Acne is a large problem for many individuals, including both teenagers and adults. Many people believe that the presence of acne will lessen after their teen years are over but for many adults, this is simply not the case. No matter their age, anyone with acne may need to seek an effective acne treatment in order to help rid their skin of this unwelcome intruder. Many individuals turn to an over-the-counter acne treatment and, while there is no blanket system that works for everyone, these products often provide beneficial results. In order to ensure safety during the use of any acne treatment, individuals are urged to read the instructions carefully and pay close attention to any warning labels. During the first use of any acne treatment, whether it be in the form of a lotion or pad, consumers are urged to apply the medication to a small portion of the skin before proceeding with application to the rest of the area. In some cases, an acne treatment product may cause irritation to the skin, which may be minimized by applying the medication to a small test area. This process is not exclusive to the first use of the product and may actually be used before each application. Even if irritation does not present itself at first, it may later appear in future applications. In an instance of a prolonged or extreme case of acne, it may be necessary to consult a dermatologist for an appropriate acne treatment. These physicians are educated toward the treatment of skin and related illnesses, which allows them the advantage of recommending a customized treatment program. If a commercial acne treatment is not helping, there may be no use in continuing to subject the skin to that specific product. Instead, a dermatologist may be able to prescribe an acne treatment that is available by prescription only. In addition to commercial and/or prescription treatments, there are a number of home remedies that can be applied toward acne treatment. By avoiding contact or a disturbance to the acne prone area, individuals will lessen the chance of infection or added redness. In addition, washing the face both morning and night may help to ease the presence of acne. Exfoliation products may also help to rid the skins surface of bacteria and dead skin cells, both of which may cause acne or clogged pores. A quality exfoliation product will reveal the healthy skin cells and rid the face of the old ones. When using any type of acne treatment product, individuals should avoid contact with eyes and are advised to wash their hands immediately after use. In order to avoid skin irritation, most acne treatment products should not be used in conjunction with any other similar product. The information in this article is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice or recommendations for acne treatment. If acne is present, individuals should consult a licensed dermatologist for proper diagnosis and/or treatment.