Acne flare-ups can be annoying and embarrassing but they can be treated.  There are lots of good acne treatments on the market today, so talk to your dermatologist to find out which ones will work best for you.

Acne skin care products can be classified into three broad categories:  Preventative, Over-the-Counter, and Prescription

Preventive or General Acne Skin Care Products:

Preventative acne skin care products are ones that are used as an acne-prevention measure.  These acne skin care products include cleansers, make-up removers, and similar products that help prevent acne breakouts.  For those individuals prone to acne, these products should be part of your daily routine to head off acne breakouts before they occur.

These acne skin care products work to act against the causes of acne by limiting the production of sebum (oil) and preventing clogging of your skin’s pores.  These products essentially prevent the oil from getting trapped in the pores and hamper the growth of the bacteria that leads to acne.

General acne skin care products also include exfoliation products like skin peels.  These products work by removing dead skin cells, reducing the possibility of pore-clogging and bacteria development.

Over-the-Counter or Specialized Acne Skin Care Products:

These specialized, or over-the-counter, acne skin care products do not require a doctor’s prescription.  Most of these acne skin care products are based on Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid, both of which fight against the bacteria that causes acne.  You should start with a product that contains a lower concentration of benzoyl peroxide to see how your skin responds.

Alpha-Hydroxy-Acid based moisturizers are also a popular products.  You may need to try a few to find a brand that works best for you.

Prescription Acne Skin Care Products:

These acne skin care products are prescribed by your dermatologist.  They include ointments that can be applied to the affected area, or oral antibiotics, or just about any topical treatment.  Your doctor may also prescribe a hormone-based treatment (since hormonal changes are also known to cause acne). Such acne skin care products are known to be very effective in some cases.  Finally, your dermatologist’s may suggest a minor surgical procedure to treat your acne.

Always consult your dermatologist before trying any acne skin care products to learn of their benefits and drawbacks for your particular skin type.

There is no single cause for acne.  To complicate things, acne affect people in different ways.  The key is to identify the best acne solution for your skin condition.  In determining your best acne treatments, I’d like to share with you 5 of the most common tips on how to get rid of acne.

Tip #1 – Healthy Eating

One of the easiest ways to promote healthy skin is by choosing a diet that benefits your skin, and your health in general. Organic foods have been gaining in popularity for good reason.  These foods are not processed.  Harmful chemicals used in food cultivating are not used on organic foods which are free from toxins.  This is better for your skin and your health.

Some examples of unhealthy toxins include:  herbicides, pesticides, and similar items.  If you’re considering a natural approach to clearing up your acne, look to eating plenty of foods that are labeled Organic.  Consume foods that are green and leafy in the vegetable category, and fruits and nuts.  It is also important to consume items that contain a fair amount of water.

Tip #2 – Hydration

The second way to help you get rid of acne, is to make sure you are hydrated properly.  You should drink about 8-10 eight ounce glasses of water a day.  It may sound like a lot, but water is a key element in purifying the body as a whole.  The water purification will also spread to the outside of your body, the skin, helping you to experience fewer blemishes.

Tip #3 – Vitamins

Making sure that your body has the correct amount of essential vitamins and mineral can reduce the possibility of an acne outbreak.  This is another way to work on getting rid of acne.  Focus on eating foods that have high levels of vitamins A, B12, B, E, B5, & B6.  If you find it difficult to sort through all the ingredients to determine what to eat and drink, you can always purchase supplements.  Many elect to simply take a multivitamin every single day.

Tip #4 – Natural Herbs

Now-a-days, when it comes to getting rid of acne, many are turning towards natural acne products and herbs.  There are a number of herbs that have been found to assist in the reduction of acne breakouts.  Red Clover is an especially popular herb that claims to purify the blood and remove toxins from the body.  Other herbal remedies such as Dandelion Root and Alfalfa are also affective.  There are even Chinese herbs like Yang Ming and Lung Heat that can prove to be beneficial.

Tip #5 – See a Dermatologist!

The best tip has been saved for last.  The best advice anyone can give on the topic of how to get rid of acne, is to go and see your Dermatologist.  Whether you have a mild or severe case of acne, your dermatologist can best determine a course of action based on your unique skin type.  They will work with you in determining the acne triggers for your skin type as well as the best acne treatments.

Conclusion

Acne is a complex skin condition that has plagued millions and millions of people all throughout history. There are many different ways that you can approach this situation. While not all are successful for everyone, there are a few out there that can help you optimize the health of your skin.  Remember to always eat healthy and visit your dermatologist to learn how to get rid of acne.