Skin Care Medicines

Skin is basically an organ that consists of a layer of tissues. The main function of the skin is to protect the muscles and organs of the body that lie beneath it. So, it becomes all the more important that your skin should be well taken care of. Many prescription medicines are available these days so that you are able to improve the quality and look of your skin.

Actually, the ingredients that are present in these prescription drugs are also present in many over the counter products available commonly in the market. The difference is that the prescription drugs contain these ingredients in high dosage strength and therefore aim at the specific purpose of relieving skin from various ailments. Many exfoliating products and products for reducing or promoting hair growth fall in this category.

You should have at least a fair amount of knowledge about these drugs. So, in order to acquaint you with the common prescription drugs, a list of such drugs with their merits and side effects is given below.

• Salicylic acid: It is also called as beta-hydroxy acid. Its mainly acts as an exfoliant and so is very useful in improving the quality and color of your skin. It also has the added property that it can penetrate even the oily surfaces. Therefore, the hair follicle openings on your skin that are full of oil are not immune to this acid. Once, this drug penetrates these follicle openings, you become free from the problem of acne.
• Finasteride: It is available in the market as Propecia and is also present in many over the counter products. Its main function is to prevent hair loss in men, affected by the typical male-pattern hairlessness. In this type of hair loss the skin at the top and front of the head starts to lose hair at the start. Many reasons like stress, hormonal disorders, thyroid diseases etc. can cause this type of baldness. Up till now this medicine has proved to be worth it.
• Eflornithine cream: This prescription drug is especially designed for women. Women who want to lessen or slow the growth of their facial hair have benefited much from it. This medicine does not remove the hair but slows their growth. Therefore, you have to be tolerant and wait for at least 3-4 weeks before you get to see the results. You have to use this drug for a very long time i.e. up to the time when you want to keep your face free from unwanted hair. However, if your skin is too sensitive you may develop rashes or experience a stinging feeling on your face.
• Hydroquinone: This drug is used to reduce the dark spots that quite often become visible on the face of men as well as women. Prescription Hydroquinone is usually available in the market at 3-4 percent concentration levels. You must be cautious while using this cream because it increases the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight. So, you must think about using some kind of sunscreen.

It is recommended that you should not keep on using these over the counter prescription drugs for a long time. These medicines and the related products bought from the drug store may cause more harm than good if used without the consultation of your dermatologist