The Best Over the Counter Acne Treatments

There are many over the counter treatments that are available for mild to moderate acne conditions.  If you suffer from minor acne, your first course of action may be to try some readily available commercial treatments.

Oftentimes, the most common treatment of acne is self-treatment. The vast majority of acne conditions are mild enough that non-prescription (over the counter) medications work well. A very effective treatment regimen is often to combine over the counter medications with overall good skin care - this usually clears up many cases of acne in a relatively short period of time.

Benzoyl Peroxide - Common, yet effective

Benzoyl peroxide is used by millions of acne sufferers on a daily basis.  It is one of the most used treatments for mild acne. Benzoyl peroxide is effective because it helps fight the bacteria that is responsible for acne: Propionibacterium acnes. Benzoyl peroxide also removes dead skins cell from the affected area, which promotes skin health. If the dead skin cells don't come to the surface where they can be sloughed or washed off, they can accumulate, increasing the chances of getting acne.

Benzoyl Peroxide has been in use for many years so the plusses and minuses are well known.   The most common side effect of benzoyl peroxide is excessive dry skin. Many people often complain because it can bleach fabric, so you need to be careful when treating acne while dressed.

Using the proper amount of benzoyl peroxide helps mitigate its risks.. Many acne sufferes find that a standard 2.5% concentration works well.  If this is the case, you should not try a higher concentration, because higher dosages may only increase the risk of side effects without any beneficial value.

 

Salicylic Acid - the miracle drug

Salicylic acid is aspirin's most active ingredient. This simple compound is sometimes called a miracle drug because it has so many uses. Salicylic acid is safe and effective when properly used.

Salicylic acid can help break apart blackheads and whiteheads when used in its most standard form - the soaked pad.. Salicylic acid lessens the build up and compaction process because it slows down the shedding of dead skin cells inside the follicle. The dead skin cells are also removed by using Salicylic acid. This is beneficial because it helps prevent bacteria build up in the sebum (skin oil) inside the pore.

Care should be used when using Salicylic acide because it can cause excessive skin irritation, especially when combined with other treatments.
Resorcinol - popular and effective

Another OTC medication, Resorcinol,  is both popular and effective in many cases, especially when used in conjunction with other compounds such as sulfur. Resorcinol breaks down hardened skin, resulting in  more effective removal from the follicle and the area outside. This results in less clogging, a major factor in acne formation.

You should avoid using Resorcinol with alcohol and other astringents.

Alcohol and Acetone

Alcohol and Acetone are common chemicals that, while safe, are usually less effective than more contemporary treatments. Alcohol removes oil from the skin's surface and is a mild antibacterial. Likewise, acetone helps keep the surface clear and acts as  a degreasing agent. But the excess oil (sebum) that often causes acne lies well under surface where it lends a growth medium for bacteria and helps clog pores. Removing surface oil is of limited benefit.

It is typically not worth the minor savings compared to the more effective treatments, except as part of an overall skin care treatment plan.


It is always advised to use all OTC medications in the manner indicated on the instructions. If acne persists for more several weeks, or worsens, you should consult with a dermatologist. Your dermatologis may recommend a stronger treatment, such as a prescription medication.