This article about acne medication is helpful for those interested about this topic is written by Scott Schechter

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As if it weren't bad enough that you are constantly fighting acne outbreaks which sometime make your skin resemble a relief map of the Rocky Mountains, you are also faced with the possibility that if left untreated, your acne will lead to permanent scarring. But no one says life is fair, severe acne requires severe measures to treat it.

You need to consult with a dermatologist regarding the acne medication which can best handle your outbreaks. The acne medication which he or she prescribes will, almost certainly, attack your acne on two fronts: it will decrease your skin's production of excess oil, and it will help your skin shed the dead skin cells which clog its pores and allow acne-causing bacteria to thrive.

But your doctor may also prescribe an antibiotic to help alleviate your current outbreak and reduce the chances of future ones. The best acne medication for you will be determined by your skin's specific needs, but it will be taken from one of four classes of acne medication.

• A topical acne medication may not only reduce your skin's oil production and eliminate dead skin cells, but also contain an anti-bacterial compound A topical acne medication is likely to contain among its active ingredients benzyl peroxide, sulfur, salicylic acid, or resorcinol.

A topical acne medication is the preferred treatment for those suffering only mild acne outbreaks, and most topical treatments are available without a doctor's prescription. They are sold in different strengths, so that you can start with the weakest and minimize their possible drying effects on your skin. They have been proven to be very safe acne medications.

• An antibiotic acne medication is often prescribed for tougher cases of acne. Tests have shown that antibiotics are powerful weapons against the bacteria which create acne inflammation, and an antibiotic, once prescribed as an acne medication, is usually taken for an extended period. Some people complement the use of their oral antibiotics with an antibiotic topical lotion.

• The third type of acne medication, Isotretinoin, is reserved for the most severe outbreaks which have produced cysts. The use of Isotretinoin, however, must be monitored closely by the prescribing physician, because its effectiveness against acne is sometimes accompanied by unpleasant side effects. It is not safe for pregnant women or people with high cholesterol, because it can cause birth defects and increase in the blood triglyceride levels.

• Finally, oral contraceptives are often prescribes as acne medication. Norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol seem to be the most effective at alleviating the symptoms of acne, but they too can have serious side effects. Women considering their use should make a point of discussing these possible complications with their doctors.