More than half the human population has suffered from acne at one time or other. According to the American Academy of Dermatology nearly 50 million people have acne and pimples. The reasons for acne and pimple breakout can range from genetics to hormones; makeup to oily skin; pollution to sensitive skin; bacterial infection to unhealthy diet. Formulation of pus in acne leads to pimples.

Sadly, there is no quick fix to acne and pimples much as the cosmetic industry would like us to believe. Acne and pimples can be treated only with oral and topical medication. One has to be patient while on the treatment. It usually takes 8 to 12 weeks to show results and 18 to 20 weeks before acne completely disappears.

If you want to clear your acne you will have to follow a dedicated skin care routine for at least 4 months.

Get yourself a medicated cleanser especially formulated for acne skin. Wash you face with this and warm water twice every day; once in morning and once at night before going to bed. Wipe your face clean with a witch hazel based toner.

You can go to a doctor for acne prescription or buy medicated over-the-counter medicines available at all drug stores. A very good OTC medicine for acne is benzoyl peroxide. You can also buy lotions and gels that contain salicylic acid. Medicines for acne work by helping the skin get rid of extra oil which in turn stops clogging of pores with sebum. This lessens acne breakouts.

If you have severe acne your doctor might prescribe to you topical applications of Clindamycin, Adapalene, Tretinoin or Erytop. These medicines not only stop excess secretion of oil but also kill acne causing bacteria that reside in the skin pores.

Oral antibiotics like azithromycin, doxycycline, tetracycline and erythromycin are also given to help treat acne from within. When combined with topical application of anti-acne creams and gels oral antibiotics help clear acne faster.

Isotretinoin or Accutane is the strongest known oral medication for treating acne. The medicine is doctor prescribed and is given only when antibiotics fail to clear acne. Accutane is a very strong medicine and helps get rid of acne completely. However, the medicine is known to have side effects including birth defects. Therefore, the medicine should be taken only under the supervision of a doctor.