Self-treatment of acne is possible because of the ready availability of over the counter treatments. Most acne is mild enough that over the counter, non-prescription medications work fine. Combined with a regimen of overall good skin care, they will do an effective job of clearing acne in a relatively short space of time.
Some of the most common over the counter acne remedies are:
Benzoyl Peroxide
One of the most common – and most effective – treatments for mild acne, benzoyl peroxide is used daily by millions. It works by helping combat the bacteria that is partly responsible for acne in the first place – Propionibacterium acnes. It also helps to remove dead skin cells from the area. If is the accumulation of these dead skin cells which is another cause of acne.
Benzoyl Peroxide has been in use for decades so the pros and cons are well known. One possible side effect is excessive drying of the skin. It can also bleach fabric, and so should be used with care when treating acne while dressed.
The risk of side effects can be minimized by using the proper amount. If a 2.5% concentration is working, don’t assume that 10% is better, or will work faster. Higher dosages only increase the odds of side effects without any compensating value.
Salicylic Acid
This is the active ingredient in aspirin. It is a simple compound that is sometimes called a miracle drug. It has many uses and is safe and effective when used properly.
Often coming in the form of soaked pads, salicylic acid helps break down blackheads and whiteheads. It slows down the process of shedding dead skin cells inside the follicle, making build up and compaction less likely. It also helps remove these dead skin cells that can cause acne problems which helps prevent bacteria build up in the sebum inside the pore.
Salicylic acid should not be combined with other treatments, unless recommended by your dermatologist as excessive skin irritation can occur.
Resorcinol
Resorcinol is another popular over the counter medication and is effective in treating many cases of acne, especially when combined with other compounds such as sulfur. It functions by breaking down hardened skin, leading to more effective removal of dead skin cells from the follicle and the surrounding area. That also reduces the risk of clogging which, as already mentioned, is a major factor in acne formation.
This treatment should not be used in conjunction with astringents such as alcohol.
Alcohol and Acetone
Both of these common chemicals are safe, but are generally much less effective than more modern treatments. Alcohol is a mild antibacterial and helps remove oil from the surface of the skin. Similarly, acetone is a degreasing agent and helps keep the surface clear. But the excess oil that contributes to acne lies well under surface where it lends a growth medium for bacteria and helps clog pores. Removing surface oil is therefore of limited benefit.
This is possibly the least expensive of the over the counter treatments but the small savings over other treatments is generally money wasted, except as part of an overall skin care regimen.
Use all over the counter medications in the manner directed on the instructions. If acne persists for more than a couple of weeks, or grows worse, see a dermatologist. He or she may recommend a stronger treatment, such as a prescription medication.
