Acne is a very common occurrence during puberty. And even though everything seems to be clumped under one word - acne - there are different forms and degrees of this condition.

Unfortunately, there are people that develop severe cases of acne like acne conglobata or acne fulminans. For these people, it is necessary that they seek medical assistance unless, of course, they suffer from a milder form of acne vulgaris which can be treated with the proper cleansing routine and over the counter skin care products.

If your acne condition is just a mild form of acne, then here's how you can treat it:

The Right Cleansing Routine

Before hitting your teens, it is important that you begin establishing a regular cleansing routine. This is, by far, the best way of treating acne and keeping your skin smooth and glowing. In fact, it's a great way of establishing a healthy habit that should last you the rest of your life.

Any good cleansing routine begins with a soapy cleanser. It's important that your cleanser contain an acne fighting component such as salicylic acid.

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that helps regulate the production of sebum. It also promotes cell shedding that deters clogged pores. Both of these actions will help keep most acne problems under control.

After cleansing your skin, use an oil-free toner to remove any soapy residue. Then, once a week, follow up with an exfoliator to remove any stubborn debris or dead skin cells and prepare your skin to be moisturized.

As a final step, you should use an oil-free moisturizer. Even if you have oily skin, moisturizing is a must. In this case, water based or light moisturizers are the perfect product for you.

OTC Acne Products

If you have acne prone skin then acne creams should be a normal part of your cleansing routine. Before purchasing any acne cream make sure that they contain retinol, salicylic acid or sulfur, all of which can help regulate the production of sebum.

These ingredients can help promote healing and the production of epithelial cells, however, if you have dry or sensitive skin, you should moderate your use of products containing these ingredients. Use a thicker moisturizer to soothe any burning or use these products a couple of times a week.

Treat Severe Acne Properly

As previously mentioned, severe forms of acne, such as cystic acne, should be treated by a doctor. The severe inflammation caused by these types of acne can easily lead to extensive and noticeable scars, so it is vital that you begin treatment as soon possible.

But, be aware that treating these forms of acne can lead to irritation due to the treatment options. For example acne cysts may require intralesional steroid shots, while cystic acne treatment may require the use of tretinoin, which can cause mild irritation.