Advances in Acne Treatments on Yahoo! Health

For years we have known that the best treatment for acne is a retinoid (such as prescription Retin-A or tretinoin) combined with a topical antibiotic and benzoyl peroxide (BP). The addition of salicylic acid (SA) to clean out the pores is also beneficial. However, these ingredients, until recently, could not be combined together in one product. Therefore, one had to apply at least 3 separate products!

Compliance becomes an issue- especially in teens. Carrying around all these tubes (especially when travelling) can also be a challenge. (They won't all fit in the quart-size bag!) Many of the parents of my teenage patients complain that their teenager looses the tubes because there are so many. Each tube can cost $180 or more if not covered by insurance. Yikes!

Luckily, new advances in formulating products have led to the development of several new combination products. These are very effective in treating acne and their usage results in a decreased number of products needed to treat acne.

Find the right acne products for your skin type:

Ziana combines Clindamycin 1.2% with tretinoin 0.025%. Clindamycin is an antibiotic shown to be effective against P. acnes, the bacteria that causes acne. Tretinoin is the active ingredient in Renova which has antiaging effects and can prevent and treat wrinkles. Ziana is a great option for adult acne and for those sensitive to BP.

Epiduo combines Adapalene with BP. Adapalene is a retinoid that is also found in the bestselling acne medication known as Differin. Differin is a gentle retinoid but BP can be very irritating to some sensitive skin types. This product has 2.5% BP which is a medium dose. Epiduo is an option for sensitive skin types who can tolerate BP.
Acayna Gel is Clindamycin 1.2% combined with BP 2.5%. This product is useful for once a day treatment of all types of acne. It can be used in the am with a retinoid such as Atralin (tretinoin) in the evening. A stronger version known as Duac combines Clindamycin and BP 5%. Duac is perfect for acne sufferers who do not have sensitive skin.

Do you travel a lot, or do you have a teenager who leaves their acne medications at school or friend's house? Then the perfect acne medication is Cleanse and Treat by Quinnova. These single-use disposable pads are an ingenious design that is perfect for travel. You wipe one side on skin to deliver salicylic acid 2% and the other side to apply BP 5%.

I see many patients who are spending hundreds of dollars on ineffective acne medications that they have seen on TV or the internet. Ask your dermatologist about these prescription medications: Many of the companies that sell them have promotions going on that make these very affordable and cheaper than those you have seen on TV. To find a dermatologist in your area, visit www.aad.org.

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Dr. Baumann is author of the best-selling book, " The Skin Type Solution." To learn more about her revolutionary skin typing system, visit her Web site, SkinTypeSolutions.com.

All of Dr. Baumann's recommended skin care products are available online, and a portion of proceeds goes to The Dermatology Foundation.