Because our culture is so infatuated with easy one-step solutions, it may explain why so many teens still are bombarded with acne. If acne that easy to treat, we'd never see it on anyone. Most prescription drugs try to get away with this, and some do effectively treat acne, but not without the risk of extremely harmful side effects.

Common medications for acne that are available via prescription include:

- Isotretonoin (Commonly referred to as Accutane)
- Retinoids

Isotretinoin, a common oral drug that many may have heard of (sometimes prescribed under the brand name of Accutane) is a highly potent, oral medication that is prescribed generally as a LAST RESORT for very severe acne. What you won't hear frequently is the that the list of potential side effects is extremely long! WARNING: "Accutane may cause depression, psychosis and, rarely, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts and suicide. Accutane may also cause Birth Defects, Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn's Disease, Inflammatory Bowel Disorder, Rectal Bleeding, Abdominal Pain, Premature Closure of Growth Plates, Dessicated Discs, Organ Damage, Optic Neuritis, Central Nervous System Injuries, Bone and Muscle Loss, Cardiovascular Injuries, Liver and Kidney Damage, Pancreatitis, Immune System Disorder, Lupus, Hearing and Vision Damage, and Thyroid Disorders" Are these potentially fatal risks worth clearing up your skin? We should hope not. We strongly suggest that if you do take a risk with Isotretinoin, that you try all options before taking this LAST RESORT as these conditions are MUCH more serious than non-threatening acne.

Retinoids, a class of molecules in the Vitamin A family, are prescribed to treat acne. Retinoids are also available in topical or oral format. They are potent against acne because they stabilize abnormal growth and death of cells in sebaceous cells. These abnormal growth cycles are believed to play a key role in the formation of blackheads, whiteheads and other acne. WARNING: "Like isotretinoin, retinoids can cause birth defects in the unborn children of pregnant women." Again, are these more serious risks worth a chance at clearer skin?

Drug-Free / Safe Options
Other treatments include Benzoyl Peroxide, whose properties make it very useful AND SAFE in the treatment of inflamed acne. The oxidizing factor dries out thickened sebum and helps to alleviate the clogged pores, so acne may heal without trauma to the area caused by popping the acne. To be experience best results, one should use a Benzoyl Peroxide exfoliator daily. To read more about this particular form of treatment, click here: [Truderma Three-Step Kits]. If you continue to use this three step process every day, there is a good chance you may never have acne again.

All prescription medications should be administered under the supervision of a physician. Patients should always consult with a physician about any side effects they experience or feel they are experiencing.