Until relatively recently, an acne cure was considered to be an impossible goal. Now, the condition is better understood and steps are being taken to provide permanent relief.

Imagine the freedom that you will feel knowing that you can go on that special date without worrying about whether an acne breakout will make you self-conscious and uncomfortable. In the past, teens suffering from an acne problem often tried to cover up unsightly zits with heavy makeup. An acne cure is now possible with proven scientific results in several versions. Specific antibiotics help to kill off the bacteria that are part of the problem. Depending upon the severity and type of the acne condition, either oral antibiotics or topical antibiotics may be prescribed by a health care professional. In addition, there are now some good over the counter medications to help with treatment. Bright light treatment of a specific frequency is another helpful remedy. A whole range of natural remedies is available to those who prefer to avoid more traditional treatments.

Topical Antibiotics

Topical creams, lotions or gels are prescribed for light to moderate severity acne, while more severe outbreaks require the use of oral antibiotics or even further treatment. Topical clindamycin is usually the medication of choice in searching for an acne cure. Clindamycin also comes in an oral form that is prescribed when other types of antibiotics are not doing the job. Topical antibiotics can be satisfactory treatment when the case of acne is not severe, but has the disadvantage of being somewhat messier to use than oral medications.

Oral Antibiotics

Several antibiotics are taken that are proven to provide an acne cure. The most common of these medications is tetracycline. Erythromycin is the second most commonly prescribed medication for control of acne. In addition to fighting the proliferation of the bacteria, erythromycin helps to reduce the disfiguring effects of swollen reddened lesions. Minocycline is another widely prescribed oral antibiotic. It has the negative side effect of leaving deposits in the skin of darkened pigment. Oral antibiotics are not typically the first line of defense against acne.

Light Treatment

Another treatment found to be helpful as an acne cure is blue-light therapy. The Food and Drug Administration has approved high intensity, narrow band treatment to treat acne. Blue light therapy is arguably the best of the light treatments for acne control. The light works by killing the bacteria known to cause acne. The blue light treatment is usually tried when acne has not responded well to other therapy for acne. Blue light is free of ultraviolet light which used to be considered a therapy for acne. UV light has been found to damage the skin cells.

Natural Remedies

Over the years, hundreds of remedies from natural sources have been used by acne sufferers. Although the dated thinking had soap and water used as an acne cure, it is generally understood that the blackheads seen in cases of acne are not caused by dirty skin, nor are they the result of a high fat diet. Bee Propolis, Tea Tree Oil, Essential Oil of Peppermint, and Essential Oil of Clove as a topical remedy are anti fungal, antibiotic and an antiseptic.