Acne is one of the most common diseases in the world. It is a skin condition in which the follicle of sebaceous glands gets blocked and an inflammation occurs in the skin due to trapped skin oil (sebum). It commonly occurs in adolescence though it affects all age groups. Acne mainly affects the face, upper arms, back, chest and neck.

There are no overnight cures for acne. Results of treatment are noticeable anywhere between 2 weeks to 6 weeks. The types of acne are comedonal, papulopustular, inflammatory and severe acne.

In comedonal acne there is no inflammation. The way to cure such acne is to apply topical acne lotions of azelaic acid or salicylic acid (skin defoliants) or topical retinoidal acne lotions (follicle normalizing agents) or benzoyl peroxide (Anti bacterial agent) acne lotion. (Benzoyl peroxide is one of the best over the counter acne product).

Papulopustular acne or mild inflammatory acne can be cured by topical antibiotic acne lotions like erythromycin or benzoyl peroxide acne lotions or topical retinoidal acne lotions. The use of antibiotics kills bacteria momentarily but does not give permanent cure for acne.

Inflammatory acne or moderately inflammatory acne can be cured by topical retinoids or benzoyl peroxide acne lotions in combination with oral antibiotics. Oral antibiotics give longer relief but still are not effective for permanent cure for acne.

Severe Inflammatory acne can be cured by retinoidal acne lotions like isotretinoin or by hormonal treatment. The hormones that are beneficial are drospirenone and cyproterone. Hormonal treatment is more effective in women. Self-medication can be dangerous. Consult your doctor before using any medicine listed here.

Some dietary supplements like acuzine are popular. The dietary supplements contain antioxidants, vitamins, collagen, herbal extracts etc, which are beneficial for the skin and speed up recovery. However dietary supplements in themselves cannot be considered a treatment. Though the manufacturers claim that many patients have been cured and found relief from acne.