There is always a pleasing side to self-help. The help does not cost you any more than your own time. When so many manufacturers are out there trying to sell their products, it is always better to keep your approach to acne simple and as cost-effective as possible. This article continues the list of tips begun here {link to Can anything be done to prevent it? unless this is going to prevent the use of the directory services — if so, delete this sentence.}

1. Avoid the use of the following products:

• facial scrubs encourage you to scrub at your face which is a bad idea; although it is a good idea to remove dead skin cells and excess oil, gentle action with soap is better;
• astringents and masks - even where the labeling claims that the products are acne-friendly, their use is unnecessary and may irritate your skin; and
• oils or creams - in fact, all cosmetics which feel greasy should be avoided; for the same reason you should take care when selecting hairstyling products or creams advertised for the specific purpose of concealing acne. The best policy is always to buy products labeled "noncomedogenic" or "water-based".

2. Exposure to the sun can aggravate acne in some people. The problem is made worse if people use greasy sunscreens. As a very specific warning, note that using some of the prescription medications requires you to stay out of direct sunlight or take precautions such as wearing a hat or cap with a brim or using an umbrella.

3. If you tend to get acne around the temples and hairline, this may be a transfer of the natural oils from the hair to your face. The first step is to use products containing benzoyl peroxide to keep your face clean. Secondly, you should shampoo your hair fairly frequently and adopt a hairstyle that keeps the hair away from your face.

4. Look carefully at everything you use that may touch your face. For example, the new mobile telephones or old-style landline handsets may pick up sweat and grease over time. Unless you clean them regularly, you may be transferring more grease on to your face.

5. Always wear loose clothing. Anything close- or tight-fitting can cause you to sweat more. It is better to allow as free a movement of air as possible. If you do get hot and sweaty, take a shower to remove any build-up of bacteria.

All this assumes that the acne is relatively mild and that you are not under any serious pressure at school or work. If the problems are more serious, you may be forced to seek guidance from your doctor on more positive treatment. The best of all the prescription only medications is accutane, but there are problems with its use. In general, you should always seek specialist guidance, preferably from a dermatologist before using accutane. This ensures that you take all the necessary precautions. That said, this drug is almost always successful in clearing the skin. This is not to say that the acne will not return. Sometimes two or more periods of treatment are required before the acne disappears completely.