Acne, whether it’s the traditional pimple, blackheads, whiteheads, or some other variation of these unsightly skin blemishes, can be extremely unpleasant. They play havoc with your appearance and don’t feel very good either. Even worse, it’s hard to talk to others about acne treatments because the condition can be so embarrassing. Fortunately, you don’t really have to. There are effective acne treatments and you can read about them right here.

What Not to Do as Acne Treatment

One of the most popular acne treatments that you should definitely avoid is popping pimples. While this can be extremely satisfying, it can also be extremely damaging to your skin. If a pimple has become engorged and white at the head and looks ready to pop on its own, it can be okay to help the process along by applying heat to the pimple or by lancing it with a sterilized needle. Using your fingers to squeeze the pimple is highly contraindicated. Your fingers carry bacteria and squeezing can push some of the acne causing material deeper into your skin, making matters worse. Furthermore, trying to pop a traditional raised red bump type of pimple that is not ready to pop can leave a permanent scar.

What Acne Treatments to Try

Soap and Water

Believe it or not, washing with soap and water really can help with your acne condition. Regular good hygiene practiced by washing your face and body with regular soap and warm water can help get rid of some of the debris and oil that contributes to acne, and can accelerate the healing process and even discourage new pimples from forming.

Benzoyl Peroxide

If your acne is severe or persistent, do not step up your washing efforts. Excessive washing can irritate the skin and cause it to become dried out, which will not cure your acne problem and may cause long term skin damage. If your acne is not responding in a satisfactory way to soap and water, it’s time to break out the big guns, which in this case, means benzoyl peroxide.

Acne treatments with benzoyl peroxide work because this compound has been clinically proven to kill acne causing bacteria. However, benzoyl peroxide is most effective when delivered as part of a dermatologist-approved acne treatment system like the one offered by Proactiv. Proactiv has a three part system designed to help benzoyl peroxide work in the most effective way possible. If you are struggling with acne and other treatments are not helping, consider the Proactiv system. You will need to make a commitment to using all three parts of the system each day and each night, for as long as you have acne, and, once your acne goes away, for as long as you want to continue to be acne free. If you are able to commit to the program, you may find, like many others have, a dramatic improvement in your acne condition after just a few weeks. Talk to your dermatologist about Proactiv and see if it may be right for you.