Common misconception is the diet issue. It is not a factor. It is caused by overactivity of the sebaceous glands that secrete oily substances on to your skin. The surface of your skin has lots of small sebaceous glands just below the surface. These glands make sebum (a natural oil) that keeps the skin smooth and supple. The sebaceous glands of people with acne are especially sensitive to normal blood levels of a hormone called testosterone, found naturally in both men and women. This will be higher when you have lots of boom boom
Creams and lotions
There are several creams and lotions you may be prescribed, including those listed below.
* Azelaic acid (Skinoren) is an alternative to benzoyl peroxide and may not make your skin as sore as benzoyl peroxide.
* Retinoids (eg Adapalene) are medicines based on vitamin A, which you can rub into your skin daily. They work by encouraging the outer layer of skin to flake off.
* An antibiotic lotion, such as clindamycin (eg Dalacin T) or erythromycin (eg Stiemycin), applied to your skin can be used to control the P. acnes bacteria. You will need to continue this treatment for at least six months.
* Creams and lotions that combine an antimicrobial with other acne medication are also available (eg Quinoderm).
