The creation of acne treatment products are on the rise and it's no wonder. With nearly 17 million people suffering from the disorder, in the United States alone, it is easily one of the most common skin diseases. A disorder that results when hormones react to your skin's sebaceous glands, acne is a severely embarrassing and potentially disfiguring disorder that can cause deep scarring and emotional distress. Naturally, a slew of new treatment options are available, including over the counter (OTC), prescription drugs and more to help combat this skin disorder.

Even for very severe cases, treatments are available to help. The over the counter topical remedies (lotions, creams, gels) are not prescribed by a doctor and can be purchased at any drugstore and have been shown to be very effective. The main ingredients in these products are often benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or sulfur, which do help in clearing up acne most of the time.

Several types of prescription topical medicines include benzoyl peroxide, tretinoin, adapalene, and azelaic acid. These can work well also, however some people develop side effects including stinging, burning, redness, peeling, scaling, or discoloration of the skin.

Then there are non-prescription products like Acuzine that come in pill form and contain Co-Enzyme Q-10, vitamin E, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Aloe Vera and other natural antioxidant ingredients. They work at the problem from the inside out, similar to antibiotics and usually have a minimum of side effects.

One common prescription medication is called Accutane. Many people have seen excellent results with this product, however there are side effects for some people. These include upset stomach, dizziness or lightheadedness, changes in skin color, and dry skin.

No matter what treatment you choose for your skin condition, do not expect immediate results. Most products take at least four to six weeks before you notice a significant improvement. Some take more, others may take slightly less but four to six weeks is the average wait. However, the earlier it's treated the less chance you have of scarring and that's got to be worth something.

Whether you have mild or severe acne, there is a product that is right for you. Consult with your doctor, conduct your own research and in no time you will have found a perfect treatment regimen for your skin type. Soon enough, you'll be on your way to clear skin.