Ah, acne. It is the scourge of the teenage sexual revolution. Girl-can’t-get-date-with-jock because of those nasty miniature facial volcanoes. Boy-can’t-get-it-on-with-girl-next-door due to a cat-scratched, pot-holed mug. Even if you’re a handsome prince underneath, an acne ridden complexion won’t get you anywhere. You’re better off socializing with the other frogs in the pond.

Contrary to popular belief, teens aren’t the only one affected with this socially malevolent affliction. Many young adults and adults are also suffering from acne. Some cases are so bad that it can cost people their jobs, their love life and self esteem (plus it would be dangerous for you to visit a firing range, lest you be misidentified as target for an assault rifle).

Nobody wants a pockmarked face because it will scar your life one way or another (no pun intended). Fortunately, there is a way to assuage, or even get rid of acne. All hail the best acne treatment!

Ideally, best acne treatment requires washing your face a few times a day with a mild soap. It can usually clear up a lot of acne by ridding the face of excess oils. However, over washing your face could lead to excess drying and the production of more pore-clogging oil, which in turn could cause more acne.

Some of the best acne treatment includes, of course, MEDICATION. Ointments and salves immediately come to mind. Best acne treatments include products like Clearasil and Eskamel, which are topical medicine that might provide relief and are good preventive measures against flare ups. For not so bad cases, facial washes, soaps and astringents are the best acne treatment. The face has very delicate skin so as much as possible, use the mildest chemicals and drugs for the best acne treatment.

A lot of experts also recommend using benzoyl peroxide for best acne treatment. Some studies show that 2.5% benzoyl peroxide may be the most effective concentration. However, it is sometimes hard to find a product containing this minimal amount. It is more common to find the maximum strength 10% dose. This dose should work just fine if you cannot find the 2.5%, do not stress over it. Once again, apply twice daily about ten minutes after washing your face.

One thing to remember though, do not mix/alternate use of salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Using both will most likely cause your face to become irritated, dry or red. If you do not get any acne during that time, consider it a success. Unlike many prescription medicines, generally your face will not flare up with a breakout after deciding to use which ever product you decide on.

Still, finding the product that works best for your skin and lifestyle is the best acne treatment. There is not a single product that will work for everyone. Your search may involve trial and error, but it is important that you give the products enough time to work. Whether you use over-the-counter or prescription treatments, you should allow a minimum of a few weeks to evaluate the product. Excessive use of any acne product can cause redness and dryness of the face. Therefore, it is imperative you follow the directions precisely to avoid harmful side effects and to receive the full benefits of the products.

But in cases that topical ointments and such are already ineffective, the best acne treatment is to go to a dermatologist. Derma clinics are usually the “last resort” because consultation and treatment will cost you money, though they usually yield sure-fire results. Dermatologists are trained professionals and they know best when dealing with skin problems. So if you have enough money and you think your case is in need of a more aggressive treatment, a dermatologist is the best acne treatment.

Whatever it is you choose as your best acne treatment, keep in mind that it takes time for results. Overusing a product will typically aggravate your acne. Frequently switching acne products will irritate the skin, so it is best to stick with one, as long as it effective. And no matter what you do, the best acne treatment is to STOP PINCHING IT!

Copyright 2005 Nora P. Dyson, acne-treatment-insider.com