The top acne medications contain Benzoyl Peroxide, an antibacterial, Salicylic Acid that works to unclog skins pores and open them up, Glycolic Acid which renews skin, Sulfur, which dries sebum (oil secreted by the skin) and Azelaic Adic which normalizes skin pH levels.

Natural cures for acne include Green Tea, which kills bacteria, Passion Flower, which reduces inflammation, Aloe Vera, which soothes irritated skin, Sage Extract eliminates free radicals, and Gotu Kola, which improves your skins healing processes. You can try Australian tea tree petroleum's or oils, these should be applied directly to the blemish as an antibacterial agent; or apply a honey mask once or twice a week to kill bacterial outbreaks. Take a chromium supplement once a day to help heal infections of the skin or a zinc supplement because it works as an anti-bacterial agent in the oil producing glands of the skin.

Take vitamins, they cure everything! Take a multivitamin with Vitamin-A and Vitamin-E which can help nourish your skin's health. By the way, Vitamin-A also has some anti-oxidant properties which should help acne outbreaks.

Since acne is a skin disorder these things will help you have healthy, clean, fresh skin. Wash twice a day with gentle cleansers or sulfur based acne soap, not harsh exfoliating products, which will only irritate your skin. Use exfoliating agents only once or twice a week to avoid skin irritation. Do not irritate your skin by harsh scrubbing and over-washing the infected area. Use a skin toner to balance your pH levels like witch hazel. Moisturize your skin, using a gel-based moisturizer for oily skin and a cream based moisturizer for dry skin

Avoid wearing makeup if possible, and if not use less makeup, which will clog your pores. If you are ugly like I am, and need the makeup, thoroughly clean your face where makeup is applied on a daily basis. When choosing cosmetic products look for products labeled as non-acnegenic, non-comedogenic or oil-free.

Reduce your stress, which can cause outbreaks by exercising more; but be sure to take a shower immediately after any heavy physical activity or exercise which makes you sweat, because this too can cause acne outbreaks. You can also reduce stress by taking regular breaks throughout the day or taking up something you like, for example meditation or yoga.

Eat a healthy diet and avoid known outbreak agents like chocolate or fatty foods. This will be different for everyone, so you have to get to know your body to identify these outbreak agents.

If you are female you can take "the pill", as oral contraceptive and hormonal birth control pills often help balance hormonal swings and prevent hormonal outbreaks. If you are old enough and you have a temporary outbreak, try having sex, this will change hormonal levels and often time reduce outbreaks - sound too good to be true, but it works.

For minor outbreaks use a facial mask or toothpaste on the acne blemish overnight to help reduce the swelling. Be consistent with any acne treatments, don't skip days, and give them time to work, If your outbreak is sever, don't squeeze or try to pop the pimples as this can lead to scarring of the face, and take twice as long to heal.

Now that you are armed with this new knowledge, get rid of those painful embarrassing outbreaks, and go get that fresh, healthy, happy skin you deserve - live acne free!