Pills

• For women, birth control pills can slow down the production of oil in skin glands and regulate hormones, which can be a major culprit of cystic acne in females. Spironolactone, which is a diuretic, can also prevent acne in females when taken in conjunction with birth control pills. Certain antibiotics may also help extreme acne cases in both men and women. Acne sufferers should note, however, that abusing antibiotics, or taking more than the recommended doses for extended periods of time, can lead to antibiotic resistance. This means that these antibiotics will become virtually useless to these individuals because their bodies have built up an immunity to them.
  
  

Acne-Fighting Ingredients

• There are numerous products on the market that fight acne. Most contain one or more of the notorious acne-fighting ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, salycic acid or Retin A. Benzoyl peroxide unclogs pores and prevents bacteria from forming, which can cut down on the amount of future breakouts. Salycic acid allows the skin to regenerate quickly, which prevents dead skin-cell buildup and promotes the growth of healthy skin. Retin A, which contains vitamin A, exfoliates and clears dead skin cells, preventing them from settling into tissue. It also reduces the amount of sebum, or oil, that is produced on the face.
  
  

Supplements

• There are three vitamins that can help reduce the amount of oil your skin produces, which, therefore, reduces the amount of acne cysts one must deal with. Vitamin A assists the skin with repair and maintenance, which are essential when dealing with adult acne, as scarring can occur. A vitamin B6 deficiency has been linked to acne, so it's important that acne sufferers receive the recommended daily dose of vitamin B6, which is 100 mg three times a day if a person suffers from acne. Zinc also helps tissue heal and prevents acne scarring. It regulates the oil glands and prevents the buildup of free radicals. Like vitamin B6, a zinc deficiency can also cause acne. Take 30 mg of zinc a day.