Best Over the Counter Acne Treatment

Acne can be the bane of any teenager’s existence, but it affects people of all ages as well. Acne is caused by the bacteria propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), and while severe cases may require prescription medication, the more common mild to moderate cases can often be successfully treated by a cleansing regimen and over the counter acne treatments. Finding the best over the counter acne treatment for you will likely involve some trial-and-error, as each medication has a slightly different formulation, and will work differently on different people.

Most over the counter acne treatments contain salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, sylfur or alpha hydroxyl, or a combination of some of these different ingredients.
Salicylic acid is a derivative of the white willow tree, or more specifically, the willow bark. It has been known for centuries as a fever reducer and anti-inflammatory. It also keeps skin pores from clogging by slowing the natural shedding of skin cells. As an acid, this ingredient may cause skin irritation or a stinging sensation, so users of products containing salicylic acid should use the product sparingly the first few times to gauge their reaction to the ingredient.
Benzoyl peroxide is an ingredient that kills the P. acnes bacteria and functions as an astringent to dry the skin and remove excess oils that can clog the pores. Much like salicylic acid, it can cause redness, scaling and stinging, and should be used cautiously the first few times.
Sulfur is often combined with either of the first two ingredients, and it helps to remove dead skin cells. Sulfur has a unique odor which some people may not like.
Alpha hydroxy acids are acids that help to reduce inflammation that can result from the acne itself. These acids also help new skin grow to take the place of the old, dead skin. New, unblemished skin will help push out old skin that can clog pores, resulting in smoother, clearer skin.
There are literally thousands of over the counter acne treatments available. Some of the most well-known include Clearasil, Proactiv, Noxzema, Stridex, Glytone and Tyrosum. Combining several at once to treat your skin is likely to result in irritation, since each ingredient dries the skin to some degree. It’s best to try one treatment, see how it affects your skin, and then try another one if you’re not achieving the results you want.

Medications containing salicylic acid often work best for acne that is not inflamed or red. It may take two or more weeks of skin cleansing and treatments before you notice an improvement, but this gentle approach usually works. Be sure to apply a non-clogging lotion to counteract the drying effect of the over the counter acne treatment.

If the acne has become inflamed and red, a treatment containing benzoyl peroxide works a bit faster than the salicylic acid treatments, but can also irritate the skin a bit more. A cautious approach is best, along with a gentle cleanser prior to treatment. A non-clogging moisturizing lotion applied after treatment can help reduce any redness or irritation.

Finding the right over the counter acne treatment may take some time and experimentation, but is well worth the effort.