Alternative Acne Skin Care Products That Work

I've been dealing with pimples, breakouts, and blemishes ever since I was a teen. I thought my face would magically "get better" as soon as I reached adulthood, but that didn't happen. If you think it's embarrassing walking around with zits as a high school kid, imagine the same thing happening when you're in your mid-twenties. Let me tell you, it's much worse when all your peers have perfect complexions. And it doesn't help that most traditional acne skin care products are completely ineffective at preventing and healing pimples. So what can you do to clear your complexion?

If you have suffered from this problem for any length of time, then you've probably already tried all the usual acne skin care products. I'm talking about Oxy, Clearasil, Neutrogena, and other treatments that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid -- two of the most common ingredients used in over-the-counter creams and gels. You might have even been to the dermatologist for stronger acne skin care products that require a prescription. But even those medications and antibiotics don't work for everyone, and in some cases can make your problems worse.

Fortunately, alternative acne skin care products do exist. Now just to be up front, these items aren't specifically marketed as pimple treatments, but they've been found to work for many people and are therefore worth a try.

One non-traditional option to help you get clear now is jojoba oil. This product is an all-natural oil derived from a shrub-like plant native to dry, arid regions in the West. Jojoba oil is great for unclogging pores, which of course is important for controlling breakouts. It is relatively inexpensive compared to traditional acne skin care products, so look for it at a natural food store near you.

Another great weapon in the quest to eliminate pimples can probably be found in your medicine cabinet right now. The over-the-counter class of pain relievers known as NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), which includes Ibuprofen and Naproxen, can be effective at reducing hormonal breakouts in some women. So if you're a woman who breaks out during your menstrual cycle, you might want to take a couple of Motrin or Aleve tablets to help control pimples. Again, this information is not based on scientific research, but rather on the personal experience of regular people who suffer from blemishes and pimples. Just remember to exercise caution even when taking over-the-counter medication, and be sure to speak with your doctor before engaging in long-term use.

And finally, fish oil supplements are also worth a look for those of you tired of the usual lineup of acne skin care products. Fish oil supplements are fast acting, and provide your body with essential oils that are crucial for a clear complexion. This is actually the product that ended up working best for me, so after futilely fighting zits for more than 15 years, I can finally say that I love the way my face looks and feels!

Unfortunately, there's no single solution that will help eliminate pimples once and for all. If there were, we'd all know about it, we'd buy that one product, and we wouldn't have to waste our time with anything else. But until that happens, how about trying some alternative acne skin care products. You might surprise yourself and find something that works for you!