The psychological harm acne or Zits causes it's many sufferers should not be underestimated; treatments however, are slowly improving. The number of people afflicted around the world is huge so science research is making advances; this is good news with the range of effective skin care treatments improving all the time. Acne skin care products all fall into one of three main categories:

*Preventive

*Over-the-counter: Treatment

*Prescription: Dermatologist or Doctor, specialist cream or ointment

Probably the largest part of the skin care market is products designed to clean the skin and inhibit the formation of acne; this sector deals with skin creams, lotions and cleansers that can help stop the problem. Many people these days use products like this to maintain their skin; there use is not just confined to individuals who are suffer with the complaint.

More specialized cleaners are designed in the same way as acne skin care products; they work by limiting the production of sebum/oil and prevent clogging of skin pores. These products prevent the oil from getting trapped in pores and can hamper the growth of bacteria, this can lead to the bad skin condition.

This type of skin care treatment also includes those which exfoliate such as skin peels; these are easily obtainable in any drug store. They work by reducing oil plus other contaminants from the skin and in the pores; this can reduce harmful bacteria and stop their chance of growth.

The growth of the skin care market has allowed even more specialized acne skin care products to be available without the need to visit the doctor. Most of these creams etc. are based on benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, both of which are the enemies of bacteria (and hence acne); these include products which extract the unwanted oil from the skin.

It is preferable when you first start using this type of product to keep the concentration of it low, around 5.5 percent is best; should a reaction occur, products containing alpha hydroxy acid are generally safer. You might have to try a few different creams or lotions before you find the acne skin care product that is effective for you're skin; however, if nothing you try seems to work, you should contact a dermatologist. If you do need to see your doctor or skin care specialist then he may give you a prescription for antibiotics or special ointments.

Your doctor can recommend that in order to extract the contents of the pustules that a small surgical procedure could be carried out; never try to squeeze your zits however, as it can lead to permanent damage of your skin. Hormone treatment might be suggested as hormone changes can cause skin problems; studies show that hormone based skin care treatments often prove effective. There is no longer any reason to despair if you have this skin complaint or are prone to its effects.