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There are many solutions sold for the treatment of acne, most of them without any scientifically- demonstrated effects. However, a mixture of treatments can greatly reduce the severity and amount of acne in many cases.

It is highly recommendable to ask a dermatologist about the interactions between these treatments for any individual case, specially when considering applying any of them in combination. There are several treatments that have been proven effective.

Killing the bacteria that are gathered in the blocked follicles. This is performed either by the intake of antimicrobials or by treating the affected patches externally with bactericidal elements like erythromycin or benzoyl peroxide. However, reducing the P. acnes bacteria will not, in itself, do anything to reduce the oil secretion and abnormal cell behaviour that is the first cause of the blocked follicles. Benzoyl Peroxide has the characteristic of being a great oxidiser and does not seem to produce bacterial resistance. Acne will usually reappear quite soon after the treatment has ended; days later in the case of local administrations, and weeks later if oral antibiotics were used.

Reducing the secretion of oil from the glands. This is achieved by a regular oral dose of vitamin A by-products like isotretinoin (sold as Accutane) over a period of some months. Isotretinoin has been shown to be highly effective in treating severe acne and is effective in 4 out of 5 patients. The drug has a much longer effect than anti-bacterial treatments and will usually cure acne for good. The treatment requires close medical supervision by a dermatologist because the drug has many known side effects, some of which can be severe. The most usual unwanted effects are dry skin and nosebleed. The drug also produces birth defects if women take it while pregnant or become pregnant while taking it. For this reason, female patients are asked to use two separate forms of birth control or vow abstinence while taking this drug. Because of this, the drug is supposed to be given as a last resort after regular treatments have failed.

Exfoliating the skin. This can be performed either mechanically, using a liquid scrub or an abrasive cloth, or chemically. Common chemical exfoliating agents include glycolic acid and salicylic acid, which encourage the peeling of the top layer of skin to prevent a build-up of devitalized skin cells which mix with skin oil to clog pores. It also helps to clear already blocked pores.

Note that the word "peeling" is not used in the classic sense of shedding, but rather as the elimination of the top layer of skin cells at the microscopic level. Depending on the type of exfoliation applied, some evident flaking is possible. If you want to try them, moisturizers and natural acne skin care solutions including exfoliating agents are usually available over-the-counter.

A new acne skin care product offers the opportunity to get rid of scars, blemishes and other dermal imperfections, while at the same time protects you skin and maintains its hydration.