The Best Acne Cures - What Will Clear My Skin For Good?

Acne is a uncomfortable and embarrassing skin condition that affects over eighty percent of people from their teens to their thirties, and yet, despite its prevalence, it remains a problem without a cure.

This might be extremely disheartening news for the many people who suffer from it, but while medical science cannot yet fix the problem as they can a broken leg, medical advances in recent times have led to the formulation of many efficacious products that produce all the effects of what will hopefully one day be the best acne cures. And the best acne cures vary from person to person.


Acne is caused by the overproduction of the skin of oil called sebum, and the best acne cures would offer some foolproof way to regulate this. Unfortunately, the problem is not yet well enough understood to cure acne once and for all, but there are a range of topical and oral tools that can make management of the condition as effective as a cure.

Sometimes age can be acne’s natural cure, but for those who prefer to take a more proactive stance there are many products that can affect results similar to a cure.



One of the most effective oral treatments yet developed for acne is a medication that can be taken at home, simulating for many the effect of the best cures. Accutane must be prescribed first by a doctor, and though it must sometimes be taken for six months before a real improvement can be seen in the skin, the long-term results have been as positive as any cure.

Accutane is a strong drug that can have harsh side effects, but it has cleared the skin completely of many acne sufferers. Your doctor will usually prescribe milder medications before trying Accutane, but for many sufferers for whom nothing else has worked, it can bring all the results of an acne cure.



For those suffering with milder forms of acne, there are many other products that can act as natural acne cures. Dietary supplements, such as folic acid, echinacea and zinc can have drastic effects upon the skin, without introducing harsh and alien chemical substances into the body. A healthy diet and a good cleansing routine are also extremely important, as these are the basic tools for healthy skin, that will give your body the tools it needs to fight acne effectively.
So, what are the best acne cures? They are around, but they vary from person to person according to the severity of the acne they suffer.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Crump

A Guide to a Clear Complexion

How to make Homemade Facial Oils For Beauty Treatments On Oily Skin

Facial oils are great for part of any beauty treatment because oils and essentials oils can have some wonderful effects on the skin. Oils have been used for centuries in beauty treatments. Many essential oils will help to even out your skin.

Overactive sebaceous glands cause the skin to become oily. This can become a problem during puberty because of the hormonal changes in the body. Sebaceous glands to seborrhea but most of the time the problem occurs as oily patches which leave the skin shinning.

Ironically as it is this usually happens because the skin is being over cleaned from scrubbing the skin with cleansers, soaps and astringents that are harsh on the skin because of the alcohol content in these products.

Most of commercial lotions that are designed to degrease the skin actually cause the sebaceous glands to produce more fat to make up for the lack of it that occurs because of the lotions results. By using essential oils as part of your beauty treatment they will balance the skin out without causing the glands to produce more sebum and can provide the perfect solution for the oily skin.

Some good base oils to use on oily skin are Almond, Apricot Kennel, and Grape Seed and Hazelnut oil. Some good essential oils that you can also add to these base oils are Borage Seed, carrot and Evening Primrose oil. You should use 45 to 55 drops of essential oil to every 2 tablespoons of base oil for oily skin.

You should always use a glass bottle for storing your homemade facial beauty treatments with a screw on lid that is airtight to help keep the products fresh. It would be more helpful with keeping these products if the glass bottles are also dark in color like amber or cobalt because this will help keep the light out which will in turn help keep the product fresh.

These oils can be hard to blend together so you should always shake up the bottle a few times before each use to make sure that the oils are blended well before you use them. Remember, you should always test a small area of skin before you use a new product to make sure that you don't experience some type of allergic reaction to the product.

Essential Oils that can be used in your mixtures for oily skin are as follows:

Chamomile

German Oil

Cypress Oil

Frankincense Oil

Geranium Oil

Jasmine Oil

Juniper Oil

Lavender Oil

Lemon Oil

Lime Oil

Marjoram Oil

Orange Oil

Palma Rosa Oil

Pettigraine Oil

Rosemary Oil

Ylang-Ylang Oil

Here are some recipes for some oils that you can use on your oily skin as part of your beauty treatment. I hope you enjoy!

Oily Skin Daytime Oil
Ingredients:
10 drops Carrot Oil

10 drops Geranium Oil

2 tbsp. Hazelnut Oil

8 drops Juniper Oil

10 drops Lemon Oil

2 drops Rosemary Oil

Mix all these ingredients together and store in a glass bottle with a screw lid that is airtight.

