If you are looking for an acne medication solution, there are many over the counter treatments to choose from. But what is the best acne treatment? This gives you a quick OTC acne treatment comparison, so you can choose the OTC acne skin care product that works best for you.
Over the counter acne products should be used for mild, or Grade I acne. If you treat acne during this stage, you have a better chance of controlling it before it progresses to the next stage.
It is typical to find blackheads and whiteheads with mild acne. There may be some papules and pustules at this stage, but they are more infrequent. Mild acne can improve quite a bit by the application of over the counter topical treatments.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl Peroxide is probably the most common acne medication. It works by killing the bacteria that causes breakouts. It also unclogs pores and can reduce inflammation. You can purchase Benzoyl Peroxide over the counter in strengths from 2.5% to 10%. It is the main ingredient in many popular acne treatments, including Proactiv.
Benzoyl Peroxide is extremely drying to the skin, so you should always use it along with acne face moisturizer. It is always best to get your skin used to it gradually by using lower strengths, and applying very small amounts to begin with. You may even want to only use it every other day in beginning. Over a few weeks time, you should be able to build up to using it more frequently and can opt for a strength that is stronger, if you think you need it.
Resorcinol and Sulfer
Recorcinol and sulfer are typically found together in acne products. Resorcinol helps remove dead skin cell buildup. Sulfer has been used for a number of years to prevent acne. Resorcinol usually comes in strengths of 2% and surfer usually comes in strengths of 5% to 8%. These ingredients are found in some Clearasil products.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic Acid corrects abnormal shedding of skin cells that block pore openings to reduce breakouts. This product works very well for those who have blackheads and whiteheads. The typical strength is .5 to 2%. Some Oxy, Noxema and Stridex products contain salicylic acid.
Alcohol and Acetone
Alcohol and acetone are typically found together in many treatments for oily skin. Alcohol helps reduce bacteria and acetone removes excess oil in your skin. You typically will find these two ingredients in astringents, toners and cleansers.
Now when you are looking for an acne medication solution, you will be better prepared with this quick OTC acne treatment comparison. | | Author Info: Get rid of acne now with acne skin care products featured on
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