by Norman Sanchez
It shouldn’t be news that everyone responds differently to medications. Just because you didn’t get drowsy from the flu medication you took, doesn’t mean your neighbor won’t. He or she may even develop other symptoms, like dizziness. The same variation in symptoms and results also occurs with acne medications.
Some people find relief from pimples by using a prescription product like Retin-A or Differin for three months. Others with comparable cases of acne don’t see results until after six or more months. It is all case-specific. An issue that often arises when dealing with prescription acne medications is varying grades of skin sensitivity. This discrepancy can literally spell either a pleasant or horrid treatment experience.
Our facial skin generally has limited contact with products that contain aggressive additives. Sure, we use soaps and shampoos with harsh chemicals, but these pale in comparison to the strength of topical creams like Tretinoin. In the case of acne products, it is not exactly harmful ingredients that incite nasty symptoms. Our skin needs time to adjust to the medication. During this period, you skin may redden somewhat and begin to peel or burn. For someone who interfaces with coworkers or classmates on a daily basis, the acclimation period can prove intrusive. We’re sure very few would feel comfortable walking around the office with tomato-colored skin.
If you fear that your skin may have an outburst of the type mentioned above, you should let your dermatologist know. They should have some helpful suggestions to reduce the symptoms. For instance, they ask some patients to gradually begin to use a topical cream. Instead of daily applications, they start them off at every other day and ask them to monitor their skin. If no symptoms arise, they can proceed to increase the frequency of application.
It’s common for beginners to acne treatments to bypass a step in their treatment that may create irritation. Forgetting to use moisturizer prior to applying topical medications can incite an unfavorable reaction. This is why its important to take some time and carefully read the instructions your physician provides. This will minimize the probability of issues even for those with the most sensitive skin types. You should never experiment with new products or techniques unless you have been given the green light by your doctor. People make false assumptions like applying a greater quantity of acne cream will lead to quicker results, when in fact it just causes more irritation. Keep an open line of communication between you and your doctor to ensure a successful treatment!
