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What is the Best Acne Relief?
Acne is a problem that can occur in people of all ages, and which causes blemishes on the face. These blemishes are pores clogged with oil, and though they do eventually heal on their own, some have the potential for scarring. In addition, many people have a number of blemishes at the same time. Though there is not one best acne treatment, there are many different types of acne relief to try. Different people often find that different treatments work better for them.
Some types of acne respond well to prescription medication treatment, which may be taken orally or applied topically. It will be necessary to visit a dermatologist, who will be able to prescribe these medications for acne relief, based on the specific type of acne present. It may be a good idea to visit a dermatologist for acne anyway, to determine if it is caused by an allergic reaction or irritation from facial products, which can be fairly common.
Otherwise, if acne does not respond to prescription treatment, or it is not necessary, there are some other options for acne relief. Taking good care of the skin on the face is the first step; this means washing the face twice a day with a gentle cleanser. Washing the face more frequently than that can encourage the overproduction of oil, and can actually make acne worse.
There are many "acne systems" that are sold that include products such as a cleanser, toner, and moisturizer all in one pack. These products typically contain acne-fighting ingredients, such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, which can be very effective acne relief. They work to dry up existing blemishes and deeply clean and shrink the pores to prevent new ones from forming.
Though makeup such as concealer and foundation can help to hide blemishes, it can also clog the pores, making the acne worse. It is important to choose products that are designed not to clog the pores; some even contain a small amount of medication for acne relief right in the product. Finally, diet and lifestyle can be a source of acne relief.
Some people find that eating greasy foods, chocolate, or dairy products can make their acne worse. It is important to eat a healthy diet and drink enough water; getting more rest and exercise may also help. Some people try topical application of natural products, such as tea tree oil. It is often necessary to try different treatments to find what works best for any one individual.
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![A boy with acne.]()
By: Jörg HackemannA boy with acne. -
![Depending on the cause, certain types of acne naturally disappear without treatment.]()
By: Cheryl CaseyDepending on the cause, certain types of acne naturally disappear without treatment. -
![Regular cleansing is important, but too frequent washing of the face can make acne worse.]()
By: nakaRegular cleansing is important, but too frequent washing of the face can make acne worse.
Discussion Comments
I've been able to treat my acne by using the right products. I wash my face twice a day with a mild but oil-free face wash. I then use a toner with salicylic acid and follow up with a mild oil-free moisturizer. I exfoliate my face with a scrub about twice a week in the shower.
I discovered soon after developing acne that I can't use very moisturizing or very drying products. I can't put anything with oil or alcohol on my face. I have to keep my skin care regimen simple, otherwise I break out.
@fBoyle-- I'm not a doctor. All I can tell you is my personal experience. I used antibiotics for a while for my acne and it worked very well. My acne was basically gone. But after a while, the antibiotics became less and less effective. I also started experiencing side effects of the medication, especially stomach issues and diarrhea.
Antibiotics work well for a short period of time but you can't take them forever and eventually, the bacteria do not respond to them as well as before. I think it's best to try other treatments for acne relief. Of course, this is something you have to decide on with your doctor. I have a friend who had severe cystic acne and was happy with antibiotic treatment. But I don't think it's suitable for everyone with acne.
Have you looked into natural acne relief, such as homeopathic remedies and low-fat, low-dairy diets?
Do antibiotics work well for chronic acne? My doctor said that if I don't get results with topical treatments for acne, I could try antibiotics. Is this a good idea?
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