Shake up a few times before each use. Apply this oil, massage into the skin and then tissue off the excess until no excess can be seen.

Oily Skin Nighttime Oil
Ingredients:
2 tbsp. Apricot Kennel oil

10 drops Carrot Oil

5 drops Frankincense Oil

10 drops Juniper Oil

10 drops Lemon Oil

5 drops Marjoram Oil

15 drops Pettigraine Oil

Mix all these ingredients together and store in a glass bottle with a screw lid that is airtight.

Shake up a few times before each use. Apply this oil, massage into the skin and then tissue off the excess until no excess can be seen.

Learn more about this author, C.D. Hubbard.

Benzaclin Acne Treatment Gel

Benzaclin is a topical treatment for acne which is produced by Denmark labs. The active ingredient is 5% Benzoil Peroxcide and this prescription medication sells for $150 for a three month supply (23 oz bottle).

I started using the medication in March 2003 after my doctor suggested it to me during a check up when I told him about my frequent breakouts. After about two weeks there was a noticeable reduction in acne on my face.

I would get a lot of compliments from family members saying “Your face is really clearing up” and that is something which made me feel great because in school people would comment about how bad my acne looked (before I got this medication).Well, about five weeks later (from the time I started using it) my acne was almost all gone on my face.

My face no longer had acne spots and marks on it, my pores looked smaller and my face looked all clear as I had always wanted. Since then I have gotten my compliments about how my appearance has changed and this medication has helped to provide me with self esteem because

I no longer have to worry about what people are thinking about my acne.

At just $50 a month this medication has many a very big difference in my life.

I am now a lot more outgoing and have more friends but also

I feel good about myself for the first time and this medication is to thank. It is like a miracle in a bottle, if you are looking for an effective acne treatment for your acne then I would suggest you try this. For more information visit: http://www.reviewstream.com/reviews/?p=23747

Do You Know the 9 Most Common Myths of Acne?

Myth #1: Acne is caused by a lazy lifestyle of poor hygiene. If you indeed believe in this myth, you will soon discover that by often washing and scrubbing yourself, can worsen your acne. In actuality, dirt or surface skin oils are not the causes of acne. Even though an overflow of oils, a day's accumulation of dust on the skin, and dead skin cell appear unattractive, in order not to worsen the current situation, they should not be wiped off through washing or hand scrubbing. In reality, vigorous washing will only irritate the skin and aggravate your acne problem. The ideal approach to both hygiene and acne: Twice a day, tenderly wash your face using a mild soap, pat dry, and a suitable acne treatment for the acne.


Myth #2: Diet is a major cause of acne. To date scientific studies have failed to find a connection between diet and acne. What this means is that what we eat does not cause acne. Food like pizza, french fries, or even chocolate will not cause us to get acne. Still, there are people who insist that certain foods affect their acne. If you are one of them, then simply avoid those foods. Having a well-balanced diet can only help your overall health. Back to latest the scientific evidence: if you're treating a case of acne in a proper way, there is no reason to fret about what you're eating.


Myth #3: Stress causes acne. The general stress of day-to-day living is not a contributing factor in acne. Intense stress that requires medical assistance is sometimes treated with medications which may cause acne as a side effect. If you think you may have acne in account to a medication prescribed for either stress or depression, it's always a good idea to talk to your family doctor.


Myth #4: Acne is only a cosmetically provoked skin condition. Well yes, acne does affect the manner people look; on the other hand, it's not a danger to a person’s physical health. Nonetheless, acne can sometimes materialize as permanent physical scars; in addition, both acne and its scars can do a number on how people feel about themselves to the extent of deeply affecting their lives.


Myth #5: The best action to take when experiencing acne, is no action. In reality, one can take effective steps for clearing up acne. If you have tried several acne products without success, the next step may be to schedule an appointment to see a dermatologist. With so many products available over-the-counter for treating acne and acne scarring, anyone can take responsible and well-informed steps for treating a case of acne or scars.


Myth #6: Acne is just a teenage condition. The reality is: acne affects every age group from teenagers to people beyond the age of 40. Even though acne most often affect teenagers, adults are not immune from this skin condition. Regardless of age, it's a very good practice and preventative measure to wash your face twice a day, especially with an acne fighting item.


