Acne spots, skin blemishes such as pimples, blackheads or whiteheads can be embarrassing and uncomfortable. These acne spots can affect people of all ages, despite the fact that teenagers are the ones most commonly affected. But what can you do about acne spots? There are a number of acne remedies to try, some more effective than others. Here are some acne remedies that many people consider.

Acne Remedies: Popping Pimples

This remedy is NOT recommended. It’s hard sometimes to resist the temptation to squeeze a pimple or whitehead that appears to be ready to burst with pus. To do so may provide a temporary solution, but it can cause damage to the skin, and rarely addresses the root of the problem. While this is one of the oldest acne remedies, it may be one of the least effective and most damaging. Use cover up as a temporary solution before abusing your skin in this way.

Acne Remedies: Soap and Hot Water

On the other hand, another of the oldest acne remedies, vigorous washing with soap and hot water, can be one of the best. Acne spots are generally caused by oil and bacteria beneath the skin, and a good soap and hot water can go a long way towards cleaning these problematic materials out. Be sure to use hot water and a quality soap, not one with lots of dyes, scents or additives. Also, wash thoroughly and completely, but don’t overwash, as this may cause skin to become irritated or dry out.

Acne Remedies: Over the Counter Acne Medication

Over the counter acne medication may be good in a pinch, but it also can lead to drying out of the skin, which can be unhealthy. Furthermore, particularly stubborn cases of acne may not respond to conventional medications, in which case you can get just as good or better results with soap and water. Over the counter acne medication has its place, but it is often not an effective long term solution to the problem of acne.

Acne Remedies: Dermatologist-Approved Acne Treatment Systems

On the other hand, a dermatologist-approved acne treatment system like the one provided by the Proactiv series of products may be your best acne spot solution, particularly in cases of very stubborn acne. Acne sufferers have three problems: Getting rid of the current outbreak, getting to the root of the problem to minimize the occurrence of future outbreaks, and treating the skin so that it does not become damaged. Accordingly, the Proactiv system comes in three parts, a Renewing Cleanser, with micro-crystal benzoyl peroxide that is extra fine for easier penetrating of the skin where it can destroy acne causing bacteria, a Revitalizing Cleanser, which smoothes and refreshes your skin so that it does not get dried out, and a medicated Repairing Treatment. Proactiv is not just about dabbing some cream on your face and hoping your problems go away, it is a long-term treatment system for acne, designed to get rid of your acne spots and prevent new acne spots from forming, hopefully forever.