How effective are acne skin treatments

The psychological harm acne can cause people should not be underestimated; however, many effective treatments are available. This is a skin complaint that affects many people around the world so scientific research to find a cure is fierce; these days, even with serious cases, there are many skin care treatments available. Although the number of acne skin care products and treatments might at first seem endless, they can actually be categorized into three areas: Preventative: Creams, lotions etc. to help cleanse and tone the skin Over-the-Counter: Treatments for conditions that do not require prescription Prescription only: doctors or dermatologists prescribe special treatments Preventative products are formulated to treat the skin in an effort to control the occurrence of acne; for example, special toners and skin cleansers. In the real sense, these products are just those that should be part of your daily routine; often used by those who want to prevent future skin problems from occurring. Other acne skin care products, like skin cleansers for instance, are more specific about their job; they work by limiting the production of sebum/oil and prevent clogging of skin pores.

These types of products are reducing the chance of oil staying in the pores and aiding the growth of harmful bacteria which assists the formation of the skin condition. This type of skin care treatment also includes those which exfoliate such as skin peels; these can be bought easily over the counter or on the internet. They work by reducing oil plus other contaminants from the skin and in the pores; this can reduce harmful bacteria and stop their chance of growth.

Many other acne skin care products have become available over the counter and on the internet; they don't usually require a prescription. A bacterium that aids the formation of acne is stopped by creams and cleansers that contain benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid; they are designed to extract the excess oil that bacteria need to promote the development of acne. Although benzoyl peroxide works well, reactions can happen so it is suggested that any skin care product containing this should not have more than 5.5 percent of the active ingredient; should a reaction occur, products containing alpha hydroxy acid are generally safer.

It might just be a case of trial and error to find an acne skin care product that works; if none of them work then you would be advised to contact your skin specialist. There are benefits of seeing your doctor or dermatologist, they can prescribe you with a prescription for treatments not available over the counter, for example a course of antibiotics. Under certain circumstances, having the infected material removed from the pores under a local anesthetic may be suggested by your dermatologist; although this is a minor procedure, if it were performed by the person themselves it could result in skin damage.

Your doctor may even suggest a course of hormone therapy as a skin care treatment; studies show that hormone based skin care treatments often prove effective. With all the treatments available, tackling acne is not that difficult as there are many new products available to help.

If you or a loved one are looking for information on acne skin treatment you may want to hear Dr. Perricone as he finally delivers solutions for acne sufferers