Unfortunately, there are no quick cures for acne.

Over-the-counter pills for acne

The only over-the-counter pills (oral medication) available for treatment of acne is vitamins. While taking vitamins contributes to overall health and wellness, which in turn contributes to the health of your skin, vitamins alone will not be a very effective remedy for acne.

There is considerable controversy in any discussion about the effectiveness of vitamins for any condition. Supplements are one of the most misunderstood aspects of good nutrition. Before popping vitamins in an attempt to reduce the effects of acne, evaluate your overall diet and lifestyle. Eating healthy, drinking plenty of water and exercising regularly should always be the first priority over simply taking vitamin supplements and hoping they have a beneficial effect, on acne or any other health issue.

If you feel the need to supplement your diet in an attempt to treat acne, make sure your supplements include vitamin A and vitamin E. Vitamin C also contributes to skin health, but don't overdo it - your body does not store vitamin C and taking supplements will not have any effect.

Prescription pills for acne

If you want to step up your fight against acne with prescription medications, you will need to see a medical doctor. Your family doctor or internist will most likely refer you to a specialist, known as a dermatologist. Once again, keep in mind that even medical management of acne takes time. You may respond quickly, or you may not; if you don't, then the dermatologist will employ varying modalities to attempt to bring your acne under control.

A dermatologist's first step is usually to prescription antibiotics to fight the bacteria that causes acne and decrease inflammation. Tetracycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is frequently used for acne treatment. Unfortunately, the bacteria that causes acne has developed a resistance to the antibiotics and 50% of people do not find relief with this treatment. However, it is still effective in reducing inflammation.

The next course of action may be to try stronger antibiotic treatment with Clindamycin, Bactrim or Septra.

The average course of treatment with antibiotics is one to six months and may also include treatment with topical medications, such as Retin-A. You should follow the directions for taking antibiotics and not stop taking it just because you don't feel it's helping. Your doctor will make adjustments in your medications at each visit, trying to find the most effective dose and combination of prescription medication and topical treatment.

The next line of treatment is usually isotretinoin, or Accutane. Accutane has been very effective in treating acne and has provided dramatic improvement to the majority of patients treated with it. Approximately 60% of patients require only one course of treatment with Accutane, and 30% require a second course. You should follow the prescription directions carefully and be aware of side effects, which the doctor or the pharmacist will review with you.

There is no quick cure for acne

As you can see, there are pills for acne treatment, but they are not a quick cure. It can take months for a medical specialist to determine what prescription therapies are effective for you. During that time, you may see an immediate improvement in your acne or you may see little change for many months. Don't get discouraged - your dermatologist is trained to treat acne problems and is the best person to help you resolve your skin problems.

Can vitamins actually treat acne?

The application of vitamins in treatment of acne have to do with the benefits on the body as a whole and the skin's function as an organ. With the understanding that skin is the largest organ you possess, the value of vitamins to treat acne becomes more clear.

Skin benefits from a balanced diet and exercise, just like any other organ in the body does. Healthy skin will be less likely to produce the conditions that lead to outbreaks of acne; therefore, the best use of vitamins to treat acne is in the form of a healthier diet.

What vitamins are best?

First, make sure you're getting the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of all vitamins and minerals. The reason they're recommended is because that's what our bodies need to function well. These vitamins and minerals aid in effective metabolism, fat conversion, converting carbohydrates into energy and reconstructing body tissues.

More isn't always better. Water-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin C and B12 are not stored and will just be excreted from the body. Fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A, E and K, are stored in the body and can be toxic in large doses, causing liver or kidney damage.

If you want to boost your body's ability to function, anti-oxidants are an important component. Your body uses oxygen; as a result, cells form by-products known as free radicals. These can damage cells and contribute to the aging process. Anti-oxidants neutralize free radicals and slow down the process.

Supplement with diet and exercise

Rather than trying to regulate skin health by buying vitamin supplements, work on a program of improving overall diet and exercise. Anytime you improve your overall health, you will improve the health of your skin - and reduce the chances of acne outbreaks.

It goes without saying that you should cut back on or eliminate greasy and fatty foods if you're experiencing acne problems with acne or other health issues. Load up on anti-oxidant foods that are good for you - and good for your skin.

Vitamin A - beta carotene: Broccoli, cantaloupe, egg yolk, fortified grains, fortified milk, low-fat dairy products, mangoes, peaches, squash of any kind, tomatoes and yams are rich in vitamin A and beta carotene.

Vitamin C: Bell peppers, broccoli, cantaloupe, citrus fruits and juices, collard greens, kale, kiwi, papaya, raw cabbage and strawberries will give your vitamin C levels a boost without having to chew on any tablets.

