It wasn't that long ago when acne (Zits) was considered a curse for the many individuals that suffer from this problem; but that doesn't mean it's something that cannot be tackled. Research into the causes, and possible treatments, for the condition is ongoing; the result of this effort is new, more effective, treatments are becoming available. We can classify acne skin care products into 3 broad categories:

Preventative: Creams, lotions etc. to help cleanse and tone the skin

Over-the-counter: Treatment

Prescription: Issued for specialized medication from a doctor etc.

General or preventative acne products form a large section of the skin care market; products like skin cleansers and toners fall into this category. Whilst many sufferers use these products there are even more who just want to keep their skin clean and conditioned; often this is irrespective of whether or not there is a problem condition.

Many of these cleansers act in almost exactly the same way as acne skin care products; they are formulated to reduce and limit the amount of oil in the pores of our skin. These skin care products are designed to prevent this from happening.

Skin care treatments such as exfoliation skin peels, clean the skin and help control the spread of the condition; 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 different, specially formulated acne skin care products designed to reduce the problems have now been made available without prescription. Treatments that are effective contain the ingredients benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid; these ingredients are used to remove the additional oil in the pores of the skin.

Generally it is best to start using this type of product with only a small amount of benzoyl peroxide (less than 5.5 percent is recommended), just to see how the skin reacts; alpha-hydroxy-acid based moisturizers are a safer skin care regime alternative if there is a problem. As with any type of zit cream, you may need to try a few acne skin care products until you find one that will suit your skin; if none of them work then you would be advised to contact your skin specialist. Products that your dermatologist or doctor will recommend will only be available on prescription, they may include a course of antibiotics or topical ointments.

Your doctor can recommend that in order to extract the contents of the pustules that a small surgical procedure could be carried out; however, sufferers are warned never to attempt this as it could lead to serious skin problems. Your doctor could prescribe a hormone-based treatment to treat your skin problem; this type of skin care treatment has been very effective in many cases. Tackling this skin condition is not the problem it once was and if treated properly permanently marked skin does not have to happen.

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