Treatment at home can help reduce acne flare-ups.

• Wash your face (or other affected skin) gently one or two times a day.
• Do not squeeze pimples, because that often leads to infections, worse acne, and scars.
• Use water-based skin care products that gently clean your skin. Avoid products such as milky cleansers, cold creams, lipsticks, and lip glosses that contain oils.
• Use over-the-counter medicated creams, soaps, lotions, and gels to treat your acne. Always read the label carefully to make sure you are using the product correctly.

Examples of some over-the-counter products used to treat acne include:

• Benzoyl peroxide (Benoxyl, Benzac, Clearasil), which unplugs pores.
• Alpha-hydroxy acid, which dries up blemishes and causes the top skin layer to peel. You'll find alpha-hydroxy acid in moisturizers, cleansers, eye creams, and sunscreens.
• Salicylic acid (Clearasil, Propa pH, Stri-Dex), which dries up blemishes and causes the top skin layer to peel.
• Tea tree oil, which kills bacteria. You'll find tea tree oil in gels, creams, and oils.

Other products that may help your overall skin condition include skin pore-cleaning strips. When you peel these sticky strips off your skin, dirt and/or makeup is removed by the strip.

You'll have better results if you follow the directions for using topical medications. If you use a product too often, acne can get worse.