Acne has become a taboo health issue that almost no one wants. It affects millions of people each year and can have lasting psychological and physical health impacts. Thankfully, there are acne treatments available that cure acne symptoms in order to improve both skin texture and self-esteem. Here is a brief review of the various types of acne treatments available on the market today.

Acting treatment methods

1. Topical Creams: The application of topical creams like Clearasil, which contains benzoyl peroxide, is very effective as they help to kill the bacteria which cause acne. It also aids in dissolving the things that clog the skin pores, such as keratin. One caveat to using topical creams though is that they can bleach your hair and clothing resulting in discoloration.

2. Exfoliation: This is the process of peeling off the outer layer of the skin to make way for the healthier skin beneath and to prevent clogged pores, which cause acne. There are two ways of doing this. One, you can engage in regular but gentle scrubbing of the skin to peel off dead skin or open up the clogged pores in it. You could also use exfoliation solutions and apply it to the affected area. Pads are soaked in salicylic or glycolic acid or other such liquids and applied to the acne spot. This results in a tingling sensation.

3. Phototherapy: Another method of treating your acne will be to resort to phototherapy. This is the use of light to help in clearing up your skin. However, this excludes sunlight as exposing your acne-affected skin to sunlight tends to result in more acne in the long run as it will cause your skin to produce more natural oils which penetrate the clogged pores and there springs more acne. However, exposing it to intense blue light can result in a reduction of your acne remarkably and stay that way for many weeks or even months sometimes.

Whatever acne treatment you choose, the ultimate choice should rest on the nature of your skin. It would be wise from a medical perspective to first consider any pre-existing skin allergies or drug allergies. For effectiveness of various acne medications and treatments, it is always helpful to consult your health provider on which acne treatment works best for you.