Acne Gel

Acne research has recently been looking into acne gel applications as a means to reduce acne. Particularly, a new generation of acne gel treatment research shows that acne gels may be able to help skin stay clear without the need for acne medication.  Prescription acne gel is just one of many emergine new acne treatments in the field of dermatology.

This new generation of acne gels works via its “retinoids” – which are a chemical partially extracted from Vitamin A. Though acne pills (e.g. oral acne medication) sometimes include retinoids, scientists have found the acne gel version to be just as effective as the pill-form. Utilizing acne treatment gel not only sounds safer than taking a pill, but it generally comes without as many side-effects.

Acne Treatment Gel – What You Should Know Before Using

When acne treatment gel is able to get your complexion under control, it works great for maintaining good-looking clear and healthy skin. Once you are able to keep your face acne-free with the gel, a daily regimen of gel application is still crucial. This prevents acne from recurring and keeps your facial pores clear and removes oil from your face.

All of the patients in both studies had already reduced their acne considerably through prescription treatment that included an oral antibiotic. The researchers wanted to see if it was possible to maintain those benefits after patients were no longer taking oral antibiotics.

In most cases of severe acne, the acne treatment gel is combined in treatment with acne medication. There is emerging research that is helping scientists understand more about acne gel and how effective it is compared to medication. As of right now, there is not as much knowledge surrounding this relatively new treatment. They do understand that retinoids are helpful; but to what extent they treat acne varies depending on the case.

Acne specialists also agree that though acne gel may be promising, it is important to not rule out other options of treatment. There are many great treatment options that may work better. For example, if you have hormone-induced acne, medication may be your best option due to the fact that acne gel does not directly target your hormone levels.

Prescription Acne Gel – Newly Approved by the F.D.A.

It is exciting that the Food and Drug Administration recently approved a new acne gel called “Aczone Gel 5%” which was created and is manufactured by QLT Inc. Aczone Gel 5% targets facial skin cells that have been filled with dirt, dead skin, or blocked with oil. It has been reported that this new gel is moderately effective in the reduction of facial acne.

Aczone has been proven significantly more effective than most other facial gels. It has been used by both teens and as one of many adult acne treatments. Aczone is a gel that operates off of the active ingredient called “Dapsone.” This is a topical formula that has been tailored towards successful reduction of acne on one’s face.

There has been noted gender differences with the use of this prescription acne gel called Aczone Gel 5%. Particularly, women have been documented as having higher success rates than men.

Acne Topical Gel – “Aczone Gel 5%” Side Effects

It is important not to rule out side-effects of acne gel just because it is not an oral pill. There are side effects that occur like potential peeling of the skin, redish skin coloring, and in rare cases, increased oil buildup. These side effects are comparable to other acne topical gels.

Acne gels are not for everyone though. Before using acne treatment gels, individuals will need to be screened to check if they could develop “hemolytic anemia.” Should they return with screening results indicating that they may develop this anemia after applying the skin gel, they will obviously not be allowed to partake in the use of this treatment. It is not common to be predisposed towards developing this anemia; less than two percent of all individuals are.

Other acne topical gels include: PanOxyl Aqua acne gel, Mary Kay’s acne gel, and Murad acne gel – just to name a few. These gels target the exfoliation process of the skin and release the active ingredient of benzoyl peroxide (PanOxyl and Mary Kay’s) and/or retinol (Murad). Keep these acne gels in mind if you want to try something different. The success rate for these gels varies, but the majority of people experience some improvement. On an ending note: be sure not to confuse prescription acne gel with acne lotion. They are different products and most acne gels are more effective.