Must-Have Acne Products that Work

Acne is the most common skin disorder among teenagers and young adults. Many factors influence the onset and recurrence of acne including heredity, hormones, diet, and stress. Though heredity cannot be controlled, it is possible to work with the other causes of acne to reduce the number of breakouts. There are also a variety of tried and true acne products, natural, medicinal, and prescription, that work for specific types of acne.

There is no cure for acne. Accutane, a dangerous acne medication, is the closest dermatologists have come to curing acne for good. Though Accutane clears up acne permanently for approximately 60% of those prescribed this medication, the side effects of Accutane make it inappropriate for many acne sufferers. Accutane, also called Isotretinoin, causes severe birth defects and may cause suicidal thoughts. Women of child-bearing age must take birth control while on Accutane and be tested for pregnancy monthly. People with depression are prohibited from taking Accutane. This drug is the most severe acne treatment alongside cosmetic treatments like chemical peels and acne scar injections. There are other, less dangerous acne products that can be effective.

Besides prescription antibiotics, Accutane, and birth control pills, which can help women who develop acne around their menstrual cycles; acne can be treated by topical prescriptions. Creams like Retin-A, Differin gel, Tazorac, and Duac contain ingredients like vitamin A, benzyl peroxide, and salicylic acid which dry up pimples by reducing bacteria in pores. Cosmetic treatments like laser treatment, light therapy and Microdermabrasion are some advanced methods used to treat acne.

Natural Acne Products

All medications have side effects. For those who wish to treat acne in a less invasive, more natural way, there are some recommended natural acne products. The best natural remedy for acne is water. Drinking 8-10 eight ounce glasses of water a day flushes toxins from the body and helps maintain skin's natural moisture balance. A healthy diet including fresh fruits and vegetables also helps manage acne and provides additional water to the body. Natural, topical acne products such as aloe vera gel, zinc, and vitamins A, C, and E (in topical form), and sulfur all help dry up acne pimples and keep pores free of bacteria while moisturizing the skin.

Stress-reducing exercises and equipment like yoga, aromatherapy oils, relaxation tapes, visualization exercises, and other forms of exercise help the body relax and reduce incidence of stress-related breakouts. Exercise, like drinking water, helps flush the body of toxins. When the body sweats, it releases excess water through the skin. Showering immediately after exercise will also help prevent acne by keeping the skin clean.