Vitamin E: Your body will be better served by eating foods rich in Vitamin E, rather than applying it to your face. Not to keep singing the same song, but broccoli is in this category, as well, along with apricots, fish, fish oils, fortified cereals, nuts, seeds, shrimp, vegetable oils and whole grains.

In short, an improvement in your overall health, including healthy eating habits and regular exercise, is the most effective way to use vitamins to treat acne.

Adult Acne Treatment

• Pay attention to the amount of water you drink every day. You only get to count water! Coffee, tea, soft drinks, flavored drinks – don’t count. There’s nothing better for you than just plain water. Add some lemon to it for a little flavor, but try and drink more water. If you are taking diuretic medication, talk with the prescribing physician, but in most cases you are still expected to take in plenty of water, even when taking diuretics.
• Watch what you eat. Avoid caffeine, sugar and refined carbohydrates, as well as processed foods. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. Vegetables are best for you when they are raw or just lightly steamed.
• Do your best to banish blackheads before they become inflamed and break out as full-blown acne. In addition to thorough daily cleansing, two to three times a week, use an exfoliating scrub in the shower, such as a loofah, and a salicylic acid cleanser or alpha-hydroxy acid exfoliant. Don’t go crazy – gentle scrubbing is all you need, and consistent application. These chemical products work better to clean out pores than most scrubs. Ask for someone in your home to assist you if you have back acne that you can’t reach with a long-handle scrubbie.
• Moisturizer is not bad for acne, but be careful what kind you use. Try non-acnegenic or oil-free moisturizers and apply after bathing or showering.
• If you are experiencing severe back and chest acne, consider changing your laundry routine. Your skin may be irritated by the soap you use, or by inadequate rinsing. Try a gentler laundry soap and run an extra rinse cycle.
• Speaking of clothing – if you work out, try buying workout clothes that have a wicking effect and draw the moisture away from your skin as you work out. This may help reduce breakouts. Wash after every workout and wash all your other clothes frequently, as well. You want what touches your skin to be clean, and as dry as possible.

How Laser Treatment Works

Ablative laser acne scar laser treatments use lasers that remove the top layers of the skin. At the same time, it heats the underlying skin (the dermis) and stimulates the growth of new collagen fibers.  The skin that forms as the wound heals is smoother and tighter.  In this way, the scars are removed with the top layers of skin and the collagen stimulation helps with the healing process and to make the skin fuller and healthier looking once the healing has occurred.  The recovery with ablative laser therapy is painful, since the top layers have been taken off of the skin, and require the patient to recover at home rather than being able to go about day-to-day activities.

Laser resurfacing is a popular option. It removes damaged skin and allows younger-looking skin to take its place. It is effective for minor facial flaws. It has the drawback that the effects aren't permanent and have to be repeated. Nonablative lasers avoid injury to the surface skin and treat the underlying layer, This stimulates the production of collagen but requires less recovery time because the upper layer of skin isn't damaged by the treatment. They are less powerful, however, and usually require multiple sessions.

What to Expect from Laser Acne Scar Treatment

The procedure is performed in an outpatient surgery center or in a surgical suite in the doctor's office. No overnight hospital stay is required. Because the procedure can be painful, the skin is usually numbed with a topical anesthetic and you may be provided with a sedative to help you relax. You may be given general anesthesia if the planned laser treatment is extensive.

Ablative laser resurfacing procedures take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the technique used and the size of the area being treated. After the procedure, you'll look kind of like a boiled lobster! You'll feel like you have a severe sunburn, your skin may be raw, oozing and have blisters. You may have pain. The surgeon or the surgery center staff will advise you on postoperative care and followup.

Nonablative procedures are known as "lunch time" procedures because they don't damage the epidermis (the upper layer of skin) and patients don't have the boiled lobster look.

You may notice an immediate difference in skin quality and will likely continue to see improvement over the 6 to 12 months following your procedure. Although the effects of laser resurfacing can last for years, repeat procedures may be necessary.

Which laser acne removal is best for you?

This is something you'll need to discuss with your dermatologist and/or the surgeon you are consulting with about the procedure. Each has it's pros and cons and it really depends on how severe your acne scars are, what procedure will be most effective, and what you can tolerate in terms of recovery.

What is it?

Witch hazel is a shrub that grows naturally through most of the United States and many parts of Canada. Its medicinal uses were well known to native Americans. It was mainly used on sores, bruises and swelling. Because it has many useful properties, witch hazel can be found in many products, including shaving cream and hemorrhoid creams. It is possible to grow your own witch hazel shrub and prepare distillations and tisanes; however, there are many excellent and natural preparations available.

