5 Over-the-Counter Accutane Alternatives for Effectively Treating Acne

by Fiona | Dec 27, 2021 | Acne Care

Anyone who has struggled with acne for a long time has most likely heard of Accutane. This oral medication has been used to treat acne for decades with great success. This drug, which is also sold under the names Isotretinoin, Claravis, Zenatane, and Absorbica, has an 85% success rate in treating moderate to severe acne.

Unlike most acne treatments, which are applied directly to the skin, Accutane comes in a pill form. However, it also comes with some serious side effects, forcing many to seek effective over-the-counter Accutane alternatives. This medication is also known as isotretinoin, Claravis, Zenatane, and Absorbica.

Accutane is a pill, unlike most acne treatments, which are applied directly to the skin. It does, however, have some serious side effects, prompting many people to look for effective over-the-counter Accutane alternatives.

What is Accutane and how does it work?

For almost 30 years, Accutane, also known as isotretinoin, has been used to treat moderate to severe cystic acne. It’s a type of vitamin A that works by lowering the amount of oil produced by the sebaceous glands.

While “Accutane” has been a popular treatment, the medicine actually hasn’t been manufactured since 2009. It’s active component isotretinoin can still be found in oral acne medications including Myorisan, Claravis, and Absorica.

However, these and comparable drugs are only available with a prescription. Isotretinoin has remained the most clinically effective anti-acne therapy since it was approved by the FDA in 1982.

However, it is a powerful medicine, and Accutane alternatives are usually offered first.

Why do people look for Accutane Alternatives?

The majority of Accutane’s side effects are minor, ranging from chapped lips and dry skin to an increase in cholesterol. Pregnant women, on the other hand, are advised against using Accutane due to the risk of birth abnormalities. Accutane is also known as a “black-box” drug because of the risk of dangerous side effects as reported by the British Journal of Dermatology such as cheilitis, elevated liver enzymes, decreased appetite, suicidal thoughts and depression.

Despite the fact that the chances of experiencing these side effects are extremely low (less than 1%, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology), many teens and adults with acne are eager to try out treatment with Accutane alternatives first.

Accutane users are obliged by doctors to submit to regular blood tests and receive a fresh prescription every 30 days as a result of these side effects. This can be frightening, which is why Accutane is frequently used as a last resort treatment for acne and over the counter Accutane alternatives are preferred.

We’ve compiled a list of five of the most effective over-the-counter acne remedies below. While these options are not medically equivalent to Accutane, they can be beneficial in treating mild to severe acne.

Take a look around and choose the best option for you.

1. Adapalene

Isotretinoin, also known as Accutane, is an oral retinoid. As a result, popular Accutane alternatives also fall into the retinoid family. The majority of over-the-counter solutions, such as this Differein Adapalene Gel, are topical preparations.

All retinoids work to unclog pores and inhibit the skin cell renewal process, preventing pores from becoming clogged again. It is reported that adapalene can achieve similar results to Accutane, but with fewer adverse effects, according to a 2007 analysis published in Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management.

2. Salicylic Acid

If you have sensitive skin, a salicylic acid-based acne cream may be your best bet for addressing obstinate spots. This effective beta-hydroxy acid acts as a natural exfoliator, removing excess oil that can clog hair follicles and lead to acne breakouts.

Salicylic Acid has been demonstrated to be just as efficient as Benzoyl Peroxide for treating specific types of acne while having less adverse effects making it one of the best Accutane alternatives. As a result, salicylic acid is still one of the most widely used acne-fighting chemicals.

3. Benzoyl Peroxide

Antibacterial qualities make benzoyl peroxide one of the effective Accutane alternatives for both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne. Although it may not exfoliate the skin as effectively as Salicylic Acid, it can destroy acne-causing germs.

Benzoyl Peroxide, like adapalene, can cause skin irritation. Stop using Benzoyl Peroxide as soon as you detect burning, itching, or redness at the application site.

Tea Tree Oil

Because of its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial characteristics, tea tree oil is one of the popular and natural Accutane alternatives for treating acne. It’s thought to reduce inflammation, edema, and redness. It may even aid in the prevention and reduction of acne scars, leaving you with clear, smooth skin.

Hormonal Drugs

Ask your doctor about hormonal medication therapy like Spironolactone and the birth control pill if you have hormonal acne. Hormonal medication therapy works by controlling hormonal variations that might cause acne breakouts to be obstinate.

Building an Effective Skincare Plan for the Long Run

When you’re prone to breakouts, having a solid acne skin care routine is crucial to help your journey with one of the above Accutane alternatives.

Make sure to get rid of any extra oil, keep your pores clean and assist in the healing of blemishes to ensure a better acne care regimen.

The most effective strategy to deal with acne is to face it straight on. To prevent pimples from breaking out at all, adopt a skincare routine that you can stick to every day before it gets out of hand.

Toner, moisturizer, and cleanser should all be part of your routine. If you don’t have any of that, at least, depending on the type of oil buildup on your face, you should splash some water on it once or twice daily. Also, always put on sunscreen before heading outside. Acne symptoms might be aggravated by exposure to the sun. Some people, however, have acne as a congenital problem, in which case you should first try all over-the-counter medications before turning to prescription medication.

THE BEST HYALURONIC ACID PRODUCTS FOR HYDRATED AND REJUVENATED SKIN

by Fiona | Dec 21, 2021 | Best in Beauty

Hyaluronic acid has recently grown to popularity as a “beauty-must” ingredient. While the word “acid” does not immediately strike thoughts of hydration or moisturization, hyaluronic acid has undoubtedly created new meanings in skincare.

