When it comes to treating uncomplicated cases of common acne that have not caused nodules and cysts, acne natural remedies win over non-natural acne remedies hands down.

The most commonly prescribed acne medication in the world is benzoyl peroxide. Formulated into creams and washes and foamy scrubs, this chemical really does kill the bacteria that cause acne.

The problem is, killing the bacteria that cause acne is about all benzoyl peroxide does, and it has an acne-causing side effect. It can dry out the skin.

Benzoyl peroxide is a chemical peeling agent in addition to being an antiseptic. Chemical peels do just what their name says. They peel dead skin off the surface.

Usually this results in a nice, even texture of the skin, but benzoyl peroxide is not a very good peeling agent. It can lift the dead skin that is blocking some pores and just deposit that dead skin over others. It clears up some blemishes while it causes others-but isn’t that a great marketing tool?

Tea tree oil is almost as effective as benzoyl peroxide for killing bacteria. It takes a day or two longer to control the infection. In the meantime, however, tea tree oil reduces redness. This makes pimples less noticeable. And it reduces inflammation. If pimples are itchy or they hurt, tea tree makes the irritation or pain less noticeable.

And tea tree oil does this without peeling or drying the skin. When tea tree oil clears up a the skin, it stays cleared up. Even better, tea tree oil is usually about 40% less expensive than over the counter benzoyl peroxide and up to 98% less expensive than certain prescription drugs.

When it comes to common acne, herbal remedies are the way to go. Just combine your herbal remedy with sensible nutrition, cleansing, and moisturizing, along with acne-friendly cosmetics if you use makeup.