Myth #7: Sex and masturbation are causes of acne. Current research indicates no connection between sexual intercourse, masturbation, and acne. As a matter of fact, this idea began as a "tale" approximately in the 17th century in order to reduce the occurrence of premarital sex.


Myth #8: Squeezing and popping pimples is the ideal way to remove them. Touching and popping your pimples actually can push germs under your skin, which in turn can create additional redness, pain, as well as infection. Remember: popping pimples could sometimes lead to permanent scarring!


Myth #9: Sun tanning will clear up your skin. In actuality, a suntan will only cause your skin to become darker. It's true that darker skin will keep redness because of acne from appearing too noticeable. But then, when your tan vanishes, your acne remains! This and other acne tips provided by: www.acneway.com/acne_myths.html

A Clear Complexion Made Easy

Getting clear skin is a simple matter of paying attention to your daily habits.

First of all, beauty works from the inside out.

Make it your mission to eat as well balanced a diet as possible and take a multi vitamin every day.

While diet has never been shown to have a direct affect on having clear skin or as acne prevention, it is widely known that diet does promote general health and is very likely to play a role in good or clear skin.

It is important and recommended that you consume at least 4-5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day.

This will help you have clear skin. Certain vitamins such as A, C and E are classified as antioxidants and are also cancer fighters.

Get as much sleep as possible (eight to nine hours is the optimum) because it will do your skin and body a world of good.

Clear skin needs to be well rested so if you cannot get enough sleep at night, try to have a catnap sometime during the day. Even a ten to fifteen minute nap is advisable if that is all the time you can spare.

Adequate hydration promotes clear skin. If you want to keep or improve your complexion, drink at least 6-8 eight-ounce glasses a day (more if you're really a go getter!). Clearer skin, here you come!

Any form of aerobic exercise done at least 20-30 minutes per day will get your blood flowing and help keep your skin as clear as possible. And excercise will play a direct role in the levels of stress in your body. Stress is known to have a "bad" affect on general health, clear skin and acne.

Just remember that sweat and oil accumulate faster with exercise so shower directly after your exercise regimen to retain clear, unblemished skin.

How else can you get clear skin?

Well for another thing, makeup is for daytime and evening wear not for bedtime.

Cosmetics left on the face can clog up pores with dirt and debris.

This can lead to problems such as acne or folliculitis.

Your best bet is to take it off with a mild soap free cleanser before you turn in for the night.

Who else has been search for more articles and information regarding acne and skin treatments? Visit Acne-Care-and-Skin-Treatments.com


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Herman

Stop Squeezing Your Pimples - 7 Safe Ways to Get Rid of Pimples

It's everyone's worst nightmare. Waking up the day before a special event to discover a big, red pimple baring itself for all to see right on your face!

Here's how to get rid of it quickly and safely:

1. Don't ever pinch, squeeze or pick at a pimple. This only causes it to become more red and inflamed, and will spread the bacteria and oils that caused it in the first place, to other parts of your face! It can also lead to scars.

2. Every 30 minutes, apply an ice pack to the pimple and hold it there for about 2 minutes. This will decrease the swelling and redness and help shrink the inflammation and pain that sometimes comes along with it.

3. They don't call it concealer for nothing! Covering the pimple with a light dose of flesh-tinted concealer can help mask it when you're in a hurry. It also helps cover up that oily shine.

4. Cleanse your skin 2-3 times a day with mild, unscented soap or a specialized acne cleanser that has no harsh chemicals (such as lye). Scrub skin gently with an exfoliating pad or washcloth, but don't rub too hard, otherwise you'll sap your skin of its own natural oils, which help to repel buildup naturally.

5. Apply a cream or ointment containing benzyl peroxide or salicylic acid (many over-the-counter acne medicines contain these ingredients) to the blemish or around the entire facial area. Note that these ingredients both have a tendency to dry out skin if used too much and are not recommended if you have sensitive skin.

6. Wear oil-free makeup whenever possible. These types have less of a tendency to cause the pore buildup that results in blemishes. Remove your makeup nightly and cleanse with an acne-fighting medicine to remove dirt, oil and makeup from deep within the skin.

