Despite the fact that there are a lot of safe and effective over-the-counter and prescription medications for the treatment of acne, curing acne takes time and so, while the medication does its work, most people want to conceal their spots as much as they can.

That said, it can be argued that since this is a common condition affecting approximately eighty-five percent of the population between the ages of about 12 and 24 you shouldn’t worry about covering it up at all since almost all of us have to go through it. But, you try telling that to a young girl or boy who is heading out on that crucial first date.

Women tend to suffer more as, whether you like it or not, women tend to be judged more on their looks. However, they are also fortunate enough to have a ready-made answer in the form of makeup.

Normal makeup can cause difficulties and, although it will cover up your pimples, it could also aggravate the condition. The answer here is therefore to look for makeup that is specifically formulated for people with acne and this means makeup which is labeled as ‘non-comedogenic’. If that sounds like a strange term it is derived from the word ‘comedone’ which is the medical name for the blackheads and whiteheads accompanying many mild forms of acne.

You should begin by looking for a concealer which can be dabbed onto your pimples with a disposable sponge. You need to be careful though in using a concealer and use just as much as you need and no more.

Next it is on to a foundation which is very good at blending your skin tones and again this must be used sparingly but enough to give you an even color overall. Foundation is not only very good for covering your pimples but, because it is less reflective than your skin itself, it also softens out the shadows and lessens the contrast produced by the bumps which occur with acne.

Finally, a light covering of powder will also help to further blend color tones, lessen shadow and eliminate contrast.

So much for the women, but what about the men? Well, there are two approaches here. First, you can follow the women and apply makeup and you will find that there is makeup available these days which is specially formulated for use by men. However, if you don not think that this is for you then a second approach is to use one of the range of over-the-counter treatments which contain acne covering compounds designed to help treat the condition and hide its appearance at the same time.

Of course it would be great if we had an acne cream treatment that cure acne fast but for the moment this tends to be a somewhat lengthy process and so, until we have some treatments and products that cure acne quickly, finding effective ways to conceal the condition is going to be important to many sufferes for a while yet.