If you are one of the people who suffer with acne (Zits) then you are well aware of the distress and problems it causes; treatments however, are slowly improving. A great deal of effort is going into research for a cure; these days, even with serious cases, there are many skin care treatments available. Acne skin care products all fall into one of three main categories:

• Internet or Drugstore: Treatment that helps prevents condition
• Drugstore or Internet: Treatments that do not require a prescription
• Prescription only: Requires visit to doctor

Preventative products are formulated to treat the skin in an effort to control the occurrence of acne; this sector deals with skin creams, lotions and cleansers that can help stop the problem. Many people use products similar to this every day as part of their skin care regime; many use these products to protect their skin from the environment even if they do not have the acne condition. There are acne skin care products that are more specialized in there approach; devised primarily to limit the amount of oil or sebum forming in the pores. Excess oil needs to be stopped from clogging the pores as this oil make it easier for bacteria to grow, exacerbating the condition.

General skin care treatments also include special exfoliation products like skin peels; these are easily obtainable in any drug store. These work towards removing dead skin cells, reducing the possibility of pore-clogging and bacteria development. Many other acne skin care products have become available over the counter and on the internet; they don\'t usually require a prescription. These formulations contain the chemical benzoyl peroxide and the naturally occurring salicylic acid; these include creams, cleansers and peels that slow down acne formation.

Dermatologists recommend any product should have low concentrations of the active ingredient benzoyl peroxide (no more than 5.5 parts per hundred) if there is an adverse reaction; should a reaction occur, products containing alpha hydroxy acid are generally safer. Because we all have different types of skin, more than one type of acne skin care product may need to be tried; if none of them work then you would be advised to contact your skin specialist. If you do need to see your doctor or skin care specialist then he may give you a prescription for antibiotics or special ointments.

Under certain circumstances, having the infected material removed from the pores under a local anesthetic may be suggested by your dermatologist; however, sufferers are warned never to attempt this as it could lead to serious skin problems. Your doctor could prescribe a hormone-based treatment to treat your skin problem; hormonal changes are known to cause acne and such skin care treatments often effective. Constant research has paid off, and whilst they cannot cure the condition, it is becoming easier to treat.