Best Acne Treatments – Prevention and Cures Should Go Hand-in-Hand

Acne is a skin condition that simply refuses to go away. It’s a nagging skin ailment that we commonly call pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, red or yellow spots, cystic nodules or scars. The acne prone age is between 12 and 25 years. But beware; it’s not just a teen trouble. Even in your 30s and 40s you may get acne attacks. Acne can cause lifelong scars, if left untreated. Hence, it is vital to be proactive about acne treatment, beginning right from home remedies. Acne treatment essentially involves the use of both preventive and curative products.

Preventive products

The natural way to keep off acne begins at home. If you wish to keep off acne, follow this home treatment attentively and be sure of great results.

Resist the temptation to pick at, pop or squeeze your pimples, whiteheads and blackheads. Turn to treatment creams instead. You can cause scarring and infection by picking acne. The uneven discolorations that often result from picking at acne can take years to fade away.

- Keep your face spotless clean, by washing it often with a gentle anti-bacterial cleanser or some home-made natural product - Never use greasy, oil-based moisturizers - Never use products containing synthetic chemicals and vegetable oils - Keep your hair off your face - Never dig or touch scars - Keep skin pores unclogged with products containing sulfur plus resorcinol

However, pregnant women, kids and patients under some other medication, should consult a doc before they use such products.

A great alternative treatment for acne is the use of vinegar rubbed on the face with a cotton ball. This acidic compound can be used in place of a chemical toner. It will help re-balance the pH levels of your skin. Re-balancing your skin in this manner can clear up breakouts sometimes after just a single application.

Medication methods

The condition of your acne will determine the treatment options. Treatment also depends on the oil balance of your skin, your gender and your existing medications. The most proactive acne treatment is with topical products (gels, creams) containing Salicylic acid, Benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, tetracycline, erythromycin or a retinoid. Many times a combination of these products also works well.

Egg whites can be a great cheap replacement for acne treatment. You can use raw egg white as a mask to cleanse your entire face, or use just a dab to reduce swelling and redness on a single blemish. Be sure to use a regular cleanser first, to remove oils and dirt.

Physicians also prescribe oral medications like antibiotics, hormones, and isotretinoins. Go for such acne treatment only after knowing the side effects.

Laser treatment

Don't wait to see a dermatologist or other professional skin care provider. If you can seek treatment at the first signs of acne, you may be able to avoid having a mild condition turn in to something more serious later. Early intervention, much like that for medical conditions, can really pay off.

Laser treatment has completely cured many. Here the laser destroys the excess oil producing glands and removes scars. It is painless, harmless but costly. However, to get rid of the existing acne you need medication.

Cystic treatment

Tea tree oil is a wonderful and effective treatment that you can use daily to exfoliate your face. Do not apply tea tree oil directly to your acne, as it should be diluted with water for ultimate effectiveness. A daily regimen of cleansing with tea tree oil can help eliminate dry skin cells, which can clog your pores and create acne.

Acute cystic acne needs cystic treatments with Accutane or isotretinoin. But, there are side effects. Since most other treatments are not effective on cystic acne, these severe products are unavoidable.   Chinese treatments

The Chinese method is a natural herbal acne treatment. They believe in getting to the root of the problem like liver ailments, emotional upsets, wind heat, damp heat, blood heat etc. “They even trace acne to reasons like a stagnant qi (energy). Their natural products do help many,” says dermatologist Dr Manela Humphrey.  Peel power

If you have a blemish that will not go away, go into your freezer and use a piece of ice. Ice will help to reduce the swelling of your pimple so that it is much less noticeable when you go out with your friends. Additionally, this treatment will hasten the healing process, so that you are back to normal quicker than usual.

TCA Peels are an easy, safe and affordable acne treatment. “They are also more effective than other clinic or spa-based treatments,” says salon specialist Mary Roberts. Peels were earlier available only through costly treatments by skin specialists, at US$ 500- 1000 per session. These same peels are now easily available at less than US$30. No prescriptions are required either.