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.

Treatments for severe acne
If you can count more than 10 blemishes on your face, your acne may be considered severe and you should consult your family GP. Your doctor may refer you to a dermatologist or suggest one of the following prescription medications:

Tetracycline. This oral antibiotic helps clear up the infection occurring inside clogged pores. However, using this antibiotic may cause vaginal yeast infections and photosensitivity (when skin becomes sensitive to sunlight and burns easily). This medication should not be taken by pregnant women.

Minocycline and Doxycycline: These oral antibiotics in the tetracycline family fight bacteria. Other variations include Oxytetracycline and Erythromycin.

Retin-A (Tretinoin): A derivative of vitamin A, this treatment comes in a gel or cream and is applied directly to the skin. It fights bacteria, reduces inflammation and opens blocked pores. Because it causes peeling, you may experience severe redness and irritation after use, and your skin may become sensitive to the sun. Sometimes Retin-A is used along with benzoyl peroxide.

Adapalene (Differin): A topical Retin-A-related drug. Although milder than Retin-A, this product causes less irritation and works to unclog pores.

Roaccutane (Isotretinoin): Highly potent, this oral medication is prescribed for very severe acne only. Roaccutane reduces oil production, bacteria and clogging of pores, but it also causes very dry skin. This product should not be taken while pregnant or while trying to get pregnant because of the risk of potential birth defects. Doctors have also recently discovered that this drug may possibly be responsible for severe depression and other behavioural changes.

Azelaic acid (Skinoren): A gel or cream applied directly to the skin which exfoliates dead skin cells and prevents clogged pores.

Clindamycin Phosphate (Dalacin-T): This antibiotic is topically applied to the skin – is also an anti-inflammatory.

If a regular course of antibiotics doesn’t help your acne go away, your doctor may also prescribe the birth control pill Dianette. This pill lowers levels of testosterone, the male hormone which influences the production of natural oils in the skin and can cause acne.