The essential oil of witch hazel is not sold as a consumer product, so don't look for it. What is sold under the label of "witch hazel" in your local drug store is most likely a distillate, and is often combined with alcohol, which acts as a preservative. Make sure you read the label if you are looking for an all-natural, gentle product. Do not purchase witch hazel that is for first aid use if you plan on using it for skin care. Many of the skin care products available over-the-counter do contain witch hazel. You'll find in many instances that witch hazel water is much cheaper and just as effective.

Treating acne with witch hazel

The astringent properties of witch hazel are what make it ideal as a home remedy for acne. It soothes and cools irritations, while tightening pores and soft tissues.

If you suddenly find yourself with a big pimple right before a big event, soak a cotton ball with witch hazel and apply every couple of hours. It will quickly calm the inflammation and reduce the size of the blemish.

You can also apply witch hazel daily, as you would any other over-the-counter toner product. Consistent use is intended to reduce the number of outbreaks; it will also shrink pores and tighten skin.

General use of witch hazel

If you're going to keep witch hazel water in the house, don't let yourself be limited to using it for acne! Witch hazel's properties are beneficial for a variety of home remedies.

• Use it on insect bites to reduce inflammation and irritation.
• Treat infant diaper rash by applying a cotton ball soaked in witch hazel water.
• Treat varicose veins by soaking wash cloths in witch hazel water, then apply to legs.
• Treat poison oak and poison ivy exposure.
• Heal bruises faster by dabbing on witch hazel three times a day.
• Many after-shave products contain witch hazel - skip the expensive product and just apply witch hazel directly.
• Heal and soothe cuts and bruises.

Once you discover all the wonderful things you can do with a bottle of relatively inexpensive witch hazel water, you'll wonder why it took you so long to discover this versatile beneficial herb!

This article is not meant to replace professional medical advice. Stop using this and any other home remedy if there are negative side effects. Consult a physician if the symptoms are not alleviated. Pregnant or nursing women should consult with a physician regarding the use of any herbal or other home remedy solution.

Isotretinoin (Accutane)

Accutane is a synthetic Vitamin A derivative that creates potentially long-lasting change in the cells lining the pore. This allows cells to slough off naturally without clumping and clogging the pore - the first step in the development of acne. The quantity of oil produced is decreased, as Accutane temporarily regulates the oil gland to produce less.

Accutane has been the most important drug to date in the arsenal of prescription medication to treat severe and persistent nodular, cystic acne. It has provided dramatic improvement to millions who have been treated with it. More than half of patients treated respond satisfactorily with one course of Accutane; after a second course, only 10% failed to permanently respond. If you have severe acne that has not responded to other treatments, your dermatologist may advise that you are a candidate for a 5- to 6-month course of Accutane.

One of the advantages of Accutane is that its benefits may last years, and in some cases are permanent. In the last decade, however, it has been linked to serious side effects, such as depression and suicidal thoughts. If you are taking Accutane, or have a teenager taking it, you need to be hyperaware of these side effects. Other severe, but rare, side effects include nosebleeds and joint and muscle soreness. Another downside is that it causes drying of the skin, and not just facial skin. However, severe side effects are rare, and most patients who take Accutane suffer only from dry skin and chapped lips.

If your dermatologist has recommended Accutane, don't be afraid to ask questions about its side effects. The dermatology medical community is well aware of the pros and cons and they are prepared to answer questions about it.

Oral Antibiotics

Acne is caused, in part, by a bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes). Oral antibiotics work by removing this bacteria and decreasing inflammation. One of the growing problems, however, is that overprescription of antibiotics is leading to a growing resistance of bacteria to these drugs, and antibiotics should be used only under the direction of a physician, and only as directed by that physician. Do not "borrow" other people's leftover antibiotics or buy them online.

Typically, the first antibiotic a physician will prescribe is tetracycline. It's a broad-spectrum antibiotic and is very inexpensive. Tetracycline has been prescribed for decades to reduce acne inflammation. It is easy to tolerate, with few side effects. Erythromycin is also frequently prescribed; however, it has been so ove prescribed for a variety of conditions that 50% of people are resistant to it. Both have value for moderate to severe acne, because of their anti-inflammatory potential. Side effects include primarily intestinal upset, sun sensitivity and discolored teeth. Patients will be advised to avoid unnecessary exposure to sun and to use sunscreen for necessary exposure, and to take the antibiotic with food. If you are pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant or actively trying to get pregnant, you should consult your obstetrician before taking any medication, as these antibiotics are contraindicated for women who are pregnant.

