Over the counter acne treatments sometimes have unnatural chemicals that certain people would like to avoid. Instead, these people try home solutions or more natural acne treatments. Others don't believe that home remedies are powerful enough to fight stubborn acne. These people opt for stronger acne medications. Here are some tips and information so you can decide what is right for you to become acne free.

At Home Acne Treatments

There are a variety of home solutions that work and it's a great way to avoid unnatural products. Here are some things you can try.

*Apply essential oils at night such as Tea Tree Oil, Bergamot Oil, Clove Oil, Lavender Oil, and Rosewood Oil. Wash your face clean in the morning with pure soap and water.

*Acne originates within your body, not just at the surface of your skin. Therefore, it is imperative that you drink plenty of water to detoxify your body and clear your skin.

*You can exfoliate and clear pores with an oatmeal mask once or twice a week. Cook oatmeal and while it is still warm, apply to your face, allow oatmeal to dry and then wash away.

There are various at home remedies that work, and some which don't. However, people with more serious acne, for example cystic acne, often choose stronger over the counter acne treatments.

Over the Counter Acne Treatments

Over the counter acne products can be very effective because they target the causes of acne. Certain products function by killing Prionibacterium acnes (P.acnes), the bacteria that creates inflammation. Other acne products help reduce sebum output or speed up the growth of new skin cells and removal of dead skin cells. Some treatments work by a combination of these things.

Acne medication treatments work in different ways depending on their active ingredient. Here are some common active ingredients found in acne products.

*Benzoyl Peroxide is very effective as it kills P. acnes as well as removes excess oil and dead skin cells that clog pores. It is available in different strengths that come in products in certain percentages.

*Salicylic Acid prevents pores from clogging by slowing the process of skin cell shed within hair follicles. It also breaks down whiteheads and blackheads.

*Alcohol and acetone are found in astringents and cleansing washes. They remove dirt and oils.

These products are powerful in fighting acne, but have higher risks of side effects which may include dryness, sensitivity to sun, stinging or irritation, redness or peeling.

Now there are many natural options available that offer strong results while evading negative side effects. The top acne treatment is a powerful but organic acne cream which is a great compromise between home remedies and irritating over the counter treatments.