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There is nothing you can do to 'cure' acne once and for all, but you can keep it at bay until your oil glands settle down. Treatments must be continued as part of your everyday routine, often for years. This will prevent further spots from forming.
Washing
Use a mild soap which does not contain any moisturizers or perfume. The best soaps are often the cheapest - supermarket or chemists' own brands. If you have sensitive skin, ask your chemist or doctor for a pH-balanced soap. If necessary, put a small amount of non-greasy moisturizer on any dry patches on your skin. You don't need to wash your face more than two or three times a day and don't use a flannel, as it is rough and can irritate the skin, and may well end up inflaming your pores.
Make-Up
Do not cover your skin with make-up more often than is necessary. Use it lightly and ensure it is water-based and oil-free or non-comedogenic.
Sun tanning and Sun Lamps
Suntans tend to disguise acne but the risks of long-term skin damage which can lead to skin cancer are not worth the benefits. Sun tanning may also interfere with the actions of some acne medicines.
Spot Creams
Most spot products are a waste of money so think very carefully before you spend any money on them. For mild acne, however, products which contain the chemical benzoyl peroxide may be helpful. This substance encourages dead skin cells to be discarded so that the pore openings remain clear. It will also reduce the amount of bacteria in your pores. Three strengths are available: 2.5, 5 and 10 per cent. Benzoyl peroxide is also prepared in different bases for different skin types. For example, while an acetone base may be suitable for darker, oily skin, a water or cream base may be better for fair, dry skin.
This chemical can make your skin go red. While this reaction should lessen after a while, fair-skinned people should start on the lowest strength and may at first need to apply it less often than the instructions say. Some people are allergic to it, so if you react strongly, stop using it.
You must apply benzoyl peroxide to the entire area prone to spots - not just to individual spots. Spot 'pencils' containing benzoyl peroxide are a complete waste of money and so are the benzoyl washes. People using benzoyl peroxide may find that their acne gets worse for a short time before it improves. If you use it on your back, chest or arms during the day, remember that it bleaches clothing, so wear an undershirt you don't care much about. Some of the lesser known brands behind the chemist's counter may be better or cheaper than the ones which are heavily advertised so ask the chemist for advice. If you are under sixteen you may be eligible for a free NHS prescription from your doctor. Discuss the type of product you need with your doctor and your chemist.
Prescription-Only Treatments
If the self-help measures aren't satisfactory, then your GP has a range of more powerful treatments available. You must realize, of course, that they will have to use their own judgement in deciding how to treat your acne. What is appropriate for someone else may be unsuitable for your skin. If you don't feel confident enough to ask your GP for help, then take your parents or an older brother or sister with you. Remember acne should be taken seriously and you have a right to ask for your doctor's help. You should not feel that you are wasting their time. They are there to help you and most will be sympathetic. Explain that you have a problem which is making you miserable. You are aware of some of the treatments around and need their help.
Whatever they suggest, you must realize that it takes some time for any treatment to work - sometimes several months. Unfortunately many people give up after only a few weeks and lose hope. Do not give up. Adverts which promise quick results don't work. Again, see your GP if you're not happy with the results of the treatment - they want to know so they can help you more effectively.
Acne can also be effectively treated with Acne Remedies. These products are designed to stop the sebum from being produced and thus help existing acne outbreaks and reduce future outbreak.