During adolescence you'll probably try out several different types of acne products hoping that you'll be lucky enough to find that will work for you. This is because there is such a large variety of over-the-counter (OTC) acne products that treat mild to moderate acne or periodic breakouts that it's not an easy to make a choice when you're confronted with so many options. So how can you make the right choice?

When you purchase an acne product you'll basically base your decision on a friend's advice. You'll buy whatever worked on him or her and hope that it'll do the same for you, however, you're not the same person, nor do you have the same skin care needs. So, before reaching out for the closest acne medication or the cheapest, you need to learn how OTC acne products work and what ingredients to look for. Once you have the basics for an acne free life, then you'll have all the tools to develop a gentle skin care regimen that can treat and prevent acne breakouts.

Acne causes treated with acne products

There are several factors that may indicate signs of acne formation; however, the formation of a single pimple begins when 3 main factors coincide:

*Surplus of sebum produced by the body

*Blocked pores

*Spread of bacteria

Acne solutions: What works and why you should look for it

Depending on the active ingredient contained in certain pimple products one product can be much more effective than another. Here is a short list of some of the most common active ingredients found in the majority of all skin care products.

*Benzoyl peroxide: Probably the most effective active ingredient in acne products, benzoyl peroxide kills P. acnes, helps remove excess oils from the skin and removes dead skin cells that clog pores.

*Salicylic acid: This ingredient prevents the pores from clogging by slowing down the shedding of cells inside the hair follicles. It also breaks down whiteheads and blackheads.

*Alcohol and acetone: Often available in astringents and other cleansing washes, alcohol and acetone remove dirt and oils from the skin, keeping it clean and clear of acne producing elements.

*Natural ingredients: Our immune system reacts to an injury with inflammation or an inflammatory response. When this type of response occurs we try to soothe it by applying chemical laced products that can actually destroy our own skin cells and skin structures. This is why it's best to use products that contain special natural ingredients that can gently restore lost skin structures.

Keep in mind that there is also a wide range of acne products that don't contain ingredients capable of treating your specific acne treatment needs.