It wasn't that long ago when acne (Zits) was considered a curse for the many individuals that suffer from this problem; but there are now many treatments available which can help the condition so it is more bearable. A great deal of effort is going into research for a cure; now, some of these skin conditions are gradually being conquered. The acne skin care products available fall into these: <UL TYPE="square"> *Drugstore or Internet: Preventative medication *Drugstore or Internet: Treatments that do not require a prescription *Prescription only: From a doctor or dermatologist for more serious conditions </UL

Many skin care products are used as a measure to prevent acne; products like skin cleansers and toners fall into this category. Many people use products similar to this every day as part of their skin care regime; there use is not just confined to individuals who are suffer with the complaint. There are acne skin care products that are more specialized in there approach; devised primarily to limit the amount of oil or sebum forming in the pores. When the pores become clogged with this oil, bacteria which can cause the problem begin to grow.

Other skin care treatments can help exfoliate the skin; these are easily obtainable in any drug store. 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. The growth of the skin care market has allowed even more specialized acne skin care products to be available without the need to visit the doctor. These products have benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid as ingredients which cause a bad reaction in the bacterium. these ingredients are used to remove the additional oil in the pores of the skin.

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; a safer alternative to benzoyl peroxide is anything containing alpha hydroxy acid. It is not always possible to find an acne skin care product that works first time; if nothing you use is effective then speak to your dermatologist for advice. 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 more serious cases your skin care specialist may decide that a small surgical procedure can be used to remove the oil and infection from your pores; never try to squeeze your zits however, as it can lead to permanent damage of your skin. Your doctor may even suggest a course of hormone therapy as a skin care treatment; studies show that hormone based skin care treatments often prove effective. Constant research has paid off, and whilst they cannot cure the condition, it is becoming easier to treat.