Chemical peels are chemicals applied to the skin, which cause the top layer of skin to peel off. Two peels used most often are:
These are shots into individual acne spots. They are also called intralesional corticosteroids.
Diets are changes to the food you eat. Two changes that are thought to affect acne are:
These are products made from herbs or chemicals found in nature that are thought to improve acne. Tea tree oil is one example.
Chemical peels help the skin get rid of dead skin cells without blocking the pores and may also help to reduce the inflammation of acne spots.
Corticosteroid shots can reduce the inflammation of a single large acne spot.
A diet with less dairy and a low glycemic index might affect hormones in the body. These hormones might affect acne by reducing the amount of oil the skin produces, but we need more research to understand how well they work.
There are many different herbal treatments suggested to work for acne, but there is not enough evidence to say how they work.
Salicylic acid peels are helpful for comedones or mild acne, and glycolic acid peels can also help with acne scars.
For very large, occasional acne spots. Each shot only treat one spot at a time. Corticosteroid shots are not a full treatment strategy.
May help with mild to moderate acne.
May help with mild acne.
Chemicals may not be the right treatment for people with very sensitive skin.
Corticosteroid shots are not for people who want to clear up more than the occasional large acne spot.
Some people may not be able to make drastic changes to their diet. Talk to your doctor to find out if this is right for you.
Herbal treatments are not recommended for people with moderate to severe acne.
There is not enough evidence yet to say just how well these work.
There is not enough evidence yet to say just how well this works.
There is some evidence that diet changes can improve acne.
There is not enough evidence yet to say just how well these work.
Serious: None
Other: Mild skin irritation and flaking
Serious: Possible risk of infection at the site of the shot. There is not enough evidence to show the exact chances of having this side effect. Possible risk of hormone suppression with repeated shots.
Diet changes can be done safely but it is still important to talk to your doctor before making any big changes to your diet.
Side effects will depend on the type of herbal treatment you take. Talk to your doctor about the safety of these treatments.
Chemical peels need to be done by a health professional, and cannot be done at home. It will take some days after the procedure for the skin to peel completely and heal. You might also need to stay out of the sun for a long time after.
Corticosteroid shots are given by needle, which some people may not like. Each shot is used for one large acne spot, and they are not meant to be used regularly. They need to be given by a doctor, and cannot be done at home.
Diet changes and dairy avoidance may mean making drastic changes in your lifestyle. This may be hard for some people to do for a long time.
Herbal treatments involve taking a pill or applying a topical product to your skin. Topical products may need to be applied multiple times a day. They may also be inconvenient when acne covers a lot of your skin, is hard to reach, or is covered by clothing.
Prices vary but range from $100-300 USD per treatment. A doctor might recommend 4-6 treatments. These are often not covered by insurance.
Prices vary but range from $25-100 USD per shot. These are often not covered by insurance.
This will depend on how much you usually spend on food. This is not covered by insurance.
These are bought over the counter (no prescription needed) and prices vary. These are not covered by insurance.
Prices as of 2016 and may vary by region.