Common acne treatments involve the removal of dead skin cells, bacteria, excess oil and irritants. These acne treatments don't work 100% and often cause just as much damage as they solve.

Basic Acne Treatments

Typical treatments, including benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, exfoliate and remove extra skin, disinfect and clear away oil and other irritants on the surface of the skin. Most treatments significantly dry and irritate the skin, further aggravating acne. The free radicals that are released by benzoyl peroxide actually directly harm the skin.

The next progression of acne treatments, usually include some form of antibiotic, whether it be topical or ingested via pills. Lastly, you might have heard of accutane, which is an isotretinoin. This acne medication is typically used last and only if the preceding treatments have failed. They inhibit sebum production. They are typically avoided until absolutely necessary due to their severe side effects.

When you learn how to treat acne, you will teach yourself how to properly clean your face and skin and eliminate excess skin cells, oil and bacteria; however, a truly successful acne treatment will go beyond this. The basic treatments don't help you stimulate the fast recovery and renewal of skin cells. That said, the most complete acne solution will also encourage skin rejuvenation.

Acne Vulgaris Cosmetic Treatments

Acne laser treatment, chemical peels, dermabrasion and microdermabrasion get the skin to reproduce healthy skin at a faster rate. 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 cells of the deeper layer of skin divide, creating a new, healthier layer of skin.

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. This treatment is not a cure for everyone and can be quite expensive, requiring several treatments to reach its desired effect.

Supporting the Skin and Immune System

A complete and balanced diet plays a vital role in this process. The skin is the largest organ of the body and needs antioxidants and vitamins to be well-maintained. Furthermore, most people don't get their daily requirements because they don't consume the recommended servings of vegetables.

A diet rich in vitamin A and vitamin B complex is essential for keeping acne free skin. Vitamin A reduces the creation of sebum, fortifies the protective tissue and also acts as an antioxidant. It also participates in the management and reconstruction of skin. The vitamin Bs are together called vitamin B complex. 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 essential to have a healthy immune system. Acne as you see it is really just the body's reaction to foreign bodies and cell damage. There are some topical systems that help support the immune system, right at the site. Using products with natural antibacterial properties can quicken the skin's healing process, without the negative side effects of chemical medications. You can further support the immune system with natural products that help send signals to your body that amplify the amount of natural antimicrobial peptides released by the skin.

Side effects of your immune system in action include swelling and redness that is difficult to hide. Most treatments to reduce inflammation are unnatural and have immunosuppressant effects. 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.