Topical treatment for acne

)Introduction

Topical treatment for acne is available as washes, solutions, lotions, gels and creams. They may have a single or multiple active ingredients. There are numerous products available in supermarkets and pharmacies. Some require a doctor's prescription.

Active ingredients may have one or more of the following properties

• Antibiotics and antiseptics to reduce counts of Cutibacterium acnes (P.acnes) bacteria
• Anti-inflammatory effects to calm red, inflamed skin by inhibiting lipase production by C.acnes
• Anti-oxidants to protect cells from damage by free radicals
• Comedolytics to unplug blocked follicles (comedones)
• Keratolytics to peel off surface scale (exfoliants)
• Agents that affect keratinisation; these normalise skin cell maturation

Ingredient and properties