No matter what medicine you use, the results aren’t instant. Based on the severity of your acne, it can take up to six or eight weeks to see a difference. Every case is different, and yours may seem to get worse before they get better. If you experience irritation, or have an allergic reaction to the medication, stop using it and consult a dermatologist. Also, no matter what the product’s marketing department would have you believe, a tingling sensation is not a reliable indicator of the product’s effectiveness. Any ingredient used to create that feeling won’t help your blemishes at all, and may in fact irritate sensitive skin. As a rule, most treatments don’t treat pimples you already have, but they’ll prevent new ones from forming.

Here’s a review of four leading acne treatments. Read it, and consider which one would be right for you.

An excellent choice for daily treatment would be Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control 3 in 1 Hydrating Acne Treatment. (Long name, great product!) It contains 2% salicylic acid, which is a well-known exfoliant that aids in the treatment of acne before it starts, by clearing pores and getting rid of any dead skin cells. It has a very light, and non-greasy moisturizing formula. This product also contains aloe, and cucumber and green tea extracts (all great anti-irritants). The only big downside to this option is that the silicone or the salicylic acid can trigger an allergic reaction in some people, which will in turn make their breakout worse. It’s widely available, sold in many drug and discount stores. The approximate retail price ranges from $8-$10.

If you’ve only got a few blemishes, a spot treatment may be good for you. A good option is Clean and Clear’s invisible acne patch. It also contains 2% salicylic acid, that’s contained on a polymer film dot that goes on over the pimple. The film will dry, becoming invisible- which will enable you to apply makeup right over it. It treats and conceals at the same time. A main drawback of this product is that it contains a percentage of alcohol, which can dry and irritate the skin. But, the amount of alcohol in the patch is fairly low, so this shouldn’t be a big problem except for those who have very sensitive skin.

The Proactiv system is a great option for severe acne or widespread blemishes. It was developed by a dermatologist, and its oil-free, three-step method clears and helps prevent breakouts. The cleanser exfoliates dead skin cells and clears pores, the toner removes excess oil and other impurities from the skin’s surface, while evening skin tone, and the repairing lotion both heals existing spots and prevents new ones from occurring. Proactiv is easy to use, and should definitely be part of your skin care routine.

The last option we’ll discuss is Differin. It can come in a cream or gel form, and is only available by prescription. Differin doesn’t have a generic equivalent. Its active ingredient is adapalene, which is a retinoid. Retinoids have been shown to help in clearing anything from a mild to a severe case of acne, and it’s especially effective if it’s used in conjunction with other topical medicines. It’s generally more well-tolerated than other retinoids, with few side effects other than a minor discomfort when use begins. It’s recommended for more severe acne cases, so if you have a slighter breakout, you can get the same results by using an over-the-counter medication.

Acne is a common skin disorder, and it has left many people looking for the right remedy. It’s indiscriminate, affecting both the old and the young among us. Dermatologists and scientists are striving for a product that works on everyone, all the time, but that day is a long way away because the causes of acne vary from person to person. Before you begin to treat your acne, you should make a visit to a dermatologist to learn more about acne’s causes and solutions. Choosing an effective solution for your acne problem can be confusing, and hopefully we’ve helped you to make an informed decision.