There's little doubt that acne can be a troublesome, embarrassing condition. Since it tends to effect the face, it's also one that's very difficult to hide. With this in mind, there are a whole host of different acne treatments available, but the only guarantee with any of them is the fact they will work for some people very well and not at all for others.

Acne in and of itself is a condition that's not totally understood. Its causes appear to be many and the success of any of its treatments depends entirely on the person being treated. Since this is the case, there are a variety of acne treatments available, but remember, their effectiveness will vary from person to person.

Some ways to treat acne that have proven effective in individual cases include:

Diet, skin care changes: Eating a smart, balanced diet and implementing a good hygiene routine has proven effective in helping some people lessen the number of breakouts. Typically, the face should be washed twice daily with a mild cleaning agent meant for the face. A good, balanced diet just makes the body healthier in general and can lend itself to making the skin healthier overall, as well.

Non-prescription medications: Whether they're creams, astringents, pads or strips, these have worked for many a person. In the case of mild to moderate acne, these curatives can be very beneficial. It is important to watch out for any side effects that may present, however. Sometimes acne creams and astringents dry out the skin so badly that one condition is traded for another. If there's a lot of drying in the skin, it's best to discontinue the use of the treatment.

Prescription medications: Doctors have at their disposal several prescription medications that have proven useful for some in treating acne. These medications can be serious business, however, and are only meant to be taken by those who suffer from moderate to severe acne. A breakout of a pimple or three does not justify prescription medication generally.

The waiting game: Sometimes all that's necessary to cure acne is the passage of time. For those who don't suffer severe cases, this can be the best solution.

It's a sad but true fact that there is no one cure all for acne. Inasmuch, it's important to evaluate the severity of the case and seek out treatments accordingly. If all else fails, check with a doctor for more aggressive, prescription treatments. If a case is bad enough, the waiting game is not the way to go as unnecessary scars may result.