Acne is caused by trapped oil, bacteria and dead skin cells within the pores. Mild to moderate acne, consisting of small bumps, blackheads and whiteheads, can often be treated with an over-the-counter regimen such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Benzoyl peroxide is a topical disinfectant that kills acne-causing bacteria within the pores. Salicylic acid is an exfoliant that sloughs away dead skin cells and the inner lining of the pore. While each ingredient works independently of the other, the most effective regimens rely on both. Severe acne consists of painful, inflamed cysts and nodules that extend into the deeper layers of skin. Severe cases require a physician's care and prescription medication. Several medications are approved for acne treatment, including retinoids, oral contraceptives, and oral and topical antibiotics. Your physician will prescribe one that is best suited to your skin and the severity of your acne.

Reviewers say the following about acne treatments:

  • Acne is not caused by junk food. It can, however, be caused by an allergic reaction to certain foods, including nuts and dairy products.
  • It may take some experimentation to find the right treatment. There is no single product or combination of products that is right for everyone. Finding a perfect match will more than likely take a lot of trial and error as well as mixing and matching of products. This is true of over-the-counter treatments as well as prescription medications.
  • Results may not be immediate. It can take six to eight weeks to see results from any particular product. In some cases, conditions may get worse before they get better. You should, however, discontinue use if you experience irritation or an allergic reaction.
  • You don't have to feel it for a product to be working. Experts say that tingling sensations are nothing more than a marketing ploy. The ingredients that create them will not fight blemishes and may irritate your skin.
  • Acne treatments generally do not treat existing blemishes, but they prevent new blemishes from forming.
  • Over-the-counter acne treatments work best when applied to the entire affected area and not just to spots.
  • Moderate to severe acne may require the care of a dermatologist. Some cases of acne will not respond to over-the-counter treatments. This type of acne requires the immediate attention of a dermatologist to help prevent scarring.

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