Acne, also known as mild acne is the most common form to be found and is oftentimes treatable with Over Counter (OTC) Medications. Such forms of mild acne begin as whiteheads or blackheads prior to infections that can cause papules or pustules to appear. The bacteria known as Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) is the central target of these over-the-counter medications meant to treat the cause of acne. These medications work by either removing excess skin oil or combining the prior action with skin exfoliation in order to promote the growth of new, oil-free skin. Some of the over-the-counter medications that are used to treat the illness are Benzoyl Peroxide, Sulfur, and Resorcinol, Salicylic Acid, Alcohol, and Acetone. Benzoyl Peroxide is one of the more popular forms of OTC treatments that come in cream, gel, and facial wash forms. Although about 3 % of people are allergic to it, Benzoyl Peroxide is still one of the most effective P.Acne killing agents and is used to cure other forms of acne such as Mechanica, Infantile Acne, and Pomade Acne. Side effects include skin dryness and peeling. The medication works by preventing the development of excess skin oils while unclogging the skin pores by removing dead skin cells. Due to the strength of the chemical, it is sold in 2.5 – 10% forms. It is very important to avoid UV exposure while under this medication as the skin is quite thin and susceptible to burns. The most common OTC Benzoyl Peroxide brands are Proactiv, Benzaderm Gel, Glytone 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Treatment Gel, and MD Formulations Benzoyl Peroxide 10.
Salicylic Acid, on the other hand, prevents the pores from clogging by slowing down the cell shedding process inside the hair follicles. It has also been known to diminish white and blackheads when used in its 0.5 to 2% salicylic acid form. Some side effects include mild stinging and skin irritation. Often found in drugstore counters in cleanser, lotion, and treatment pad forms, the product works by more effectively shedding the dead skin cells thus preventing pore blockage and breakouts. The more popular market brands are Oxy Products, Noxzema Anti-Acne Gel, Noxzema Anti-Acne Gel Pads, Stridex, and Dermalogica Medicated Clearing Gel.
Sulfur and Resorcinolhe other hand worhandwork hand by preventing the development of dead skin cells. Although sulfur has been an age-long acne treatment, very little is known about how it works in combination with Resorcinol aside from the fact that the combination seems to reduce oil production of the skin. The combination causes minimal side effects to save for skin redness and peeling which seems to be a common side effect of most anti-acne treatments. Often sold in cream, stick, and lotion form, the more popular variants of the product are Clearasil Medicated Blemish Cream / Stick, Rezamid Lotion, and Glytone Fresh Tinted Acne Treatment Lotion.
Alcohol and Acetone in the meantime, is more often used to treat acne among people with oily skin types. Alcohol is used as an antibacterial treatment while acetone is the agent used to remove excess oil from the skin. These are usually sold in the form of toners, astringents, and cleansers at the local drugstore. Side effects include a mild stinging or burning sensation. The more popular commercial brands are Tyrosum Liquid Acne Skin Cleanser and Glytone Acne Treatment Toner.
Due to the almost limitless kinds of acne treatments readily available, it is important that one actually understand their skin needs in the battle to beat the acne. Carefully consider all product recommendations and if necessary, consult a dermatologist in order to remove the guesswork from your treatments.
References
- Staff, Mayo Clinic. 2009. Over-the-counter acne products: What works and why. Web.
- Palmer, Angela. 2008.Over-the-counter acne treatments. Web.