Common acne treatments involve the removal of dead skin cells, bacteria, excess oil and irritants. However, the removal of these contributing factors to acne can prove to be a challenge and in themselves often cause acne flare ups.

Basic Acne Treatments

Benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid are most commonly used as a first step in acne treatment to remove keratin, sebum, irritants and bacteria. These treatments, however, can really dry out and irritate the skin, further aggravating acne. It has been discovered that benzoyl peroxide actually releases free radicals that further damage the skin cells.

Next: Antiobiotics. These are equally available as a topical cream or in pill form. A doctor might prescribe accutane, an isotretinoin. This severe acne medication is usually only prescribed when all other treatments have not been successful. Isotretinoins work on inhibiting sebum production. Unfortunately, they also come with a long list of, often very severe, side effects.

While undergoing lessons on how to treat acne you would learn how to properly clean the skin and rid it of excess oil, bacteria and dead skin cells, however, a successful acne treatment will include a few more tricks. First of all, the removal of the aforementioned acne contributors cannot guarantee the ability of underlying skin tissue to heal properly and replace themselves. That said, the most complete acne solution will also encourage skin rejuvenation.

Acne Vulgaris Cosmetic Treatments

Methods that assist in encouraging rejuvenation include acne laser treatment, chemical peels, dermabrasion and microdermabrasion. The underlying idea behind these methods is the controlled irritation or removal of skin cells to stimulate skin cell replication. The cells of the deeper layer of skin divide, creating a new, healthier layer of skin.

Light as a form of killing bacteria is entering the market. Prior, UV light was used until it was discovered to alter cell DNA. Blue light acne treatment uses a special blue light that, in the process of disinfecting the skin, does not damage the skin. It can be quite costly and requires more than one treatment.

Supporting the Skin and Immune System

A balanced diet is important for healthy skin. The skin is the largest organ of the body and needs antioxidants and vitamins to be well-maintained. Furthermore, most people don't get their daily requirements because they don't consume the recommended servings of vegetables.

Although there are many vitamins and minerals that play a role in acne appearance, be especially aware of vitamin A and vitamin B complex vitamins in your diet. Vitamin A reduces the creation of sebum, fortifies the protective tissue and also acts as an antioxidant. It is involved in the maintenance and repair of skin tissue. The vitamin Bs are together called vitamin B complex. These vitamins sustain healthy skin and relieve stress, another contributing factor to acne. Some of their roles include ridding the body of toxins, enhancing blood circulation and maintaining the proper function of adrenal glands and the immune system.

It is key to help support the immune system. What you see as acne is the body's immune response to antigens and damage to the sebaceous glands. Topical creams exist that can help you reinforce your immune system, right at the acne lesions. Products with natural antimicrobial properties can help you support the immune system in its response to rid the body of antigens without the drying and other harsh side effects of traditional prescription therapies. Now available are natural treatments that have proven effective in reducing infection by sending signals to the body that increase the discharge of the skin's own antimicrobial peptides.

Unfortunately, side effects of your immune system working are the unsightly inflammation and redness that makeup can't hide. There are prescription treatments for minimizing inflammation, however, they are unnatural and often suppress the immune system. If you really want to treat acne, the best acne treatment will soothe inflammation naturally and help moderate inflammatory reactions, without depleting your body's germ fighting abilities.