Most Effective Acne OTC Treatments On The Market Today

There is a huge, multi-billion dollar industry that aims to treat your acne and compete for your business. In this article, you will learn how to get rid of acne fast using over-the-counter products.

Look at the products that line the shelves in drug stores, supermarkets, and chain stores.

They come in fancy, eye-catching packages, as soaps, cleansers, lotions, pads, creams, gels, ointments, wipes, foams, and masks, and offer a treasure trove of preparations: oil-free, hypoallergenic, organic, non-comedogenic, herbal, radiant, protein-rich, dermatologist-tested, and so on. It’s no surprise that people who are trying to deal with acne OTC treatments often feel overwhelmed and confused when choosing the right product. I am here to help.

This article will discuss ways you can do it yourself, especially if your acne’s mild. I will help you identify which acne OTC treatment will work for you and help you choose the right ones. Self-treatment may not be the best option for everyone.

Topical acne treatments

Topical products are those that are applied to the skin. They can be creams, gels, foams, lotions, and ointments. Nearly all acne OTC treatments are topical and not oral. Topical therapy is safer than systemic (oral and injected) therapy. Both prescription and acne OTC treatments are composed of two types of ingredients.

The active ingredient: This is the part that does the grunt work. Because it is the most important component of any product, I recommend that you begin your search for OTC treatments by looking at the active ingredients. Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are the most common ingredients.

The inactive ingredient(s), also known as the vehicle, is the part of the medicine that keeps the medicine safe and fresh. It helps to make the acne OTC treatment easier to use and allows the medicine to move easily through the container. Because they deliver the medicine, inactive ingredients can sometimes be called the “inert ingredient” or the vehicle. When choosing the best topical acne OTC treatment for you, it is important to consider both active ingredients and inactive ingredients. Some active ingredients might be more effective for certain skin types, while others may be less beneficial.

Do not buy brand-name products if you can get cheaper generics. This way you won’t need to spend as much on packaging and marketing for your generic products. Once you have started to treat your acne, it’s important not to get into the habit of constantly checking your skin for signs of improvement. It can take up to six to eight weeks for the acne OTC treatment to begin to work, so be patient!

Inactive Ingredients

It’s better for the skin to be healthy and not too dry or oily. A moisturizing base (vehicle), is the best for dry skin. If it’s oily, choose a product with a drying base. If you don’t have oily or dry skin, you can choose a neutral product, which is neither moisturizing nor drying. The delivery vehicle they use determines which category most topical acne OTC treatments fall under. There you will find your skin type. Although the inactive ingredients won’t fight acne, they may be more effective for you than others depending on your skin type. One delivery agent doesn’t fit all. You may need to try different preparations if your skin is oily or sensitive.

Solutions for alcohol

Evaporate quickly. This acne OTC treatments is the most drying and can be irritating. You can easily cover large areas.

Solutions for water

They are water-based and non-alcohol. These are less irritating and drying than alcohol solu­tions. You can easily cover large areas.

Creams

They are generally more popular than ointments due to their less greasy nature. Patients often prefer them because they quickly absorb into the skin. They are more drying than ointments because of their water content.

Foams

They can be drying but are easy to spread, especially on areas with hair such as the backs or chests of males. They are very expensive.

Gels

They are almost oil-free and have a slight drying effect. The newer gel formulations include emollients like dimethicone and glycerin, which can help reduce the drying effects.

Lotions

It may be moisturizing, but those that contain propylene glycol could dry out. It is easy to use.

Ointment

Greasy. Greasy is more lubricating than gels and creams, and they are less irritating.

You might need to use different products for different areas of your skin if you have combination skin. I don’t think scrubs, cleansers, and washes are very important because they take up too much time.

They must be rinsed off before they can penetrate the skin and do their job. What amount of cream, lotion, or ointment should you use? For those of you who are old enough to recall the old hair cream commercial, a little bit will do.

Don’t think thick, but thin; a little goes a long way. Do not be tempted to believe that more is better. Only the skin’s thinnest layer is absorbed. The rest is either removed or rubbed off.

