Best Acne Treatments

All acne sufferers are in search of the best acne treatment. Unfortunately, what works for one person may do little to help another. Still, there are certain products that are widely known to help treat blemishes.

Proactiv

With a celebrity fan base including Kelly Clarkson, Jessica Simpson, Britney Spears, and Vanessa Williams, Proactiv is considered one of the best acne treatments available without a prescription. Although it is much more expensive than your average drugstore fare, many satisfied customers can attest to the product's effectiveness. Proactiv uses a multi-pronged approach to acne: unclog the pores, kill the bacteria, and clean the pores. Proactiv is designed to treat existing acne, but also to prevent new blemishes from forming. The basic three-part system consists of:

• Renewing cleanser
• Revitalizing toner
• Repairing lotion

A mask and moisturizer are also available. You can order Proactiv from the website and at most malls.

Zenmed Derma Cleanse

Working on the belief that acne is caused by the body's impurities, Derma Cleanse by Zenmed fights acne by treating both the internal and external components. The all-natural capsules work to detox the body while a salicylic acid and witch hazel topical gel treats existing acne. Other natural ingredients found in Derma Cleanse include:

• Chaste Tree
• Gardenia
• Honeysuckle
• Red Dhalia
• Dandelion
• Chamomile
• Milk Thistle
• Red Peony Root
• Chamomile
• Rosemary
• Thyme

Best Acne Treatments: Prescription

If you have tried over-the-counter acne treatments without success, it may be time to visit your primary care physician or, even better, a dermatologist. Doctors can evaluate the severity of your symptoms and prescribe medications accordingly.

Prescription Acne Creams

Prescription medications often contain some of the same active ingredients as over-the-counter treatments, but in a much higher dosage. For example, benzoyl peroxide is found in such common and inexpensive over-the-counter treatments such as Clearasil. It is found in a much stronger concentration in many other prescription creams.

Other prescription creams utilize antibiotics, which are not available without prescription. Some of the most popular acne creams are:

• Benzaclin: This acne cream combines benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin. Some people experience redness and skin irritation in the first few days of use.
• Benzac AC Gel: This gel-based formula consists of benzoyl peroxide and antibacterials.
• Dalacin T Topical: This lotion contains the antibiotic clindamycin.
• Clindoxyl Gel: Another formulation of benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin, Clindoxyl is prescribed for patients with moderate acne and pus-filled outbreaks.

Prescription Antibiotics for Acne

Although the practice is not approved by all dermatologists, many doctors still believe in the use of oral antibiotics to treat acne. This is most beneficial for patients with red, inflamed, pus-filled pimples. Less severe cases generally do not require oral antibiotics. Overuse of antibiotics can lead to immunity. When antibiotics are warranted, the following are generally considered the best acne treatments:

• Tetracycline (do not use if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant; may cause sun sensitivity)
• Erythromycin (safe for use during pregnancy)
• Minocycline (may cause tooth discoloration with long-term use)
• Doxycycline (may cause sun sensitivity)
• Clindamycin (the oral formula may cause intestinal infection)