Best OTC acne treatment?

OTC Acne Treatment

• Answer:

  Over-the-counter (OTC) acne medicines are used to treat mild, moderate and severe acne. They can be effective if the correct medicine is chosen for your type of acne. These medicines either reduce bacteria or reduce abnormal skin shedding. It may take several weeks before improvement in your acne is noted. Benzoyl Peroxide Benzoyl peroxide is available as a gel or lotion. It is one of the most commonly used OTC acne medications. It clears your skin by reducing bacteria and lifting away dead cells. It might take four to six weeks of consistent use to see results. Benzoyl peroxide may cause dry skin if used in excess. This acne medicine can have a bleaching effect on hair and fabric, so wear old clothing after applying it to your chest or back. Benzoyl peroxide is sold under these brand names: Benoxyl, Desquam, Oxy 10, PanOxyl and Fostex. Salicylic Acid This acne medication works by reducing skin cell shedding. It works to keep pores unclogged, which helps prevent breakouts. It does not reduce bacteria on the skin. It is an active ingredient in many over-the-counter acne products and is available in creams, pads and lotions. Some of the products that contain salicylic acid include Clearasil, Noxema, Oxy Balance, Propa pH and Stri-Dex. It can cause skin irritation and stinging. Some side effects may be serious and include vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, confusion and hearing loss. Salicylic acid is poisonous when taken internally or when too much is applied to the skin. Sulfur Sulfur has been used for many years in over-the-counter acne medications. It is usually added to other ingredients, such as salicylic acid or alcohol, and rarely used alone due to its strong odor. It causes peeling of the skin and should not be used on skin that is chapped or sunburned. Side effects include allergic reaction, redness, burning, itching, dryness and irritation. Over-the-counter acne medications that contain sulfur include Fostril, Liquimat, Acnotex, Sulfo-Lo, Sulmasque, Sulpho-Lac, Sulfoam and Sulforcin. Alcohol and Acetone These two substances are usually found together in acne medications. The acetone works as a degreaser, and alcohol has antimicrobial actions that reduce bacteria on the skin. Acne medications that contain these ingredients include Seba-Nil and Tyrosum. Side effects include burning and stinging of the skin, redness and swelling.