Clindamycin is a second-line antibiotic used in treatment of acne, but can cause reactions such as serious skin allergies and bone marrow suppression, as well as the digestive tract upset and possible colitis.

Your dermatologist will typically prescribe antibiotics for a course of one to six months, with regular followups to check progress. Oral antibiotics may also be used in conjunction with topical treatments.

Topical Treatments

A few topical antibiotics can attack the Propionibacterium acnes bacteria directly through the surface of the skin. They are typically employed to address less serious cases of acne. They may even be utilized in cases of acne vulgaris, a mild form of acne.

Benzoyl peroxide is probable one of the most popular over-the-counter acne treatments, because it attacks the P. acnes bacteria very effectively. There is also evidence that it may penetrate the oil in the plug, control excess sebum production and less skin inflammation. Benzoyl peroxide has been used for over 40 years, without any evidence that the P. acnes bacteria has developed any resistance to it. If you use it and it works, it will continue to work because the bacteria cannot become immune to it. If you are trying benzoyl peroxide for the first time, buy the lowest-strength (2.5%); only progress to stronger compositions if the lowest strength doesn't appear to work, but give it at least 2 weeks.

Topical antibiotics, such as clindamycin, erythromycin and sodium sulfacetamide, remove bacteria. However, topical erythromycin loses effectiveness within a few months, because bacterial resistance develops quickly. Clindamycin is a favorite topical antibiotic, but it also is showing more and more bacterial resistance.

Benzoyl peroxide and erythryomycin (benzamycin), and benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin (Benzaclin or Duac) are formulas combining an antibiotic with benzoyl peroxide; they may work better than either medication used alone.

Retinoids are another topical treatment in the acne treatment arsenal. These stop the formation of microcomedones, the precursors of pimples. The brand name most people are probably familiar with is Retin-A. All retnoids cause dryness, redness, chapping, irritation, flaking, and sometimes an initial worsening of acne. In the first months of treatment, acne impurities are brought to the surface and these will cause a flare. However, it improves over the next three to four months.

Anyone who has attempted over-the-counter medications or treatments and not experienced acceptable results has numerous additional alternatives. Almost all acne can be treated medically with success.

The ultimate goal of acne treatment and prevention is three-fold:

1. Unplug pores.
2. Remove bacteria.
3. Reduce inflammation and swelling.

There are few over-the-counter medications (or even prescription medications, for that matter) that do all three. Using a combination of medications is the most effective treatment. Full face, daily treatment is essential to halting acne in its tracks and preventing future outbreaks. Remember that by the time you see the outbreak on the surface of your skin, the problem has been festering at lower levels for two weeks - don't stop treatments as soon as your skin is clear!

Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is probably the world's best acne treatment. It attacks the P. acnes bacteria very effectively, and after decades of use there is no indication that the bacteria develops a resistance to it. Other reasons for its effectiveness are its ability to penetrate the oil in the plug, and it may control excess sebum production and lessen skin inflammation. All in all, this is your go-to for over-the-counter treatment of acne.

Benzoyl peroxide comes in strengths of 2.5%, 5% and 10%. Start with the lowest strength (2.5%) and give it two weeks. If it's effective, there's no need to go to a higher strength. This is a case where more is not better - higher strength potentially causes more irritation to the skin. If it is effective for you, it will continue to be effective; the bacteria cannot develop a resistance to it.

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid derived from willow tree bark. It works as an exfoliator to loosen and soften plugged pores. It is most often sold in pre-soaked pads that can be used directly on the skin.

Resorcinol

Resorcinol is another exfoliator, acting much the same as salicylic acid, to loosen and soften plugged pores. It may also help reduce inflammation and fight the P. acnes bacteria. It is frequently combined with sulfur, which is another keratolytic agent. Sulfur also has an antibacterial effect, inhibiting the growth of bacteria, and may help reduce redness and swelling by decreasing the formation of free fatty acids. Most people who are allergic to sulfa drugs, such as Bactrim and Septra, don't experience any difficulty when topically applying sulfur.

Cosmeceutical agents

These are products that have not been FDA approved for labeling as controlling acne. There can be a variety reasons for the lack of label, but it doesn't necessarily mean they aren't at all effective. They may be less effective, but their effect might be sufficient for mild cases of acne. Their labels generally will indicate that they are "blemish fighting," "pore clearing," or "skin calming." These imply acne treatment without violating FDA guidelines.

Are over-the-counter treatments safe?

Over-the-counter topicals are generally safe. The worst that can happen is irritation or an allergic reaction that will go away when you discontinue use of the product. If you do have a reaction, make a note of the product name and ingredients and then avoid products with similar ingredients.