There are plenty of products sold for the treatment of acne, most of them without any scientifically-proven effects. However, a combination of treatments can strongly minimize the amount and severity of acne in many patients.

It is highly advisable to ask a specialist about the tradeoffs between these products for any particular case, specially when considering using any of them in combination. There are several treatments that have been shown effective.

Killing the bacteria that are gathered in the obstructed follicles. This is performed either by the administration of antimicrobials or by treating the afflicted areas externally with bactericidal elements like erythromycin or benzoyl peroxide. However, reducing the P. acnes bacteria will not, in itself, do anything to minimize the oil production and aberrant cell behaviour that is the initial cause of the blocked follicles. Benzoyl Peroxide has the advantage of being a great oxidiser and does not seem to generate microbial resistance. Acne will usually reappear quite soon after the end of treatment; days later in the case of local administrations, and weeks later in the case of oral antibiotics.

Reducing the production of oil from the glands. This is achieved by a daily oral intake of vitamin A by-products like isotretinoin (sold as Accutane) over a period of some months. Isotretinoin has been demonstrated to be highly effective in treating severe acne and is effective in well over 80% of patients. The drug has a much longer effect than anti-microbial therapies and will usually cure acne for good. The treatment needs close medical supervision by a specialist because this drug has several known unwanted effects, even some severe ones. The most common side effects are nosebleed and dry skin. The drug also produces birth defects if women become pregnant while taking it or take it while pregnant. For this reason, female patients are asked to vow abstinence or use two separate forms of birth control while on the drug. For this reason, isotretinoin is supposed to be given as a last option after regular treatments have failed.

Exfoliating the skin. This can be performed either mechanically, using a liquid scrub or an abrasive cloth, or chemically. Known chemical exfoliating agents include salicylic acid and glycolic acid, which encourage the peeling of the external layer of skin to avoid an accumulation of devitalized skin cells which mix with dermal oil to clog pores. It also helps to clear already blocked pores.

Note that the term "peeling" is not used in the classic sense of shedding, but rather as the elimination of the external layer of dermal cells at the microscopic level. Depending on the kind of exfoliation applied, some visible flaking is possible. If you want to give them a try, moisturizers and natural acne skin care products containing exfoliating agents are usually available over-the-counter.

A new acne skin care product offers the chance to eliminate scars, blemishes and other dermal imperfections, while at the same time shields you skin and keeps its hydration.