When topical acne treatments fail, such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, an oral treatment such as the medicine Accutane (active ingredient isotretinoin) is often prescribed, which is called Accutane Acne Treatment. This treatment is highly effective, because it decreases the production of oils (in the form of sebum) from the sebaceous glands found on the skin, as well as the size of these glands. Although incredibly effective, Accutane acne treatment does come with some risks that will be discussed later.

The Accutane acne treatment and, more specifically, the active ingredient (isotretinoin), is derived from the common fat-soluble vitamin, vitamin A. The specific compound used in the Accutane acne treatment is derived from the acidified form of this vitamin, giving Accutane the acne-combating properties of vitamin A, without several of the adverse effects.

Although it is not exactly known how the Accutane acne treatment system does so, it alters the process, by which DNA is copied, and results in a smaller sebaceous gland (pore) and, therefore, a lower production of Sebum, the oil that accumulates on the skin. With smaller pores and less oil production, the dead skin cells are far less likely to stick inside of a pore and clog it, forming a blackhead. By shrinking the size of the pores and by decreasing the amount of the oil produced by them, Accutane acne treatment is able to reduce significantly the occurrence of clogged pores, or acne.

There are, however, several acne control methods that will reduce the appearance of this unsightly skin disease. Acne, more specifically Acne Vulgaris, is an inflammatory disease of the skin, often occurring during the pubescent years. Most of these treatments control the acne by reducing the occurrence of clogged pores (when debris and oil clog a hair follicle in the skin) and by killing the bacteria living within these clogged pores. These acne control treatments that include exfoliation, topical bactericides, Accutane, and light therapy, will be discussed later.

Perhaps the most common method of acne control is regular exfoliation of the skin. This simply means the removal of dead skin cells from the top layer of the skin, which prevents them from falling into pores where they may stick and become blackheads. Exfoliation as means of acne control can be done either physically or chemically. Physical exfoliation requires the use of an abrasive material, such as acne “scrubs,” which is available at many drug stores, or some sort of abrasive cloth. These work on a microscopic level to remove skin cells but often do lead to visible flaking of the skin. Also, along this same idea is the use of chemical exfoliating agents, such as salicylic and glycolic acid, which encourage the peeling of the skin. This can, however, lead to dry and flaking skin when the acne-control product used is too harsh. Exfoliating products are readily available over the counter and are usually relatively inexpensive, especially when generic brands are used.

The medical community offers a wide variety of opinions and speculations about acne diet. These opinions and speculations seem to change on a consistent basis. A common myth when discussing an acne diet is that foods that are high in fat, grease, or oil will result in acne breakouts. Many people mistakenly believe that a chocolate bar or a greasy pizza is the source of their acne.

Since acne is caused by clogged pores and is not the result of increased fat intake. While these foods may lead one to be susceptible to oilier skin, they will not contribute enough oil production to produce acne breakouts. An acne diet that avoids chocolate, for example, is not a productive one because chocolate would have to literally be rubbed onto the skin in sufficient amounts to clog pores to cause breakouts.