With this article, I wish to make the recommendation for you to consult a medical professional, possibly from one that specializes in skin disorder – i.e. dermatologist. He or she will be able to examine your skin in order to determine your skin type (which could range from dry to oily). There are some products that are not appropriate for certain skin types and can have unwanted side effects if applied.

Once you know your skin type, the dermatologist can advise you on what ingredients in products to look out for and possibly avoid.

Now, apart from the over-the-counter medications and other acne treatment products classified as cosmetic products, people looking on how to get rid of pimples may resort to prescription medication as their answer. It is understandable why they would even consider to this alternative. Pimples after all can have a detrimental effect on your appearance and hence your social life, especially for those in their teenage years.

However, I want to emphasize that you should thoroughly explore all other possibilities first before even considering prescription medication. Have you looked at topical solutions? When you shop around for soaps, face wash, cream and the like, keep an eye out for be Benzoyl Peroxide or salicylic acid in the ingredients.

If you can avoid using prescription drugs, then do so. The dermatologist is likely to give you some kind of antibiotic to treat the pimples. The possible problem is that long term use can lead to unwanted side effects as well as a build up of resistance against the antibiotic.

One great way to clear out all the accumulated dirt in your skin is by using steam. You can purchase a face steamer if you like. The shape of this steamer fits perfectly around the nose and mouth area. Another thing that you can do in line with this approach is to pour hot and boiling water over a bowl and place your face directly towards the steam all the while covering your head with a towel to enclose the steam. However, you need to very cautious when you are using this approach because as we all know, boiling water can be extremely dangerous.

Steam will help loosen up your clogged pores, making it a lot easier to take out those unsightly blackheads and whiteheads. Next thing you need to do is to wipe the dirt away using a cotton ball dipped in warm water. Do this every single day to clear out the oil plugs, so you can have a clean, soft and healthy glow on your skin. Take note that this approach is also great for white head removal.

You can also clean the affected areas with the use of scrubs. When you are using over-the-counter scrubs, remember to first try it out on a small portion of your skin. This is to ensure that it does not leave any adverse effects on your skin.

What Causes Acne?

There is a thick, oily substance called sebum that our bodies produce as a natural lubricant.  An overproduction of sebum causes pores to become blocked.  One of the main reasons why our bodies increase production of this substance is the fluctuation of hormones during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy.  Birth control pills have also been linked to an increase in sebum production.

Other culprits that can trigger acne are stress, clothing rubbing against the face, chest or back and even genetics.  Fortunately, there are simple, effective remedies for acne out there.  Here’s a few:

The Most Effective Over The Counter Acne Treatments

Benzoyl Peroxide

• Benzoyl Perozide mildly irritates the skin, which helps dying skin to flake off, which in turn aids in reopening clogged pores.

• Also great at killing off that bacteria that infects congested pores.

Alpha-Hydroxy Acids

• Alpha-hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid, keeps pores unclogged by sloughing off the top layer of dead skin cells.

• Creams, lotions and gels that contain 8% glycolic acid will be the most effective in treating acne and preventing new pimples from forming.

Aspirin

• Believe it or not, one or two aspirins taken 4 times a day will reduce the inflammation that comes with an acne outbreak.

The Most Effective Alternative Acne Remedies

• Use a cotton ball to dab  a little vinegar or lemon juice on acne.  They both have acids in them that will flush out those clogged pores.

• Use Aloe Vera on pimples.   Did you know that a study proved that Aloe makes 90% of pimples disappear within 5 days?!

• Got blackheads?  Mix 1 teaspoon Epsom salt, 3 drops of iodine and ½ cup of water.  Bring it to a boil.  Once cool, use it on a cotton ball to really clean those pores.

An Ounce of Acne Prevention…

• It makes sense to think that keeping your skin free of all of that dirt and oil in the first place will provide an excellent defense against flare-ups.  The truth is, over cleaning will cause the glands to produce more oil, thus causing pimples.

• Don’t reuse washcloths.  Not only are they abrasive to sensitive skin, but whatever bacteria they’re harboring will be transferred to your skin.

• For men, dip your razor in a little alcohol after shaving to ward off any bacteria.

When To Call The Doctor

Usually a pimple every once in a while just comes with the territory, however, if pimples do not respond to over the counter treatments or home remedies within 3 months, then you may want to see a dermatologist.  Also, if your skin becomes seriously inflamed, with painful fluid-filled lumps accompanied by a reddish or purplish cast, something more serious may be going on.