In the meantime, drink plenty of water and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Usually acne is a cellular disorder and not caused by anything you are or are not doing. It seems to have a genetic link.

There are some products that can help.

Almay has a three step program for oily skin that is effective for many. Fighting acne is not easy and can take a few tries to find what works best for you. Whatever program you decide on, stick with it for a month before you give up on it, unless you are having unpleasant side effects/irritation that does not go away.

Use only hypoallergenic and non-pore clogging products.

Most over-the-counter products have the same ingredients, despite the price range. Salicylic Acid and Benzoyl peroxide are the mainstays of over the counter acne treatments. Both can be irritating to the skin and both require the use of sunscreens to reduce sun sensitivity irritation. They can be drying and can cause irritation. You can reduce use to every other day if that is the case. Using them more often than directed is not a good idea either.

Retinols before bed are a good bet to increase cell turn over to reduce or elimine blackheads, blocked pores at the source. It is the only FDA proven drug for treating clogged pores, despite claims to the contrary. Several products have been tested and proven effective. Many are sold in anti-wrinkle/anti-aging products over the counter. Ex[ect some redness and peeling initially. It is expected and intentional. Use three times a week at night after cleansing with a gentle cleanser (not an acne cleanser) and increase to every night as tolerated.

A good acne plan for starters would be to cleanse with a oily skin acne cleanser such as neutrogena or Olay, or other in the morning, followed by an acne moisturizer specifically for reducing oil or some other acne moisturizer with sunscreen. Then at night, wash with a mild, hypo-allegenic cleanser such as olay, ceraVe, purpose, or cetaphil, followed by a retinoid product. Many are sold under anti-aging creams, such as Olay. It doesn’t really matter what brand, what claims, or whatever. Just make sure it is non pore-clogging and hypoallergenic. There are oil-blotting products to keep your face from being shiney during the day.

Often people take oral tetracycline/doxycycline for acne. It reduces inflammation and reduces breakouts. It is available with a prescription.

Another drug, Aldactone/spironolactone, a blood pressure med, works off-label for hormonal acne when given twice daily in low doses. You can use it a week before your period and for a week or two afterward, or take it daily to reduce acne that occurs around your peroid or times of stress.

Clindamycin (antibiotic) and benzoyl peroxide gels are often prescribed for AM use, with a retinoid products such as differin, retin-A Microgel, etc. prescribed for night time use. That way, all types and causes of your acne are being attacked at once. It works well for many people, but needs a doctor to order it.

So…those are your options. Do not believe outrageous claims from any product over the counter. Read the label and decide for yourself.

If all those methods fail, there is an oral drug called Accutane/Amnesteem that blows acne out of the water, whatever kind it is. It is metabolized through the liver and can affect cholesterol and triglyceride levels, so you must get bloodwork to monitor for any adverse effects. It also causes birth defects, so birth control for women is essential. You cannot donate blood while taking it either. It is very effective and has been deemed safe since the 70’s, but people are somewhat fearful about taking it. I would try other methods first, but consider it as an option if nothing is working.

You don’t have to pay a lot of money for products that contain the same ingredients as cheaper ones. Check your ingredients and save your money.

Avoid scrubs and peels. They just further irritate your face.

If over the counter products aren’t working after a month, see your doctor or dermatologist for an effective regimine.