Every teenager has experienced the dreaded acne. Once puberty sets in, our body goes through some hormonal change, including the appearance of acne on the face, neck, shoulders, chest and back.

Acne is a result of three factors: overproduction of oil, irregular shedding of dead skin cells and bacteria. There are different types of acne that will need acne remedies:

Whiteheads. These happen when pores of hair follicles are clogged and blocked with dead skin and oil secretions.

Blackheads. These are almost the same as whiteheads except they are open to the skin and darker.

Pimples. These are raised red spots that are a sign of inflammation or infection in the pores.

Cysts. These are thick lumps, almost like small boils, on the skin, that are formed by buildup of secretions very deep in the hair follicles.

There are acne remedies available to everyone. These acne remedies always start with a healthy skin regime. A basic skin care routine is essential to prevent acne or resorting to a more expensive acne remedies.

1. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser. Facial scrubs and astringents wont do because they have a tendency to irritate the skin more.

2. Use over-the-counter acne remedies like acne lotion to dry the excess oil and encourage peeling. Products with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide works best.

3. Keep your face clean. Avoid having your hair touch the face because it can cause irritation and may increase the case of acne.

4. Do not pick or squeeze the pimple. You will make it worse.

Available acne remedies usually comes in lotion, creams or liquid form. There are homemade acne remedies that you can use like applying toothpaste to the inflamed area or using the egg wash treatment for the skin. However, it is still recommended that you see a dermatologist before using any homemade acne remedies.

Acne remedies work by reducing oil production, speeds skin cell renewal, fights bacterial infection or doing all three. The results do not happen overnight. Some acne remedies need four to eight weeks of constant treatment before any results show up. Often times your skin turns for the worse before clearing up.

See your dermatologist before using any of the following acne remedies:

Topical treatments. Like acne lotions may dry up the skins oil, kill bacteria and promote sloughing of dead skin cells. These products can be helpful for very mild acne. Look for lotions that contain benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, or salicylic acid as their active ingredient.

Antibiotics. These acne remedies are for or moderate to severe acne, prescription oral antibiotics may be needed to reduce bacteria and fight inflammation.

Facials. These acne remedies are overlooked sometimes but can be effective in lessening the acne outbursts. Twice or thrice a month should be enough to maintain a healthy skin.

Cosmetic surgery. This is the last resort, especially for those with facial scars left by acne. The procedure includes peeling away the damaged skin with chemicals by burning or freezing it, intense light therapy, dermabrasion and laser resurfacing.

No cure is better than prevention so as much as possible start eating healthy. Avoid too much oily food, drink eight glasses of water and eat more vegetables and fruits. Acne remedies can only do so much for you unless you start taking better care of your skin.