The best acne treatment is…

Once puberty hits, all sorts of changes start to happen in the body. Hair starts growing in new places, parts start spreading and the face and skin begins to change. At about this time is when the hormones start to kick in. Underneath the skin begins to change and acne and blackheads begin come. Acne is not curable but with different acne treatments, acne can be controlled and in most cases, cleared up.

There are a number of acne treatments to treat acne and blackheads. There is no way to cure acne completely but there are many ways to control acne and keep it hidden away under the skin. Acne is caused by bacteria and acne treatments fight this bacteria to keep it at bay.

Benzoyl peroxide is the most commonly used acne treatment to fight acne and blackheads. This can be used safely by both adults and children. The peroxide is used to treat mild acne and goes to work to destroy the bacteria that can cause acne. This also works to keep the pores free and clear as not to cause any more acne or blackheads. This acne treatment may take a few weeks to kick in but once it does, it needs to be continued to keep the face clear. If stopped, the bacteria will come back in full force and the face will again have acne.

Salicylic acid is another acne treatment to help fight mild acne. This can be found in many different forms such as lotions, creams, alcohol-based solutions and medicated pads. This acid will work to get rid of the dead skin cells and helps with new growth. This acne treatment also helps to unclog pores and blackheads. A few side effects from this type of treatment are mild dryness and irritation. This acne treatment will take a bit to kick in and must be continued to keep the face clean. If the treatment is stopped, the face will go back to the way it was before with blackheads.

Another way to fight acne is with antibiotics. This is a more drastic acne treatment that is used on moderate to severe acne. Only a dermatologist can prescribe these medications. These work by halting the production of the bacteria that causes acne. These medications may take the longest to take effect. Side effects can be a higher risk of a sunburn, upset stomach, dizziness and possibly hives. As with all of the rest of the treatments, if these antibiotics are stopped, the skin will return to its original condition.

Oral contraceptives can be prescribed if a dermatologist believes that the origin of the acne is due to hormones. Birth control will balance out the hormones and keep the acne under control. A doctor will do a through exam to make sure this type of treatment is right for your case. If the contraceptives are stopped, the hormones will go back to how they were and the acne and blackheads again will flare up.

Herbal acne treatments can be used and can come in the form of supplements, teas, oils or creams. The only caution with these is to check with your doctor before hand because it is possible for these herbal acne treatments to interact and make void and current medications that are being taken.

Acne and blackheads are a common problem among teens and adults alike. As much of a problem as it is, there are many acne treatments to treat this problem and keep the acne under control.