For acne sufferers, pimples are far from a cosmetic inconvenience. Blemished skin can crush confidence, damage self-esteem, and even spur psychological woes -- including anxiety and depression. It's no wonder so many people are desperately wondering how to treat acne permanently.

If you'd rather avoid chemical-laden ointments and creams, you may want to know how to naturally treat acne with alternative remedies and homemade concoctions. If this is the case, look no further than your kitchen pantry: a mixture of oatmeal and honey applied to the face will dry up oily skin -- and so will a mashed-up paste of lemon juice and avocado. And if you don't mind the odor, cut open a clove of fresh, raw garlic and rub it over your blemishes; the antibacterial properties of garlic soothe redness and combat future breakouts. For acne sufferers, these home remedies can be the most effective and least expensive solutions for how to treat acne naturally.

Are you wondering how to treat cystic acne? Because this skin condition is more damaging than other forms of acne -- featuring nodules clogged with dead skin and white blood cells -- it responds better to aggressive medication than to gentle remedies. Many cystic acne sufferers gain relief by using Accutane (isotretinoin) as a primary treatment. Costing between $70 and $100 for a 30-capsule container, Accutane is derived from a form of vitamin A that reduces skin's oil production, unclogs pores, calms inflammation, and kills acne-causing bacteria. Although the price tag is high, treating cystic acne is vital for preventing future scars and permanent blemishes.

For those wondering how to treat back acne, the solution may be simpler than you think. In most cases, back acne appears when pore-clogging sweat and dirt accumulate on your shoulders, neck, and back -- resulting in pimples galore. Before dishing over money for ointments, try modifying your habits: always shower after sweat-inducing activities, only wear freshly washed shirts, and -- if you have long hair -- wear a ponytail to keep your mane from brushing oils onto your skin. If that doesn't work, invest in a $5 to $10 exfoliating scrub containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, and use it to cleanse your back during showers.

Although acne is considered a hallmark of the teenage years, it doesn't always vanish the day you turn 20. For individuals wanting to know how to treat adult acne, myriad solutions are available -- including natural remedies, over-the-counter medications, and antibiotic prescriptions. Adopt a daily cleaning regimen by using an acne exfoliant scrub, benzoyl peroxide cream, and gentle cleanser to remove dirt and oil from your skin; in most cases, these products cost under $15 each and can greatly reduce the occurrence of acne. Avoid over-drying your skin with harsh soaps, which can actually trigger your skin to overcompensate and produce excess oil. And if your acne is severe, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to battle P. acnes, an pimple-producing strain of bacteria.

Knowing how to treat baby acne is a concern for many parents. Also known as "neonatal acne," baby acne affects up to 20 percent of infants, appearing several weeks after birth as a result of exposure to certain hormones in the womb. Although baby acne ceases on its own after a period of months, applying a topical cream containing benzoyl peroxide -- which will typically cost between $5 and $15 dollars, depending on the brand -- can hasten the healing of unsightly bumps.

No matter what your age, reversing acne damage involves more than finding an effective treatment. Even if you successfully halt the onslaught of new pimples, you may still want to know how to treat acne scars -- those disfiguring reminders of your previous breakouts. In severe cases, dermabrasion -- a process that strips away outer layers of skin to create a smoother complexion -- may be required to restore the skin to its pre-acne condition. Because a single treatment of dermabrasion can cost upwards of $1500, many people prefer to try less expensive alternatives first. Those wondering how to how to treat acne scar marks can consider saline injections, which shrink the appearance of scars and cost approximately $50 per injection. For mild scarring, applications of vitamin E oil may bolster the skin's healing process as well.

For acne sufferers of any age and skin type, finding the right treatment can help you face the world with confidence, courage, and new-found pride in your appearance.