Topical Creams

• Topical creams are the quickest and easiest ways to relieve acne. They attack it in several ways, drying up excess oil and killing bacteria, as well as promoting the sloughing off of the dead skin cells. Most creams contain benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, lactic acid, resorcinol or sulfur. They are available over the counter, so they can be purchased and used as soon as you notice an acne outbreak starting. This will help relieve it more quickly.
  
  

Prescription Lotions

• If over-the-counter creams don't give quick-enough results, a dermatologist can prescribe a lotion with stronger active ingredients. The Mayo Clinic says these lotions often contain tretinoin or adapalene. They can show quick results because they make skin cells turn over more quickly and keep hair folllicles from getting plugged. Topical antobiotics can be used in conjunction with these lotions to kill excessive bacteria on the skin.
  
  

Cosmetic Treatments

• Cosmetic treatments can give quick results in helping a person with acne look better. According to the Mayo Clinic, microdermabrasion and chemical peels are the procedures most commonly used. However, because they are cosmetic, they don't get at the underlying causes of acne. They can be used with other acne treatments to improve appearance quickly while treating the root causes.