7. If you're in need of a quick fix, a dab of toothpaste on the affected area right before bed can help soothe irritation and reduce redness. Pressing and holding a wet tea bag or a cotton ball with a dab of lemon juice against the blemish for five minutes can also reduce swelling and redness.

If you follow these tips, chances are you'll notice a significant difference rather quickly - often within a day or two. If pimples become a recurring problem or worsen, your doctor or dermatologist can suggest a daily skin cleansing routine that will suit your skin type. Other long-term remedies, such as facial masks, diet adjustments and increasing the amount of water you drink can also help combat outbreaks.

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any health care program.

Emily Clark writes articles on a wide range of health and lifestyle topics.

14 Ways to Get Rid of Acne

Whether you're a teen or an adult with acne, you don't have to simply put up with it. Here are 14 ways to get rid of acne.

1. Don't pick, press, rub, or otherwise manipulate your pimples. If you do, you risk spreading the bacteria and increasing the chances of scarring.

2. Use an over-the-counter product containing benzoyl peroxide once or twice a day. It helps break up the plug of dead skin cells, bacteria, and oil that clogs the pore and forms an acne blemish. And it cuts down on the bacteria, too. Start with the lowest concentration, and work your way up.

3. Try over-the-counter products containing sulfur or resorcinol, which help unplug oil glands by irritating the skin. However, most dermatologists believe that benzoyl peroxide is the most effective over-the-counter ingredient for acne.

4. Don't just spot-treat acne; put the product on acne-prone areas, too. That can include your entire face (avoid the lips and eyes), back, and chest.

5. Go easy on your face. Washing removes oils from the surface of the skin, not from within the plugged ducts. In fact, if you're too aggressive in your quest for cleanliness, you may end up drying out or irritating the sensitive skin on your face.

6. Wash properly once or twice a day, using a mild soap, and rub lightly with your fingertips and warm water. If your skin is oily, use a soap with benzoyl peroxide for its drying properties.

7. Don't use brushes, rough sponges, cleansers with granules or walnut hulls, or anything similar on the delicate facial skin.

8. Don't use oily products, such as hair pomades, heavy oil-based facial moisturizers, or oily cleansers.

9. Use water-based make-up.

10. Don't get a facial. You may end up doing more harm than good.

11. Don't rest your chin on your hands or constantly touch your face.

12. Protect your skin from cancer and wrinkles without aggravating your acne by choosing an oil- free sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher.

13. Don't worry about what you eat, unless you notice a correlation between a particular food and your skin breaking out.

14. Watch out for iodine, which can be found in multiple vitamins and iodized salt. Some doctors believe iodine may encourage acne.

Acne Treatments: Old vs. New (Cont. #4)

Experts compare the latest acne treatments to time-tested remedies.

New Light Treatment
Shedding yet more new light on acne care is "Photo Dynamic Therapy", a treatment involving either a pulsed light source or a laser, in combination with a topical preparation known as Levulan. This therapy is approved for use in treating a precancerous skin condition associated with sun damage.

According to Bruce Katz, MD, one of the pioneers of this procedure, it has turned into a powerful one-two punch that not only clears acne lesions, but may be one of the first treatments to offer permanent results.

"So far, we are experiencing three years of clear skin. And it may be longer, but three years is the longest study we have thus far," says Katz, director of the JUVA Skin and Laser Center in New York City.

Katz tells WebMD the treatment kicks in when the light source activates properties in the Levulan that both destroy the bacteria and shrink the oil gland, returning production back to normal.

"If the long-term results studies prove to be true then this is indeed an excellent advance that may work well for patients not wishing to take Accutane," says Jamal.
Goldberg says the treatment is effective, but it can be problematic if patients do not follow the treatment with sunblock or stay out of the sun.

"Sunblock must be on for at least 24 hours after treatment and direct and indirect sun exposure must be avoided," he says.

And, yes, it too is expensive. Treatment is rendered every two weeks for up to 12 weeks -- at a cost of between $500 and $800 per session. Because skin is extremely sun-sensitive for 24 to 48 hours after each treatment, doctors recommend wearing a superstrong sunblock.

But you are getting a bit more for your money: Katz says not only are the results likely to be very long lasting, the treatment also offers antiaging benefits.

Acne Treatments: Old vs. New (Cont. #3)

Experts compare the latest acne treatments to time-tested remedies.

Zapping Pimples Away
The newest over-the-counter acne treatment is not a cream or lotion, but a device -- a tiny electronic pimple "zapper" with the high-tech name of "Zeno."

