[flash]

First and foremost, it depends on the acne.

If it's little bumps, could be SENSITIVE skin or an allergy. In this case, many things can make it worse.

If it's a blackhead, exfoliation, cleaning, do help.

White heads. Ugh.

Two BEST things are commercial products. Household equivalents would be dabbing hydrogen peroxide on the specific problem with a Qtip or cotton ball. This is more drying than benzoyl, but has the same oxidation effect. Should see a bit of bubbling. Dab on antibiotic ointment like neosporin and rub in. Keeps the bacteria out and provides enough moisture/seal to minimize scaring.

Second thing is a 50:50 mixture of alcohol and sulfur powder. Dab it on, the alcohol evaporates, the sulfur continues to dry out the zit. This is the basics of egg treatment, but concentrated enough to work.

Salyclic acid is great. Eucerin and Noxema both have introduced new wonderful products.