Acne is a common occurrence during puberty. Everything is usually clumped under the term "acne". However, there are different forms and degrees of this condition.

Unfortunately, there are people that suffer from severe acne like acne conglobata or acne fulminans. For these people, medical assistance is vital, however, milder forms of acne vulgaris can be treated with the proper cleansing routine and OTC skin care products.

Here's how you can treat mild forms of acne:

The Proper Cleansing Routine

Before hitting your teens, it is important that you begin establishing a regular cleansing routine. This is, by far, the best way of treating acne and keeping your skin smooth and glowing. It is also a good way to establish a healthy cleansing routine for the rest of your life.

Any good cleansing routine begins with a soapy cleanser. It's important that your cleanser contain an acne fighting component such as salicylic acid.

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that helps regulate the production of sebum. It also helps promotes the normal shedding of cells which will help avoid clogged pores. Both of these actions are what keep most acne problems under control.

After cleansing, you should use an oil-free toner to remove any debris that was left behind. Then, once a week, follow up with an exfoliator to remove any stubborn debris or dead skin cells and prepare your skin to be moisturized.

Once you've cleansed, toned, and exfoliated you should apply an oil-free moisturizer. If you have oily skin and are used to skipping this step, I strongly suggest you reconsider. Oily skin requires moisture just like any other skin type. In this case, water based or light moisturizers are the perfect product for you.

Over-The-Counter (OTC) Acne Products

If you have acne prone skin then acne creams should be a normal part of your cleansing routine. When looking for this type of product, make sure that you purchase acne products that contain retinol, salicylic acid or sulfur so that you can help regulate the production of sebum.

Ingredients such as sulfur help promote healing while others such as retinol help promote the production of epithelial cells. However, if your skin is dry or sensitive, you should moderate your use of these products. Use a thicker moisturizer to soothe any burning or use these products a couple of times a week.

Treat Severe Acne Properly

As previously mentioned, severe forms of acne, such as cystic acne, should be treated by a doctor. The severe inflammation caused by these types of acne will lead to extensive and noticeable scars. It is vital to begin treatment as soon possible.

But, before running off to by the strongest acne treatment you can find, be aware that some treatment options can produce irritation. For example, cystic acne treatment may require the use of tretinoin, which can cause mild irritation while acne cysts may require intralesional steroid shots.