Products - Here are some of the more popular products on the market to help with the prevention and spreading of acne:

Benzoyl Peroxide: Helps destroy the bacteria that cause acne.

Proactiv® Solution: A dermatologist formulated 3-Step acne management system - combining prescription- grade ingredients that work together to heal and prevent acne or combination therapy / acne management system.

Salicylic Acid: Helps to unclog pores and renew skin.

Retinoids: Synthetic derivatives of Vitamin A that unclog pores and aid in sloughing.

Antibiotics: They help destroy bacteria and decrease inflammation.

Oral Contraceptives: Help with hormone level management.

Anti-Androgens: These help with the reduction of sebum production and comedone formation, i.e. they inhibit the body"s production of acne-causing hormones.

Isotretinoin (Accutane): an effective acne control medication especially for the treatment of severe cystic or nodular acne.

Acne -- Hormones And Hygiene

Hormones - Hormones or lack of, during later years and especially for women, can play a role in acne flare-ups and prevention. One recent study showed that about 50 percent of women have acne, referred to as hormonal acne, problems during the week before their menstruation. Treatment options can include topical retinoids, oral antibiotics and Benzoyl Peroxide for teen years. On into adult years, some acne aids include oral contraceptives or hormonal birth control pills and hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) for women, combined with systemic or topical treatments, prescription or over-the-counter products and medications, and antibiotics for both sexes.

Hygiene - A healthy skin regimen should include no harsh scrubbing or over-washing, because this can cause possible skin irritation or possible over production of oil to replace what"s washed off, clogging pores in the process. Products with gentle exfoliation ingredients are OK to use; i.e. not scratchy nut or fruit shell pieces that can tear skin. And skip alcohol products when possible; these can take off the top layer of your skin and cause your glands to product more oil, clogging pores in the process.

If you do spot acne-troubled areas, do NOT mess with them. Remember that these are already weeks in the making, and squeezing or picking blemishes can force the infected area to regress back inside, further troubling the region and possibly leave a scar. If necessary, seek help from a dermatologist for alternative treatments.