A List Of Acne Medications Available Over-the-counter
(How To Find The Best Acne Medication)

Most cases of acne are either mild or moderate and it is normal to treat these yourself with over-the-counter non-prescription medications and there are many available including a number which are widely used today.

Benzoyl Peroxide

One of the commonest and most effective treatments for mild acne is benzoyl peroxide which works by helping to combat the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes which is in part responsible for acne in the first place. In addition, it helps to remove dead skin cells up to the surface of the skin from where they can be washed off helping to prevent to pores of the skin from becoming blocked.

Benzoyl Peroxide has been used for many years and has very few side effects. One such effect however is excessive drying of the skin and, for this reason, it is important to use it in the correct strength. It is typically sold in strengths of 2.5%, 5% and 10% and while it is often assumed that a 10% application will cure your acne four times faster than a 2.5% solution this is not the case and effectiveness will vary from one individual to the next. Indeed, increasing the strength can simply increase the risk of side effects without any additional treatment value.

Salicylic Acid

Another common treatment is salicylic acid which is the active ingredient in aspirin and often results in this simple compound being referred to as a miracle drug because it has so many uses and is both safe and effective if it is used properly.

Salicylic acid, which frequently comes in the form of soaked pads, helps to break down both blackheads and whiteheads and slows the process of shedding dead skin cells inside the follicle, thereby making the build up and compaction of dead skin cells less likely. In addition, it helps to remove dead skin cells and prevents the build up of bacteria in the skin oil (sebum) within your pore.

It should be noted that excessive skin irritation can occur if salicylic acid is used in combination with other treatments.

Resorcinol

Another popular over-the-counter medication is Resorcinol which is especially effective for many people when it is combined with other compounds such as sulfur. Resorcinol works by breaking down hardened skin so that it is more effectively removed from the follicle and produces less clogging, which is a major factor in the formation of acne.

Resorcinol should not be used together with astringents like alcohol.

Alcohol and Acetone

Two frequently used and safe common chemical treatments are alcohol and acetone, although both are far less effective than more modern treatments. Alcohol acts as a mild antibacterial and helps to remove oil from the surface of the skin, while acetone is a degreasing agent which also helps to keep the surface of the skin clear. The problem with acne however is that the excess oil (sebum) which contributes to acne lies well below the surface of the skin and so removing surface oil has only a limited benefit.

Acne Cream Retin-A Retin-A, or Retirides, is the brand name for tretinoid or vitamin A acid and is used to control, but not to cure, acne. Retin-A works by improving the blood supply to the skin and promoting the peeling of dead skin cells from the acne affected areas and unclogging the pores of the skin. Read more

Not All Scars Are Welcome Thankfully for most people acne comes and goes and, while it might take many months or even years to pass, it generally leaves no sign of its passing. For all too many people however acne leaves them with scars and extends the often misery of acne for many years to come. Read more

Who Gets Acne? The simple answer to the question of 'Who gets acne?' is that just about everyone will get acne sooner or later, but a look at just who get acne and when makes interesting reading. Read more

What Are The Causes Of Cystic Acne? Cystic acne (which is more properly referred to as nodulocystic acne) is an uncommon and severe cause of acne in which the blocked oil glands which give rise to normal acne (acne vulgaris) burst creating pus and inflammation in the surrounding tissue. Read more

Can I Eat My Way To An Acne Cure? It has long been held that eating things like chocolate can lead to acne and so it would seem logical that it you have acne you should be able to treat it by simply adjusting your diet. So, what food help cure acne? Read more

Selecting A Natural Clay Mask Acne Treatment For mild to moderate cases of acne a natural clay mask acne treatment can prove very effective. Read more

Women and Acne Women have a hard time when it comes to acne because they tend to be judged more on their looks than men and their hormonal system makes them more prone to acne at certain times. Read more

Finding A Cure For Rosacea Acne Before deciding upon a cure for rosacea acne it is first necessary to decide whether or not acne is actually present as rosacea can often be confused with acne and can also co-exist alongside acne. Read more

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