Acne is one of the most common skin problems affecting people around the world. At some point in their life, nearly everyone will battle problematic pimples that leave them feeling embarrassed, socially unacceptable or even depressed about their appearance. Acne, however, is only on the surface and a healthier skin is just waiting to be discovered underneath. Acne treatments are one of the most effective ways to treat breakouts.

When combined with a few natural home remedies, your skin can be on its way to a healthier and happier appearance. Cleansing your face at least twice each day, including both morning and night, will help to remove any buildup from your skin. Many acne sufferers may not realize this, but certain soaps may actually irritate the skin and add even more redness.

Some commercial soaps have harsh ingredients that are thought to strip the skin of its natural moisture and, in some cases, may even cause mild to moderate itching. A moisturizing soap is a popular alternative and some even enjoy handmade soap products for the ultimate in skin care. When most people begin to notice regular acne breakouts, they tend to stop by the local retail store in search of an affordable and effective treatment.

While over-the-counter acne products can be just as effective as expensive prescription-only acne treatments, your search will be more successful if you focus on your individual problem and less on a product that guarantees immediate results. The truth is that your acne problem did not appear overnight and any product that promises to cure it as quickly is probably more than a little ambitious. Some popular over-the-counter acne treatments, such as Clearpores, DermaCleanse, and ProActiv offer 3-step programs with realistic expectations and do not require a doctor's prescription. Results in any form take time to appear and all acne products should be purchased with that in mind. If and when acne fails to respond to conventional over-the-counter acne treatments, medical intervention may be needed.

This is especially true with severe cases, which sometimes cannot be treated without prescription medication. Accutane is one of the possible acne treatments available to sufferers who have exhausted all other efforts to treat their breakouts. Although it has the potential for dangerous side effects, over two million users have tried Accutane and many have seen results where other acne products had otherwise failed.

Because Accutane is available by prescription only, a physician can best explain both the benefits and risks associated with this 4-6 month aggressive treatment. Whether you have an occasional acne breakout or are suffering with a constant discomfort, never disrupt the problem area by scratching, squeezing or aggravating your acne. Each of these actions may lead to infection or, at the very least, can worsen the redness and discomfort associated with acne. Caring for your skin properly and knowing when to seek medical help will result in healthier skin and a confident smile. The information contained in this article is designed to be used for reference purposes only.

It should not be used in place of professional medical advice or recommendations relating to the use of acne products and/or acne treatments. If you believe that you have a problem with acne that requires medical attention, consult a physician or dermatologist for a professional evaluation and recommended treatment program.

Brian Dolezal is a contributing editor for TopConsumerReviews.com. TopConsumerReviews.com is a leading provider of independent reviews and rankings for hundreds of consumer products. Find out how top acne treatments compare by visiting TopConsumerReviews.com today.