The better way to choose the medication, however, is to consult with a doctor or pharmacist to get their informed recommendation. Even though acne is common - and in many cases fairly minor - a health care professional will be able to suggest the best treatment for your particular form of acne.

Deciding on which product to use can be tough, with the large selection to choose from. It's a good idea to have some knowledge of the various ingredients in acne treatments to help you make an informed choice.

One of the most widely used ingredients in acne medication is benzoyl peroxide. It's found in various gels and ointments and does its job by fighting the bacteria that cause pimples. It will also work well for removing dead skin cells. These dead skin cells combine with sebum to form the blackheads and whiteheads that are common with acne.

Benzoyl peroxide has been shown as a safe and effective treatments for minimizing lesions. You can continue to use it after your acne has cleared up to help keep your skin acne free.

The primary side effect from benzoyl peroxide use is dry skin, which you can minimize by decreasing how often you apply it. It also stains clothing and can bleach your hair, so be careful when using it.

Another common ingredient in acne products is salicylic acid. This help to clear away the dead skin cells that can lead to blackheads and whiteheads. Using these products after your acne has cleared up will help to avoid future problems. The main side effect from this ingredient is again dry skin.

Other ingredients you will often see in acne treatments are resorcinol and sulphur. Of all these ingredients, benzoyl peroxide is really the most versatile. It can be used in bars or liquid cleaners, lotions, gels and creams, giving you lots of options to choose from.