In fact, it has become one of the few ingredients that are extensively recommended by experts to be included in the daily skincare regime. HA, a naturally occurring substance produced by our bodies has topped the list as the most effective solution to nearly all aging skin concerns.

There are many hyaluronic acid products available on the market. However, its composition, function, and use can often be misunderstood amongst a sea of options available to a user.

Still, the most common ways of utilizing HA are either through its injection into the deeper layers of the skin to help restore volume or its use in creams and serums for topical rejuvenation. Before we round up the best HA products on the market, it is best to make sense of the element, and its incredible, if not magical, benefits.

Is Hyaluronic acid suitable for the skin?

The level of hyaluronic acid decreases with age, and this accounts for the skin’s tendency to get drier and develop fine lines or wrinkles. By adding back moisture into the skin, the humectant boosts firmness and delays the formation of aging signs. It also delivers on many short-term benefits by furnishing a glowing complexion. Regardless of age, skin type, or concern, HA is an oil-free ingredient that can instantly make a difference.

Furthermore, HA in its original state and molecular weight has no risks of any side effects. However, this also depends on the formulation process of HA and other ingredients it might be combined with.

Is hyaluronic acid suitable for the skin?

How to make the best use of Hyaluronic Acid products?

While it is easy to believe that HA is the solution to all skin concerns, utilizing it correctly truly holds the secret. It is a component where each of its molecules can recall water more than its weight. In a humid environment, HA will utilize that moisture, but in case of dry conditions, it’ll seek it from deeper layers of skin, pulling it upwards. Unless it is sealed by a moisturizing hyaluronic acid face cream or oil, this moisture will evaporate, leaving the skin even drier than before. These serums should be applied on damp skin and further sealed using cream or oil on top.

What does hyaluronic acid do for the skin?

It is often debated whether the topical application of hyaluronic acid for face is beneficial, considering that the HA molecules in skincare can be too large to penetrate the dermis. Experts believe that ideal results can be achieved only with its direct implantation into the dermis. Nevertheless, it is a vital component of the daily skincare routine because of its ability to bind water to the skin’s surface, strengthening its barrier against irritation and fine lines. Many products use broken-down forms of the molecule. Low weight HA is smaller and able to penetrate the skin to a deeper level, while the high weight HA molecules are suitable for hydrating the skin’s surface.

The Best Hyaluronic Acid Products for Face

The rapid pace of development and innovation in skincare means a myriad of options for using HA. While hyaluronic acid serum for skin remains an extensively opted-for option, it is no longer the only one. Hyaluronic acid face masks, dermal fillers, and potent boosters have also emerged, providing advanced hydration and rejuvenation.

Best Hyaluronic acid serums for face

Having a sublime “slip” is a characteristic of an excellent serum. It should evenly spread out across the face without requiring great quantity and have a quick absorption rate for a dry finish instead of an oily or sticky feel. Paired with a moisturizer, it should leave the skin hydrated and supple. While the texture might be unexpected with its classic clear and gloopy touch, they are great for all skin types, whether it’s dry-oily or acne and rosacea-prone. It is recommended to pick products that are usually paraben-free, fragrance-free, and propylene glycol-free. Below we have rounded up some of the best face serums that are aimed at providing hydration and glow to the skin with immediate improvements for wrinkles and fine lines.

Hyaprof Premium Skincare System

The Hyaprof Premium Skincare System comprises of Hyaprof Concentrate, Serum, and Activator. It contains a powerful formula of visco-elastic high molecular Hyaluronic Acid and Acetyl Hexapeptide, which helps achieve intensive firming, deep moisturization, and fine line correction results. Furthermore, it can help protect against environmental aggressors like pollution. The skin care kit can be used independently or in combination with Hyaprof monophasic dermal fillers for immediate results.

SkinCeuticals Intensifier

SkinCeuticals’ Hyaluronic Acid Serum is formulated with licorice root and purple rice to hydrate and tighten the skin while working on the fine lines over time. Furthermore, it works to boost the skin’s natural HA level, promoting a healthy glow.

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% +B5

This hyaluronic acid serum is engineered to draw hydration into the skin. It contains vitamin B5, helping repair the skin barrier while simultaneously locking in the hydration pulled in by the serum.

While light hyaluronic acid serums and moisturizers hydrate to create supple and firm skin, HA-based dermal fillers deeply nourish and create volume to reduce the appearance of wrinkles or fine lines instantly. These injectables can provide targeted treatment for under-eyes, lips, cheeks, or correction of the jawline, nose, fine lines, and wrinkles.

While light hyaluronic acid serums and moisturizers hydrate to create supple and firm skin, HA-based dermal fillers are also known to deeply nourish and create volume to reduce the appearance of wrinkles or fine lines instantly. These injectables can provide targeted treatment for under-eyes, lips, cheeks, or correction of the jawline, nose, fine lines, and wrinkles.

Whatever you choose, it is best to understand that a standard solution may not work for all skin types, and it may take some time to accommodate a product in your skincare routine. It’s also necessary to not go overboard and use many products or get multiple skin treatments. Not all products can suit a particular skin type, and understanding this is very important. Since HA is a natural component of the body, hyaluronic acid products are ideal for injectable as well as topical treatments delivering on expectations while remaining considerably safe and effective. Still, it is advised to opt for products recommended by specialists for your skin.