The key to treating acne is not to cure the outbreaks that have already occurred.
The most affective medications for acne are preventative.
To put it simply, acne is caused by hair follicles becoming clogged with sebum and old skin cells.
Inflammatory acne happens when these blocked pores become infected with P.
acnes bacteria, causing red, sometimes painful cysts.
There are two medications that work against the processes that cause pimples are benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.
Benzoyl peroxide kills the bacteria on the skin and dries up excess sebum, and salicylic acid helps to speed up the shedding of old skin cells.
Both have an anti-inflammatory effect.
Used together as part of a regimen, most people find these medications very effective in controlling their acne.
In order to treat acne effectively, yet economically, you just need to find three products.
The foundation of a good skin care program is a simple cleanser, a benzoyl peroxide product and a salicylic acid product.
Products lines such as Neutrogena, Dove and Clean & Clear offer very economical choices for these products, and generic, store brands work well, too.
Just look for products with 2.
5% benzoyl peroxide and 2% salicylic acid in creams, gels or toners.
You should clean the areas of the skin that are prone to acne twice a day with a gentle cleanser that isn't over drying and doesn't clog pores (non-comedogenic).
Once a day, you should follow the cleanse with a benzoyl peroxide cream, again covering all areas that usually breakout.
After the second cleanse of the day, use a salicylic acid product in the same way.
Add a non-comedogenic SPF 15 sunscreen to protect sensitive, acne-prone skin.