Excessive oil, dead skin cells and bacteria are the three primary culprits that cause acne outbreaks. So the acne products that are chosen to treat acne should contain ingredients that can combat all these factors. An ideal acne product should be able to cleanse, treat and then protect the skin from further outbreaks. There is no one magic acne product that suits all. Hence some amount of trial and error is necessary before you find the ideal acne product for yourself.

Drugstores and supermarkets are awash with acne products of all types. One glance at the loaded shelves will tell you that your acne condition can be treated through specially formulated creams, gels, masks, scrubs, cleansers and even essential oils. Some of these acne products are natural products made with herbs while others are medicated products made using chemicals.

Users of acne products should always do a patch test to check suitability of the product on their particular skin type. There is no saying which chemical or even natural ingredient might result in an adverse reaction.

Some of the over-the-counter acne products available contain alcohol and acetone. Acetone degreases the skin while alcohol clears the skin with its antimicrobial properties. Both these ingredients used together have been found to be an effective acne product.

Benzoyl peroxide is one of the most common ingredients in acne products. It causes the skin to dry out and thus further spreading of acne is stopped. Benzoyl peroxide has bleaching properties so acne products containing this ingredient should be used with due care. Use of benzoyl peroxide acne products should be continued even after positive results are seen. Continued usage will prevent new acne attacks.

Some acne products contain a combination of resorcinol and sulfur. These acne products suit some skin types very well.

There are several herbal acne products also available in the market. Such acne products do not have the backing of clinical proof of their effectiveness.