Many people suffer with the skin condition known as acne or Zits; fortunately treatments are improving all the time. It is one of those areas where research has continued to make advancements; the result of this effort is a growing range of effective treatments. We can classify acne skin care products into 3 broad categories:

• Preventive
• Over-the-Counter: Treatments for conditions that do not require prescription
• Prescription only: Requires visit to doctor

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; there use is not just confined to individuals who are suffer with the complaint. More specialized cleaners are designed in the same way as acne skin care products; devised primarily to limit the amount of oil or sebum forming in the pores. These products prevent the oil from getting trapped in pores and can hamper the growth of bacteria, this can lead to the bad skin condition.

Exfoliation skin peels have proved quite effective as a skin care treatment and at controlling the problem; most are readily available over the counter at drug stores or even online. Dead skin cells and other atmospheric pollutants are removed cleaning the pores which reduce the chance of any bacterial growth. There is a huge market for these types of acne skin care products as they don’t require a consultation with a dermatologist. These formulations contain the chemical benzoyl peroxide and the naturally occurring salicylic acid; these include creams, cleansers and peels that slow down acne formation.

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; an alternative to this includes products which contain alpha hydroxy acid. You might have to try a few different creams or lotions before you find the acne skin care product that is effective for you’re skin; if finding something that works is proving difficult, your dermatologist should be able to help. On-prescription treatments are prescribed by a dermatologist and can include ointments that can be applied on the affected area or oral antibiotics or just any topical ointment.

In some case your doctor may suggest the pustules are drained of harmful contents under local anesthetic; this is not something you should ever attempt yourself. Hormone treatment might be suggested as hormone changes can cause skin problems; hormone changes can be responsible for acne but hormone therapy can be very effective when used under prescription. There is no longer any reason to despair if you have this skin complaint or are prone to its effects.