Recently cleared by the FDA, Zeno resembles a tiny cell phone or a large cigarette lighter. It purportedly works by supplying a small amount of controlled heat directly to the acne lesion for two to three minutes, causing the bacteria to self-destruct and ultimately the pimple to clear.
According to the manufacturer, most zits require a single treatment and are completely gone in just hours. Others, they say, may require up to three treatments in 24 hours to see results.
It sounds impressive, but does it work?

"If the lesion is not too large -- and not too severely inflamed -- it can work. But it's not for widespread acne, or moderate to severe breakouts," says Jamal. She says it's best for the occasional pimple and perfect for zit-phobes who want to keep their skin blemish-free without having to run to the dermatologist every week.

Goldberg agrees that it can work, but recommends it only for those with mild, occasional breakouts. "This is not the treatment you want to use for moderate to severe acne," says Goldberg.

The Zeno device sells for about $215, and the company offers a free 30-day trial.

New Laser Treatments
But what if your acne is causing more than just an occasional pimple? Then you may be a candidate for one of several new laser treatments -- professional medical procedures that use laser light to heat up and destroy bacteria, as well as shut down excess oil production.
"One type of laser works to inhibit the growth of 'bugs' -- the bacteria that cause acne; the second type shrinks the oil glands and has an 'Accutane-like' effect, but without the side effects," says Goldberg. Both lasers also have antiaging benefits including encouraging collagen production, making it an excellent treatment for midlife acne.

Although treatment is pretty much painless, it is expensive, costing between $500 and $800 per session, with at least five to seven treatments necessary to see results. Moreover, those results are frequently not permanent.

"The laser that works on the bugs, usually requires five or six treatments, which may need to be repeated in about two months; the lasers that work on the oil glands have a longer-lasting effect, but flare-ups do generally occur again within six months to a year," Goldberg tells WebMD.
He also adds that laser treatments frequently work better after microdermabrasion -- a treatment that helps loosen skin cells and open pores.

Jamal says because they are so costly, lasers should only be used when topical antibiotic preparations aren't enough.

"The lasers don't do a better job than the topical treatments, and they are more expensive. I use them only as an adjunct, when the topicals alone don't work, or to treat large areas such as the back," she says.

Acne Treatments: Old vs. New (Cont. #2)

Experts compare the latest acne treatments to time-tested remedies.

'Gold Standard' vs. New Treatments continued...

"If a patient has mild to moderate acne, this is still frequently my first recommended treatment. It's the easiest and the most economical, and it works very well for many people," says Jamal.
But while it works well, it can dry and irritate skin. And it was this very complaint that became the impetus for developing one of the first "boutique" acne treatments -- an over-the-counter product known as ProActiv Solution.

Blanketing the nation with celebrity-packed infomercials, product inserts, and direct mail ads, it fast became one of the most popular private-label acne treatments around. But what's in it -- and does it really work?

"It contains a much lower percentage of benzoyl peroxide, in a vehicle that isn't as drying as most prescription medications. And that frequently makes compliance better; so in that respect, yes, it can work better for some people," says Jamal.
Patients' Views

That said, Jamal tells WebMD that pretty much every patient she sees has either used ProActiv, or is currently using it, and is dissatisfied with results.
"I think the problem is that it works initially, but then stops working. At least that's what most of my patients report," says Jamal.

Goldberg agrees. He reports that most of his patients have also tried and failed on ProActiv.
"I think there's a point where it stops working. But to be fair, I think there are probably millions of people for whom the level of effectiveness it achieves is more than enough, just as there are some for whom it's not enough and professional treatment is needed," he says.
The High Price of Treatment

The cost of ProActiv is about $40 for the three-piece starter supply -- about 30 to 60 days worth of treatments, depending on the condition of your skin.

If you aren't overly sensitive to benzyl peroxide, other over-the-counter preparations like Oxy Balance (a 5% solution) and Oxy Maximum (a stronger 10% solution) sell for about $5 for a 30- to 60-day supply. Alternately, Neutrogena's On The Spot Acne Treatment contains the milder 2.5% benzoyl peroxide solution in a preparation closer to ProActiv, and it sells for about $6 for a 30- to 60-day supply.

