Chin Acne Treatment

Facial acne on women appears on the chin, cheeks and forehead. Most women have the worse acne problems slightly before menstruation. When the body undergoes complex hormonal changes, pimples and blemishes frequently appear. Other causes of acne include stress, an irregular diet, hygiene issues and excessive toxins in the body.

There are a number of treatments for acne available on the market that address both the symptoms and causes of acne. Additional solutions involve eating a healthier diet and using a better hygiene regimen.

Hygiene

• Acne often responds to the proper hygiene. However, women often have to experiment with different types of soaps, toners, moisturizers and cleansers. Products that work for oily skin can irritate drier skin, and irritation can cause an acne flare-up.

Benzoyl Peroxide

• Topical benzoyl peroxide gels and creams--sometimes called Oxy 10--are available in 2.5 percent, 5 percent and 10 percent formulas, depending on the severity of the acne. Before applying benzoyl peroxide, women should wash their faces with a gentle cleanser and apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer (non-comedogenic moisturizers don't clog pores).

  Some women are sensitive to benzoyl peroxide, and can experience itching, burning and rashes when first using it.

Tretinoin

• Tretinoin is a slightly stronger treatment then benzoyl peroxide, and gradually peels off the skin. It is available by prescription. The product increases the risk of extreme sunburn. Women using tretinoin should take care to use sunscreen and wear hats. Women should also avoid hair waxing treatments, as the skin rips off and will leave unattractive scabs and black marks.

  Women should not combine benzoyl peroxide if also using tretinoin treatments like Altinac, Renova, Retin-A or Tretin-X. Using these medications at the same time can result in severely irritated skin.

Accutane

• Isotretinoin--more commonly referred to by its brand name, Accutane--is a very effective acne treatment. Dermatologists only recommend isotretinoin for severe acne problems, if other treatments haven't worked. It often results in severe skin dryness, eye dryness or a flare-up of acne.

Accutane Side Effects

• Women taking Accutane must also take birth control, as Accutane can cause severe birth defects. If there is any chance that you could be pregnant, do not take Accutane.

  Accutane can also cause depression--women already prone to depression should avoid this medication.

  Isotretinoin is available only under a special program called iPLEDGE. When a doctor suggests Accutane, women must register in the program. Registering under iPLEDGE requires that women verify that they understand the dangers of this medication and agree to use birth control.

  Under no circumstances should anybody try to purchase isotretinoin online or from foreign vendors. Selling and distributing isotretinoin outside of iPLEDGE violates the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations for the medication's safe use.