Want the Best Acne Cure? Rate Your Skin First

If you take a quick look on the internet, there are probably thousands of different treatments that claim to be the best acne cure. The truth is, what works for one person might not work for another. What works for mild acne might have no effect if you suffer from severe cystic acne. Is Accutane the best acne cure? Sure, it works, but the side effects are so severe that you have to ask yourself if it is worth it. Let's take a look at the various treatments available, and if they are right for. It all depends on the severity of your acne.

Mild acne. If you have the occasional break out, and the pimples seem to go away after only a few days, then the best acne cure for you is a topical treatment containing 2.5% benzoyl peroxide. You can get this over the counter at a drug store. Stronger concentrations are not any more effective. For best results, apply benzoyl peroxide gel twice per day in a thin film to the areas of your face where you get acne. For even better results, start by applying a salicylic acid cream which will allow the benzoyl peroxide gel to penetrate more deeply. It will take a few weeks to notice results and if you stop treating yourself, your acne will return, but many mild acne sufferers find this treatment is enough for them.

Moderate acne. If you have a more constant set of pimples and they stick around longer and you have deeper pimples, you will need more than a topical treatment. Antibiotics used to be a popular choice (both topical and oral) but they are no longer in favor because they have limited effectiveness and they promote the spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Moderate acne is effectively treated by attacking the underlying cause of acne: androgen hormones. Women can choose hormone therapy which in its mildest form involves taking birth control pills with estrogen. Talk to your doctor.

A holistic approach is the best acne cure for men and women suffering from moderate acne. A holistic treatment program will correct your androgen hormone imbalance with changes to your diet and lifestyle. You can expect to see an improvement in your condition in only days or weeks.

Severe Acne. Topical treatments don't work if you have severe acne. Just like with moderate acne, the best acne cure for severe acne will go after the hormonal cause of acne. Accutane is an effective treatment for severe acne. Unfortunately, it has its drawbacks. Accutane is a strong drug. There are many side effects such as the risk of birth defects for women. You must be monitored by your doctor to ensure that your liver is not put at risk. Also, keep in mind that Accutane is not an instant cure. It can take up to a year for your skin to become clear (and maybe longer if several courses are needed) during which time you will have severely dry skin, peeling raw lips and inflamed pimples. If you are thinking Accutane, you must think "long term" because it makes your skin worse for the short term. All in all, however, Accutane will probably clear your acne. Just remember it is a last resort.

The best acne cure for severe acne is the holistic approach. Just like with moderate acne, you can expect to see results quickly, and have clear skin in weeks or months. I recommend that a holistic approach to treating severe acne be tried before pursuing treatment with Accutane. It is never a good idea to subject your body to harsh drugs when some simple changes to lifestyle can have a similar effect.