About 40 to 50 million Americans suffer from acne, according to a 2009 report by the American Academy of Dermatology, or AAD. While acne most often affects teenagers and young adults, you can get it at any age. Dry, oily facial skin--or combination skin--typically includes an oily T-zone. Your forehead, nose and chin are shiny while the rest of your skin is dry and flaky. Use acne treatments that take your combination skin into account.
Mild Soaps
Wash your face once or twice a day with a mild cleanser and lukewarm water, recommends the AAD. Clean your face gently to remove dirt and oils from your skin. Don't scrub too hard, as excessive scrubbing may make your acne worse.
Over-the-Counter Treatments
Buy over-the-counter topical treatments to help clear up your acne. Such treatments may help treat mild acne, according to MayoClinic.com. Side effects of over-the-counter lotions include skin irritation, dryness and flaking. However, the side effects generally improve after the first month of therapy.
Prescription Treatments
Your doctor or dermatologist may recommend a prescription treatment if your acne isn't responding to over-the-counter products. She may prescribe combination treatments, which usually include a form of benzoyl peroxide and an antibiotic, according to MayoClinic.com. Side effects of prescription treatments include stinging, burning, redness or peeling. Your doctor will try to minimize your discomfort by gradually increasing your dosage or recommending you wash the product off your face after a specific period of time.
Oral Medications
If you have moderate or severe acne, you may need oral antibiotics for a short time. Your doctor may combine oral antibiotics with topical treatments to combat your acne.
Another oral medication, isotretinoin, is used to treat severe and painful acne. This powerful medication has the potential to cause serious side effects, such as birth defects, nosebleeds, depression and suicide. Pregnant women and women of child-bearing age shouldn't take this medication.
Prevention/Solution
You need a moisturizer to treat the dry patches on your face. However, it shouldn't add excess oil to your T-zone. Use oil-free products that won't clog your pores.
Warnings
Acne treatments don't work overnight. You need to be diligent in your cleansing routine. Most acne treatments take eight weeks to work, according to the AAD. You may experience permanent scarring if you don't treat your acne properly.
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