Before you can treat acne the cause needs to be addressed first. There are 3 main causes of acne, they are: excess amount of sebum production, follicle pores are blocked, and the presence of bacterium inside the follicle. Acne can be treated with topical creams, gels and liquids, oral medications, surgical procedures and light and laser therapy. Below are the top 10 acne treatments.

1.Benzoyl Peroxide - is one of the most popular topical medicines for acne. It unclogs pores, reduces infection as well as reducing inflammation.
2.Erythromycin - reduces inflammation and infection. Tetracycline is one of the most common antibiotics to treat acne and is available in capsule form. The dose will depend on the severity of the acne.
3.Retinoids - Derived from Vitamin A, Retinoids are effective in treating both mild and moderate acne. Common Retinoids are Isotretinoin, tazarotene, tentinoin, and adaplene. Retinoids treat acne by increasing the cell turnover of the skin.
4.Physical Procedures - Drainage and Extraction is a procedure performed on cyctic acne fillied with pus, sebum, body fluids, and dead skin cells. The cyst is cut and drained. Chemical Peels is the use of Glycolic Acid to peel away the skin, removing blackheads and whiteheads.
5.Treating Mild Acne - Whiteheads and blackheads are the first stage of acne, treating them helps prevent the second and third stage from occurring. Topical Medications for whiteheads and blackheads are Salicylic Acid, Resorcinol and Sulphur, Benzoyl Peroxide, Alcohol and Acetone, and Topical Retinoids. These are the active ingredients found in creams, gels, liquids, and other acne medications for easy application.
6.Nicotinamide - Also called Niacinamide is a component of the Vitamin B complex group. Niacotinamide can be taken orally or topically. It reduces inflammation, reduces the red appearance of acne, and reduces the oiliness of the skin.
7.Blue Light Acne Treatment - A high intensity blue light is used to treat the acne. The blue light destroys the infection causing bacteria P.acnes and helps to reduce inflammation. This is a common treatment in treating back acne.
8.Microdermabrasion - Is when tiny particles are "thrown" at the skin at a high speed. This procedure removes the dead layer of skin and loosens whiteheads and blackheads. Microdermabrasion helps to keep the pores open which prevents the sebum from building up in the follicles.
9.Diode Laser - The Doide laser treatment destroys sebaceous glands without harming the outer layer of the skin. Sebum production stops and the acne gets treated.
10.Isotrentinoin - Considered one of the most effective medicines in treating severe acne. It is generally prescribed for a 16 to 20 week period and by the end of the 20 weeks a considerable improvement is noticed in the majority of patients.

Before you begin any acne treatment consult your physician or dermatologist.