The most common acne treatments aim at getting rid of keratin, bacteria and unnecessary oil and irritants. These acne treatments don't work 100% and often cause just as much damage as they solve.

Basic Acne Treatments

The most typical first steps is a solution utilizing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, which abrade away excess pore-clogging skin, kill bacteria and remove sebum. Unfortunately, in the process, most acne treatments cause significant drying and irritation to the skin and can cause acne breakouts. For example, benzoyl peroxide releases free radicals that damage skin tissue.

Next: Antiobiotics. These are equally available as a topical cream or in pill form. A doctor might prescribe accutane, an isotretinoin. This acne medication is usually last on the list of dermatologists and used when all other options have failed. They focus on reducing sebum production by the sebaceous glands. They are prescribed last due to their lengthy list of severe side effects.

Although you will learn how to clean your skin and get rid of oil, bacteria and keratin in a typical 'how to treat acne' lesson, a truly successful acne treatment will teach you more. First of all, the removal of the aforementioned acne contributors cannot guarantee the ability of underlying skin tissue to heal properly and replace themselves. An all around acne solution will also prompt the skin to heal itself, in addition to removing the skin of the factors that cause acne.

Acne Vulgaris Cosmetic Treatments

Some of the methods used to stimulate the body's natural rejuvenating processes include acne laser treatment, chemical peels, dermabrasion and microdermabrasion. The basic idea is that by removing a layer of skin you prompt the body, as part of its natural recovery process, to create a new, healthy layer of skin to replace that which was lost. The skin cells of the lower layers of the skin divide and create a healthy, new layer.

Light as a form of killing bacteria is entering the market. Prior, UV light was used until it was discovered to alter cell DNA. The blue light in blue light acne treatment targets the bacteria P. acnes, safely killing it without damage to the skin tissue. Like most dermatological procedures, blue light treatment is costly and requires several follow up treatments.

Supporting the Skin and Immune System

A balanced diet is important for healthy skin. As the largest organ of the body, the skin needs its own share of antioxidants and vitamins to function. Most people don't get their daily requirement due to not consuming the 3-5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day.

The most important vitamins in the maintenance of acne free skin (although not all-inclusive) are vitamins A and B. Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant that also strengthens the protective tissue of the skin and can help reduce sebum production. It also participates in the management and reconstruction of skin. Vitamin B complex includes several vitamins. Together, these vitamins revitalize skin and alleviate stress (that itself is a cause of acne). Other tasks include maintaining proper functioning of the adrenal glands and the immune system, systematic removal of toxins and increasing blood flow.

It is key to help support the immune system. Did you know that what you see as acne is actually the body's immune response to foreign bodies and cell damage? Topical creams exist that can help you reinforce your immune system, right at the acne lesions. Using products with natural antibacterial properties can quicken the skin's healing process, without the negative side effects of chemical medications. Now available are natural treatments that have proven effective in reducing infection by sending signals to the body that increase the discharge of the skin's own antimicrobial peptides.

Unfortunately, side effects of your immune system working are the unsightly inflammation and redness that makeup can't hide. There are prescription treatments for minimizing inflammation, however, they are unnatural and often suppress the immune system. If you really want to treat acne, the best acne treatment will soothe inflammation naturally and help moderate inflammatory reactions, without depleting your body's germ fighting abilities.