Dermatologists created the first acne treatments in the mid 1800's that used sulfur along with other irritants, to dry the skin causing the blemish to peel and loosen from within clogged pores.

By the 1940's and 50's drying lotions included anti-bacterial ingredients along with the sulfur. The real problem with sulfur was that, although it did get results, they normally tended to lessen over time. It's been proven that the skin quickly adjusts to it.

It wasn't until the use of the first antibiotic, penicillin, that more effective treatments came into use. However, it turned out to have almost no effect on this skin condition, because it would not get into the skin layers. Fortunately, other medications discovered that did get deeper into the skin layers. This medication, tetracycline, became the preferred acne treatment for many years to follow

Benzoyl peroxide has been used for acne since the 1920's when it's power was discovered by Jack Breitbart in a lab at a cosmetics company. Its long lasting popularity stems from its natural antibacterial properties and its usefulness as a peeling agent. Benzoyl peroxide also reduced the oils known to contribute to acne flare-ups.

(Retin-A) came along in the late 60's and became another important acne treatment. It helps by normalizing exfoliation inside your skin follicles. That helps reduce the formation of blackheads and other acne lesions. However, many who take it do experience some redness in the first few weeks. This causes some patients to stop using it.

This has been a problem with many traditional acne treatments, they can cause varying side effects and promote inflammatory.

Isotretinoin has been proven effective for the treatment of extreme acne known as nodular acne. It is often taken over about 20 wks and for those affected by severe acne it has proven a miracle. However, it has potentially severe side effects such as: liver inflammation, night blindness, intra-cranial pressure and birth defects.

Alpha hydroxy acids, such as glycolic and citric acids have proven effective at clearing out blocked oil and hair follicles. They are also good for their anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.