salicylic acid or lactic acid) that support the treatment against acne. Use moisturizers, sunscreen and water-based cosmetics during acne treatment, as greasy or oily creams and cosmetics clog the pores and thus promote acne. For a mild form of acne, over-the-counter skin care products from the pharmacy may be very helpful.
Treat pimples properly
Avoid external influences
Protect your skin from extreme cold and direct sunlight. Both may worsen the acne in the long term and negate any successes already achieved with acne treatment.
Feel good
Well-being also plays an important role in acne: a diet with healthy, vitamin-rich foods is just as important as sufficient fluid intake and regular exercise. Also try to avoid stress and excitement. Acne treatment will only be successful in the long term if you feel good physically and mentally.