During your acne years you're sure to go through several different types of acne products in search of one that will work for you. This is because there is such a large variety of over-the-counter (OTC) acne products that treat mild to moderate acne or periodic breakouts that it's not an easy to make a choice when you're confronted with so many options. So how do you know which one is best for you?

When you purchase an acne product you'll basically base your decision on a friend's advice. You'll buy whatever worked on him or her and hope that it'll do the same for you, however, you're not the same person, nor do you have the same skin care needs. So, before reaching out for the closest acne medication or the cheapest, you need to learn how OTC acne products work and what ingredients to look for. Once you have the basics for an acne free life, then you'll have all the tools to develop a gentle skin care regimen that can treat and prevent acne breakouts.

Treat acne causes treated with acne products

There are several factors that may lead to acne formation; however, the development of a single pimple begins when 3 main factors coincide:

*Overproduction of sebum

*Clogged pores

*Bacteria proliferation

Acne solutions

Pimple products effectiveness depend greatly on their active ingredient. Here is a short list of the most common active ingredients found in most skin care products for acne.

*Benzoyl peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide kills P. acnes, helps remove excess oils from the skin and removes dead skin cells that clog pores. It is probably one of the most effective active ingredients used in acne products to date.

*Salicylic acid: This ingredient prevents the pores from clogging by slowing down the shedding of cells inside the hair follicles. It may also break down whiteheads (clogged pores that have no opening) and blackheads (pores that are open and have a dark surface).

*Alcohol and acetone: Alcohol and acetone are often available in astringents and other cleansing washes. These ingredients are also very helpful in removing dirt and oils from the skin, keeping it clean and clear of acne producing elements.

*Natural ingredients: Our immune system reacts to an injury with inflammation or an inflammatory response. When this type of response occurs we try to soothe it by applying chemical laced products that can actually destroy our own skin cells and skin structures. This is why it's best to use products that contain special natural ingredients that can gently restore lost skin structures.

Don't forget that there is wide range of acne products available; however, not every product contains ingredients that are apt for your specific acne treatment needs.