More recently, another over-the-counter treatment emerged known as Nicomide-T. A topical preparation in cream or gel form, it is derived from vitamin B. In clinical trials of 1,000 patients conducted by the manufacturer it was shown to reduce redness and inflammation not only associated with acne, but also many acne treatments -- like Retin A. In other studies conducted by the manufacturer it was found to be more effective than the topical antibiotic treatment clindamycin. Independent studies found it to be equally as effective as clindamycin "without concerns over bacterial resistance," according to research published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment.

Still, some doctors say it works best only on mild acne.
"I've used the oral form of this treatment and not had great results. It seems limited to treating mild acne," says Jamal.

Nicomide-T sells for about $40 for a 30-gram tube -- a 30- to 60-day supply.

The Affects of Acne on Relatiohships - Jay, Edinburgh, Scotland

Hi I just wanted to say thanks very much for creating this website, people don't really understand the implications and depression caused from having acne. I have had acne since I was 15; I am now 29 years old. The way it affects your social life and affects your relationships and even how it even affects your job. I was a postman for 2 years and had to give it up because it made my acne so much worse; with sweating and the delivery bag rubbing on my shoulders and back. I worked in a bank for the last 2 years but never really felt comfortable with alot of my colleagues and other staff members, I always felt they looked at my face and neck and never really saw me. Acne has affected me so badly I have been on anti-depressants for 10 years. I have now decided to go back to college and get my HNC and HND in computing. I have been going to a dermatologist for 10 years and have been on Roaccutane and have tried (n-lite) which I felt did help but had to go London to have it done which was so expensive because I live in Edinburgh, Scotland. I hope to keep in contact with you and others on this website because it helps talking to people who know something about the nightmare I am going through. (January 2007)

The Real Way To Get Rid Of Acne

Acne is one of the biggest problems for teens these days. Everyone is so worried about it, I was worried about it a few years ago. Whenever a teen saw a little bit of red, they went right to the dermatologist. I knew some people that got these medications that only made the skin feel worse, and not better. It made their skin look like disaster areas!!!

However, I managed to keep my skin clear, and never went to a dermatologist once. What's my secret? Here it is: -Over-The-Counter Remedies- *I tried some, but the ingredients in some of them scared me... Also, some are very bad for your skin. I once tried Clearasil pads just recently, and they actually did work. However, they seemed to irritate my skin quite a bit. Plus one of the main ingredients was the stuff they use in wart medications.

So all in all, these remedies don't really work as well as some other safer ones. Another drawback to these is that they are very expensive, and very many don't work. the best brands however are Clearasil and Biore. Most others are just trash. Remember, it's easy to make a mistake, but not to fix one.

These things can damage your skin possibly. -Dermatologist- *I know someone who had moderate acne that was quite visible. She started to take prescription drugs to treat her acne. It made her skin peel for a while, but then the acne began to subside a little. However, it never went away, and it was still visible.

So in conclusion, the drugs seemed to iritate the skin worse, rather than making the acne go away. Then, she discovered the remedy that I used, and her face became clearer. -The Right Stuff- *So, what's the stuff that works? My favorite soap does, Dove soap. It's not a deoderant soap which can irritate the skin. I've seen people who used a lot of deoderant soap on the face, and it made it very red, it made them look terrible for a little while. However, soap dries out the skin. So, if you have a lot of redness, just wash that area 4 or 5 times a day. I wash my face twice a day. It keeps me from getting acne.

So, get Dove soap, it is without doubt the best soap on the market. -A More Aggressive Approach- *There is one other cheap aggressive approach which is quite unhealthy. Rubbing alcohol. You can purchase a large bottle from some place like Walgreens for $.99 on sale. Alcohol is capable of drying up the skin very quickly, it kills bacteria, and makes the acne go away. Alcohol is a cytotoxic agent though, and therefore kills cells on contact. So, it may be doing more harm than good. Only use in desperate situations, or once a week... Try to use alcohol as little as possible.

The best way to approach acne treatment is the safe way without drugs. Use Dove soap, and lots of it. When your skin is greasy, it becomes red. When it's dry, it becomes normal. Dove soap and rubbing alcohol dry it up nicely, and make the acne away. But, try to stay away from alcohol though, it's cytotoxic. Also, try to stay away from over-the-counter ointments, or atleast some, because they are very bad for your skin. Good luck! Remember, Dove soap is the silver bullet!