Basiron wash and cream are the only medically effective treatments you can buy without a prescription. Basiron contains the active ingredient benzoyl peroxide (BPO), which works against all the factors that contribute to the development of acne: overproduction of sebum, clogging of the ducts from sebaceous glands and hair follicles, and the effect on skin bacteria. Therefore, it is a good cream to start with as soon as you notice a tendency to develop acne. Be aware that Basiron can bleach towels, bedding, and hair.
Mild to moderate papulopustular acne, characterized by red bumps (papules) and pus-filled pimples (pustules), can be treated effectively with either combination creams with two active ingredients or a single active ingredient cream that opens pores. These medications must be prescribed by a doctor. Topical antibiotics should be used for a maximum of 3-4 months. Other acne creams may also be good alternatives but are often slightly less effective. Oral antibiotics can also be a suitable treatment for up to 3 months, always in combination with topical treatment.
Gradually Increase Treatment: It is important to gradually increase the treatment from applying the cream every other night for the first two weeks to applying it every night over time. Many people may experience redness and dryness from the creams, especially those with sensitive skin or underlying eczema. The skin often develops increased tolerance over time, and you will eventually tolerate the creams better. If tolerated, you can increase usage to apply every night after 1-2 weeks. If you cannot tolerate applying it every night, you can ask for another acne cream with fewer side effects. You can also combine prescribed acne cream with a moisturizer containing active ingredients against acne and alternate them every other day.
Day Cream for Moisturizing: In addition, you should use a cream in the morning that only provides moisturizing treatment and is suitable for acne-prone skin, meaning a cream that is not too greasy. You can read more about skincare for acne here.
Be Patient: It takes a long time to see the full effect, regardless of the treatment chosen for you. You must be patient. Only after 3-6 months of use will you experience the full effect.
Continue Treatment After Improvement: It is also important to continue with topical treatment after you have improved. If you stop treatment completely, the acne often returns after a short while. You should continue with topical treatment as a night cream as long as you are prone to acne. The active ingredients in the creams are beneficial for your skin, whether you have acne or not.
For severe acne, characterized by painful nodules in the skin, systemic treatment is the best option. Antibiotic treatments may be a suitable solution. If antibiotics do not provide the desired effect, a strong course of tablets for about 4-12 months is given. The treatment aims to turn off sebum production. This treatment requires close follow-up with blood tests. You can read more about this treatment here.
