Although a mild case of acne usually clears up by itself in a week or so, it is often helpful to get the advice of a physician to make sure that the acne does not get any worse. At the same time, although surface dirt does not actually cause acne, it can contribute to its spread. Therefore, the affected areas should be cleansed with a medicated soap and warm water at least twice a day. For one, hair should be shampooed frequently and brushed away from the face. Meanwhile, for boys who are shaving, the beard should be softened with soap and hot water. Ideally, the blade should not be too sharp and should skim the skin as lightly as possible to avoid nicking pimples. For girls who use makeup, curing acne include choosing enhancements that are non-oil based, but these solutions should be completely removed before going to bed.

While non-prescription medicated creams and lotions for curing acne may be effective in reducing some blemishes caused by the inflammation, using these too often can make skin dry. Thus, they should be applied only according to the manufacturer's instructions and should be discontinued if they cause irritation of any kind.

Acne is not actually caused by any particular food intake; however, it can be made worse by a diet overload of candies, rich pastries, and fats. Chocolate and caffeine must then be eliminated in cases when acne are acting up. Moreover, a serious case of acne or even a mild one that causes serious emotional problems should ideally receive medical attention from a dermatologist who may prescribe medications for curing acne. This is to avoid further complications that can lead to more serious problems not merely limited to the skin.