Acne treatments work by reducing oil production, speeding up skin cell turnover, fighting bacterial infection, the inflammation or doing all four. With most prescription acne treatments, you can not see the results for four to eight weeks, and your skin may get worse before it gets better. For moderate to severe acne, prescription oral antibiotics may be needed to fight bacteria and inflammation. It may be necessary for these antibiotics for months, and you may need to use them in combination with local products. 

For self-treatment of this skin problem focused on self care: proper cleansing to keep the skin oil-free, eating a well balanced diet high in fiber, zinc, food and raw materials, and avoiding alcohol, dairy products , tobacco, caffeine, sugar, processed foods and foods high iodine, such as salt.