Even the best acne treatments have their limitations. The efficacy of a pimple cure depends as much on the condition of the person who will be using it as on what the treatment is made of. Patients who suffer from acne have a number of treatments to choose from and knowing what these cures can and cannot do will greatly help them make the decision on what to choose.



Below are some of the best acne treatments guidelines that you can use in selecting the most appropriate cure for your zits.

1. Home-based remedies. Pros: They are easy to prepare and the ingredients are usually available right at your home. They don't cost much and are generally effective for mild acne. Cons: Take note that they are for mild acne conditions; if your pimples are severe, home solutions will not help you. You have to prepare these remedies yourself. They don't take too much time to make, but if you prefer pampering, better go to a skin clinic.

2. Topical medications. Pros: There are so many to choose from that you will easily find what's best for you. You can choose from antibacterials, antibiotics, retinoids, creams, gels, ointments, etc. Most of them, particularly those that contain benzoyl peroxide, have been found to be effective for mild to moderate acne. Cons: They can be bought without prescription, but if you're not familiar with them, you will still need the advice of a dermatologist. Some of them can cause mild irritation and rashes if used inappropriately.

3. Oral medications. Pros: You don't need to lather your face with sticky gels or creams. All you need is a glass of water and you're set. Mostly effective for mild to moderate acne. Cons: Oral medications need prescriptions. In some cases, they can cause stomach upset and other digestive problems, hence the need for a prescription. Some may even cause nausea and dizziness, depending on what other medications you are using.

4. Hormonal treatments. They are recommended for women whose acne is caused mainly by hormonal imbalance. Pros: Generally effective for women. Cons: Hormone treatments that are administered through injection might cause the injected area to whiten, although this is usually temporary. You need a recommendation and an approval from a dermatologist before you can undergo hormone therapy. Debate is still open on whether this treatment is really safe, particularly for women in the menopausal stage.

5. Phototherapy. Pros: Fast-acting and is said to be highly-effective. Phototherapy using laser, UV light and fluorescent sources are reportedly effective in removing even the slightest blemish. Cons: There are concerns that the intense light might cause skin burning and kill skin cells. This therapy is still not widely used.

The best acne treatments available to us all have their pros and cons. To make sure that you're making the right choice, ask the opinion of your physician or your dermatologist. You want your pimples to disappear, but you also want to avoid complications, right?