Acne is a skin condition that affects people of all ages. The teenage years and young adult hood are when the majority of people suffer from this disorder but for many people the negative stigma of acne follows them into their later adult years. While there are a multitude of acne skin care treatment products on the market today it is best to understand what type of skin you have and how some of these treatments may affect it.



Many of the over the counter acne products will dry the skin out. For those with oily skin this may be good but of you do not have oily skin then you may end up with dry flaky skin in addition to the acne problem. In fact most people's skin is not uniform in the amount of oil it produces. For instance the nose, forehead, and chin are usually oilier then their cheeks. The more you understand your own skin the better you can choose which products to use that work best with your skin.

The best acne treatment is one that reduces the inflammation and redness that is associated with an acne outbreak without causing any harmful skin irritation. You don't want to exchange one problem for another. If you have sensitive skin then your choice of treatment is very important. Remember that many of these products contain medications and chemicals that can cause adverse affects.

Many of the better acne treatment products are designed to moisturize the skin while dissolving the comedones (pustules) with natural plant oils that are absorbed easily by the skin. Many of these natural products, which include Tea Tree Oil, Grapefruit Extract, and Echinacea extract, have skin cleansing and antibacterial properties to control and prevent the occurrence of acne. Also look for treatment products that contain Aloe Vera extract, Tricolor extract, Rose Hip Oil, Lavender Oil and others which are used to decrease inflammation and speed the healing process.

It is also a good idea to take oral supplements that help your skin cleanse and heal itself from the inside. Vitamins A, B complex, C, D, E, Folic acid, flavonoids, and beta carotene found in many multivitamin supplements help the skin maintain itself. Minerals such as zinc, copper, and selenium have also been found to help protect the skin from outbreaks and speed the healing process which in turn can prevent scarring.

Before you run out and buy all sorts of acne skin care treatment products it is always advisable to make an appointment with a dermatologist. They can help diagnose which type of acne you may have and the best course of action to treat it. A good dermatologist will also be able to tell you what type of skin you have and which treatment options will do it the least harm.