The best way to get rid of acne is of course the natural way (the natural way is almost always the best one). While your dermatologist likely would give you medicated ointment or cream and antibiotics to take and your pharmacist would suggest you use a cream containing benzoyl peroxide - and these are both fine to do, at least on the short term, acne isn't a short term problem. Acne can last for years, while these treatments are almost certain to cause problems if taken over an extended period.

Recent studies find a link to skin cancer with long-term use of benzoyl peroxide. While a teenager doesn't always see the far reaching effects in the future and only notices the problem today, the benzoyl peroxide products may not be the best way to get rid of acne.

There is no doubt in anyone's mind that the use of antibiotics on a regular basis cause many future problems. Antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria develop and when you really need a drug, there is nothing available to stop their action. The term antibiotic is Latin and it means, "against life". That sends chills down your spine when you put it into perspective. You ingest a pill that not only fights bacteria but also kills your cells. So, where's the answer? Why don't you try the natural way to get rid of acne?

First, target the pimples. Wash your face twice a day, but do not scrub your face. Instead, wash gently with mild soap and pat dry afterwards. Scrubbing can irritate your skin which will lead to more breakouts, while harsh soaps dry the skin, having the same effect. After washing your face, apply fresh lemon juice to problem areas with a cotton ball. Let dry, the rinse the juice off with cool water. Before you go to bed, follow this routine by applying a little calamine lotion.

Now, start with the core of the natural way to get rid of acne. Change your eating habits. Eliminate fried foods, foods containing processed sugars and processed flour and milk. Everyone gasps when they hear you eliminate milk from the diet. Studies show that teenage outbreaks increase as the amount milk they consumed increased. Milk provides wonderful nutrients but also raises blood sugar and may contain hormones. Modern farmers often add hormones to the feed of their cows and these pass to the consumer in the dairy products. Abundance of hormones creates acne, so learn to live without the white mustache.

Throw away your potatoes and all underground tubers. These are also high in sugar and make your blood sugar swing out of control. The swing increases sebum production, a cause of acne. Bananas are too high also. Keep seafood away from the table, add beef, and chicken instead. Make sure you know what they ate. Buy from a reputable butcher that gets his meat from farmers that don't use hormone filled feed.

This is a simple diet, but will go along way towards keeping you free of breakouts. Eat lots of vegetables, other than the ones mentioned above, especially if raw. Fresh fruit is great, except for bananas and for snacks, choose unroasted, unsalted nuts. Beef and chicken are fine for dinner, as long as they are not from hormone-laden factory farms. Ditch the caffeinated beverages and drink water and get plenty of exercise instead. If you follow these natural ways to get rid of acne, you'll have clearer skin before you know it.