When you can't afford to see a dermatologist and pay for prescription acne medications, you should consider the over-the-counter products that allow you to treat your acne at home. But what are these products and are they safe? Yes, they are safe steps in treating your acne and they would prevent many of those bad outcomes some have experienced in trying to cure their acne.

These treatments are effective for many people and you can apply these at home. But, take note that these guidelines are only for mild acne problems and if you have a more complicated situation, you have to seek the help of a professional.

If plain soap and water seem to have little benefit, then you may wish to move on to alternate products. The shelves of any pharmacy are filled with medicated soaps, creams and other treatments. Remember to read the label and precisely follow the directions. If you expose your skin to the chemicals for excessive periods of time, they will have adverse effects on your skin.

It can take up to a couple of weeks for your results to become apparent. This can be frustrating when you are trying home remedies. Do not rush and use too much of an acne treatment product, as overuse can lead to far more damage to your skin.

Perhaps you are familiar with salicylic acid which is another treatment often used at home and common in facial wipes and pads. Salicyclic acid, if used properly, is an excellent tool to combat pimples and unclog your pores. When using salicyclic acid products, however, be careful, because improper use can do more harm to your skin than good.

These two treatments, benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, are very useful home acne treatments. But be very careful in your use of them. As they say: "A little goes a long way".