Now we will look at some different treatments which can be used in order to treat acne including details on how they work and how they should be used.

1. Benzoyl Peroxide

This is found in many of the over the counter acne medications that you can purchase and it helps kill the bacteria that makes acne worse. It helps to unplug oily pores and thus helps in the process for healing acne spots.

How to use it. 1. Start using it conservatively once a day it is best to use a medication that contains 5% benzoyl peroxide in it (say after you have washed your face before going to bed). 2. Then after one increase your use to twice a day if you are not using any other medications. 3. However if your acne does not improve after 4 to 6 weeks then you will need to try a stronger solution say a medication that contains 10%, which is now readily available over the counter without a doctor's prescription. However it is best if you get the pure form and you will need to ask the pharmacist what types contain this amount of benzoyl peroxide.

2. Retin-A

This is available by prescription only and works by opening up clogged oil glands and preventing new blemishes.

Using Retin-A

1. This should only be used at night because it makes your skin more sensitive to the sun and therefore more susceptible to sunburn. It is therefore important that you use more sunscreen when you are outdoors. 2. You may find it takes between 2 to 3 months for you to see any improvement in your skin so be patient and just do as the doctor tells you and stick with the program . 3. For some women your doctor may prescribe birth control pills prior to starting you on a course of Retin-A treatment as it can be extremely to fetal development when a woman is pregnant.

3. Antibiotics

These can only be obtained via a prescription from your doctor and are particularly helpful for acne that is swollen and red or for acne which is not improving when you have tried other medications. The antibiotics will kill the bacteria which helps to form the whiteheads on your skin.

Take special consideration when using antibiotics. 1. Consume them with lots of water and follow your doctor's directions. 2. You skin's sensitivity may increase to the sun when taking antibiotics so make sure you wear lots of sunscreen.

Hopefully the information provided above will give you something to consider when looking at different ways to treat acne if and when you happen to suffer from it.