Common Antibiotics for Acne, and Their Effectiveness

Forget the over-the-counter stuff, huh? It’s time for some serious acne fighting power, and something that is easier to use than rubbing a bunch of goop all over your face. If you’re an acne sufferer, no doubt you have asked every friend with the same problem, “What do you use for your zits/pimples/acne?” Somewhere in the mix, you’ve probably heard someone state that they’re on a prescription, or a mild antibiotic that helps with their acne problem. You may wonder do antibiotics for acne actually work. What kind of antibiotics are they?

Antibiotics for Acne

There are five different antibiotics that are frequently used for the treatment of acne. The most common antibiotic used for acne is Tetracycline. It is often prescribed in a larger dose, to be tapered to a smaller dose after positive results have been experienced.

Erythromycin is another common antibiotic used for acne treatment. Unfortunately, this antibiotic can’t be stomached by everyone, literally. It’s known to cause nausea in many users.

Minocycline is a derivative of Tetracycline, and is most often used for cystic acne issues, and Doxycycline offers similar results to Tetracycline, yet is another antibiotic that must be taken with food or it can cause nausea.

Finally the use of Clindamycin is frequently used to treat acne; however, it is prescribed as a topical antibiotic, to be applied to the skin on a prescribed basis. This may, or may not be what you’re hoping for.

Antibiotics are used for the treatment of acne because they’re capable of decreasing the bacteria count that is responsible for causing acne problems. The P. Acne bacteria is able to survive on the skin, and thrives in the pores and follicles, where it joins forces with dead skin cells and skin oil (sebum) to create acne.

Do Antibiotics for Acne Work?

Antibiotics for acne are actually quite effective for many individuals who use them properly. The problem with extended use of antibiotics for acne is the fact that they will not “cure” your acne. There simply is no cure for the zits and pimples that want to call your face home. As you may be aware, using antibiotics for long periods of time, and using them improperly in any way can reduce their effectiveness if ever needed for something more serious.

Certainly, for some acne issues, especially severe acne of the cystic variety, antibiotics are necessary to gain control over the problem. In fact, if you suffer from cystic acne, it is highly recommended to consult with a dermatologist about the safest and most effective forms of treatment.

While antibiotics are effective in fighting the bacteria that is found on the skin and in the pores, it won’t do anything to prevent excess oil, or exfoliate dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. A quality skin care regimen will still need to be implemented to enjoy the best results from antibiotics for acne.

Over-the-Counter Acne Treatments

If you’re shopping for the most effective acne treatment, and you’re still not sold on the use of antibiotics for your acne, consider a consistent, daily skin care regimen geared toward fighting acne. Such a regimen or routine can provide positive results when used properly. The use of an acne cleanser, skin toner and quality acne cream and moisturizer will work to rid a complexion of acne, while also leaving the skin more radiant, balanced and healthy.