It wasn't that long ago when acne (Zits) was considered a curse for the many individuals that suffer from this problem; although it undoubtedly causes distress, a number of topical remedies are available. Research into the causes, and possible treatments, for the condition is ongoing; as a consequence, many of these new treatments are very affective. Although the number of acne skin care products and treatments might at first seem endless, they can actually be categorized into three areas: <UL TYPE="square"> *Preventive *Drugstore or Internet: Treatments that do not require a prescription *Prescription only treatments </UL

General or preventative acne products form a large section of the skin care market; products like skin cleansers and toners fall into this category. In the real sense, these products are just those that should be part of your daily routine; often this is irrespective of whether or not there is a problem condition. Some of these products are designed to act like an acne skin care product and act against the causes of this complaint; devised primarily to limit the amount of oil or sebum forming in the pores. Excess oil needs to be stopped from clogging the pores as this oil make it easier for bacteria to grow, exacerbating the condition.

Exfoliation skin peels have proved quite effective as a skin care treatment and at controlling the problem; these are easily obtainable in any drug store. This type of peel helps reduce the chance of oil clogging up the pores as well as removing other skin impurities; this can reduce the bacterium growth on your skin. Many other acne skin care products have become available over the counter and on the internet; they don't usually require a prescription. These formulations contain the chemical benzoyl peroxide and the naturally occurring salicylic acid; these ingredients are used to remove the additional oil in the pores of the skin.

It is preferable when you first start using this type of product to keep the concentration of it low, around 5.5 percent is best; alpha-hydroxy-acid based moisturizers are a safer skin care regime alternative if there is a problem. Because we all have different types of skin, more than one type of acne skin care product may need to be tried; if finding something that works is proving difficult, your dermatologist should be able to help. Only doctors or skin care specialists can prescribe some medications, including the use of antibiotics and certain ointments.

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. An alternative that has been shown to work well is hormone therapy; hormone changes are known to be one cause of acne. Positive research means that a sufferer does not have to put up with this condition anymore.