Accutane, much like retinoids, is a vitamin A derivative and continues to be the most popular acne skin treatment for severe cases.  While Accutane was the original brand, various generic versions have cropped up.  You can either request those cheaper variants from your doctor or stick to the original.  Personally, I feel more comfortable with the tried and tested Accutane, which has received years upon years of extensive trials and monitoring.

The safety of Accutane has been put into question lately and for good reason - the drug admittedly does have side effects.  Taken under the strict monitoring of a physician, however, it should be as safe as most other prescription acne skin treatments.

Ask any dermatologist about their experience with Accutane and majority will return with tale after tale of patients who have enjoyed amazing transformations under its care.  As such, it has been a favored acne skin treatment, especially for cases of lesions that are likely to produce deep scarring.

If you are considering Accutane or any of the generic acne skin treatments that mimic its effects, you will need to have a serious discussion with your dermatologist so you can be aware of the associated risks.  More than ever, the importance of keeping your appointments is crucial so that any adverse effects can easily be diagnosed.

One of the most popular names in natural skin care products, Jason Cosmetics receives some of our highest recommendations for acne treatments.  Their line currently consists of four anti-acne products that we believe are among the best acne sufferers can hope to use in their daily skin care regimen.

My favorite is the Jason Cosmetics Clean Start Cleanser, an oil-free and non-comedogenic foaming cleanser that you can apply to your face without worries of harsh detergents wreaking havoc on your skin.  It’s ingredients include Green Tea Extract and Deep Sea Minerals, leaving it packed with heavy amounts of antioxidants as well as skin rejuvenating properties.

A product I recommend for those who spend inordinate in social functions is the Jason Cosmetics Acne Control Roll-On, which is both easy-to-apply and highly effective, fitted with antiseptic, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory capabilities.   It’s quick-drying too so you’ll barely notice it after just a few seconds.

Jason Cosmetics’ Acne Control Cleansing Pads is a great product for those engaged in many outdoor activities, leaving their skin prime target for dirt and irritants.  It is especially useful for individuals with oily skin, being a gentle oil remover with natural antioxidant and hydroxy acid ingredients.

Lastly, the Jason Cosmetics Alpha Hydroxy Gel is the real secret weapon, which combines exfoliating effects with anti-bacterial treatment.  Daily use will literally leave your skin amazingly soft and clear.

Some acne will go away with just a regular helping of benzoyl peroxide and a daily cleansing regimen.  Others will not.  For acne sufferers who are having a hard time from the condition, a trip to the dermatologist who will likely prescribe harsher treatments should turn up the best results.  If you’re thinking of paying the local skin doctor a visit and are curious what they may end up recommending for you, the following acne treatments are usually at the top of the list.

Accutane

To this day, it is the most prescribed acne medication among dermatologists.  It is potent and has been proven effective across many hard-to-treat acne cases. However, Accutane does not perform its healing properties without drawbacks.  Many who take the medication end up feeling ill to varying degrees, from simple lightheadedness to full-blown depression.  Other side effects attributed to long-term use of Accutane include liver damage, birth defects and a whole host of other ailments.  Due to dangers surrounding its use, Accutane can only be taken under a doctor’s supervision.

Retinoid

A variant of vitamin A, retinoid (as opposed to its OTC sister, retinol) is often prescribed for large acne lesions.  While effective, it is often harsh and drying and can lead to skin complications if not used under doctor’s supervision.

Light Wave Therapy

For really persistent cases of acne where topical and oral medications failed to work, patients may be put through a light wave therapy.  Under this acne treatment, doctors will use a high-intensity blue light on existing lesions.  It is intended for mild to moderate cases of acne that persists through regular medication but is not likely to be used for severe cases.

Is there really a cure for acne?  I’m sure more than one unhappy acne sufferer wants to know after years of dermatologist visits and product application of various acne skin treatments.  The reality is, there is no single cure for acne.  Instead, what we’ve got are acne skin treatments that work great for some cases but not for others.

If you have acne, there’s a good chance an over the counter acne medication can work for you so there’s no harm in trying them out, even before coming in to visit a dermatologist.  A few good ones to try include:

Benzoyl Peroxide

It’s one of the most widely-used acne skin treatments and for good reason: it works for a lot of people.  Benzoyl peroxide directly attacks the bacteria that causes acne to be infected. As a result, it reduces inflamed lesions and accelerates the healing process.  Additionally, benzoyl peroxide has drying and exfoliating effects even when applied lightly, which can help remove both blackheads and whiteheads from your skin.

Salicyclic Acid

A mild exfoliant, salycylic acid is a BHA that helps shed dead skin cells, clears off clogged follicles (before they become acne) and help loosen the grip of blackheads and whiteheads.  As an acne skin treatment, it is purely superficial and is largely a preventive measure, instead of a cure for existing lesions.  Many dermatologists recommend it as a way to clean the skin before applying more potent acne skin treatments.

Retinol

While they’re not considered to have great effects on existing acne apart from drying it, retinol-based acne skin treatments are great at preventing future breakouts, apart from leaving skin generally healthier.  They also work great in removing old acne scars.