How can you get rid of acne?

To get rid of acne, use over-the-counter products to spot-treat, apply a facial mask, use ice, and for extreme cases, see an esthetician or a dermatologist. The time it takes to get rid of acne varies depending on each individual case.

1. Spot-treat with an acne product

   Choose an over-the-counter acne product, and spot-treat areas of acne. Experimentation may be necessary to find the most effective product. Carefully follow the directions on the package to avoid skin flaking and further irritation.

2. Use a facial mask containing sulfur

   When spot treatments are not working effectively, use a facial mask with sulfur. This helps unclog pores and reduces the appearance of inflammation.

3. Hold ice on affected areas

   To reduce redness and swelling, hold ice on affected areas. Never apply the ice directly to the skin. Instead, wrap it in tissue or a soft cloth first. Hold ice on blemishes for 20-30 second intervals a few times a day.

4. See an esthetician for zap treatments

   When nothing else is working effectively, make an appointment to see an esthetician for zap treatments. Zap treatments use a high-frequency current to kill the bacteria that causes acne. The process is not painful.

5. See a dermatologist for an injection

   As a final resort, make an appointment to see a dermatologist for a cortisone injection to help control the breakouts.