Acne: Acne treatment

Need common-sense advice on how to treat acne? Read on for our daily skin care solutions

Choose a mild cleanser. Avoid harsh cleansers and grainy scrubs, as they can actually make your acne worse. Resist the tendency to cleanse vigorously because this may further irritate the skin and do more harm than good.

Don't wear make-up to bed. Make sure you remove all cosmetics with a mild cleanser and water before going to sleep.

Don't use astringents. If you remove too much of your skin’s natural oil, your glands will react by overproducing oil, which in turn can cause acne.

Don't pick or squeeze spots, as this can lead to scarring.

When choosing make-up, buy only oil-free products, which will be labelled noncomedogenic.

Use an oil-free and non-comedogenic sunscreen daily.

Treatments for mild acne

Acne can't be cured, but it can be managed successfully. Treatments for both mild and severe acne work in one or more of the following ways:

By reducing oil production
By reducing the bacteria that causes infection
By improving the way dead skin cells exfoliate so they can't clog pores.

For mild acne, doctors often recommend using an over-the-counter remedy before resorting to more serious treatments that require a prescription. Keep in mind it takes about a month to see results from over-the-counter products. Here are some of the most widely used medications for mild acne, available at your local chemist:

Benzoyl Peroxide: This is a drying ingredient that helps reduce oiliness and kills the bacteria that causes spots, but it doesn't affect oil production. It comes in creams, gels and lotions. Benzoyl Peroxide is available over-the-counter in mild forms, such as Oxy On The Spot and Quinoderm cream, and by prescription in stronger formulations.

Salicylic acid: Sold in creams, lotions or pads, this product fights blackheads and whiteheads by helping to unclog pores. Popular brands include Clean and Clear Cleansing Lotion and Neutrogena Clear Pore Lotion.

Sulphur lotions: Available in creams and lotions, these sulphur-based products reduce bacteria to help control whiteheads and inflamed spots. Look for brands such as Clearasil Treatment Cream.