Active Ingredients

You will be amazed at how similar the labels of all the drugs you see in the drugstore are. They all contain the same active ingredient plus some inactive ingredients.

• Benzoyl peroxide
• Salicylic acid
• Sulfur
• Resorcinol

It is much easier to find topical products that work than you might think. The type of acne you have will determine the active ingredient that you choose.

If you have acne that is mostly blackheads or whiteheads, look for a product with benzoyl peroxide. Then, if necessary, try one with salicylic acid. Benzoyl peroxide is sufficient to treat a few small zits. You will find information about salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide in the next sections.

Benefits of Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is a powerful antibacterial agent that kills P. Acnes, the bacteria responsible for producing acne. It’s the most commonly used acne OTC treatment. Benzoyl Peroxide dries the skin, peels it, and removes any dead cells. It also helps clear non-inflammatory comedones such as blackheads or whiteheads. Triple threat!

You can use Benzoyl Peroxide for many months or years, unlike prescription drugs and antibiotics. There are no long-term side effects, including tolerance (bacterial resistance).

Benzoyl peroxide can be found in many OTC brands, including Clearasil and Oxy, Clean and Clear, and PanOxyl. There are also generic and store-brand products. It can be found in creams and gels as well as lotions, creams, foams, and soaps.

These are some little tips to remember:

• Creams, lotions, and pads, out of all the options for benzoyl peroxide, are more effective than soaps, scrubs, and washes.
• Prescription benzoyl peroxide is also available. However, prescription benzoyl peroxide formulations do not have the same effectiveness as OTC products. They just cost more.

Using benzoyl peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide extremely popular acne OTC treatment that deals with onset acne and prevents future breakouts. Even if your skin is clean, it’s a good option for acne vulgaris sufferers. It can be used regularly by women to reduce or prevent hormonal-related acne breakouts.

There are a variety of strengths for benzoyl peroxide, with some products ranging in strength from 2.5 to 10.0%. The lower strength of benzoyl peroxide, like 2.5 percent, is less irritating than the higher concentrations (5 percent and 10 percent), and they are equally effective for most people. They are also cheaper. You should start with the lowest possible dose and increase in strength as needed. This will reduce irritation and save you money.

You should start by using benzoyl peroxide products sparingly and then increase your frequency. Follow the instructions on the package. If you are unsure, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse to explain them. These are some guidelines:

• This should be done every other night. After washing your face, apply a thin layer of moisturizer to any areas that are prone to acne. Avoid sensitive areas such as your lips and the corners of your mouth.
• If you feel comfortable with it, increase the dosage to twice daily or more if you aren’t making enough progress. These are the things to keep in mind when you’re considering a benzoyl-peroxide acne OTC treatment.
• Benzoyl peroxide can cause skin irritation. Avoid using harsh, abrasive, or drying cleansers when you use benzoyl peroxide. You don’t want your skin to become more sensitive by rubbing it.
• Benzoyl peroxide is a bleach that can be used to bleach hair, sheets, and towels. It contains peroxide which is a powerful bleach. An old T-shirt can be worn to prevent the bleaching effect of benzoyl peroxide on acne. Be sure to dry the benzoyl peroxide completely before you touch towels, clothing, bedding, or towels.
• It is possible to apply makeup and other skin-care products over benzoyl peroxide.
• It takes time to treat acne. You may not see a significant improvement in your skin for several months. You can prevent new lesions from forming by continuing to use benzoyl peroxide after your acne has cleared.

Side effects

The area treated can experience some dryness, but it is generally mild. Apply a light moisturizer that is not oily such as Eucerin Daily Care Moisturizer, Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion, or Olay Oil-Free Active Hydro Hydrating Beauty Fluid to your skin if it appears dry.

When you first apply benzoyl peroxide, you may feel a slight burning sensation or reddening. Burning and irritation are normal, but they usually go away in two to three days. Reduce the amount of time you apply the preparation to your skin. Stop using it if necessary.

Contact dermatitis can also be caused by allergy or irritation using benzoyl peroxide-based products. You can treat it with a topical steroid, such as 1-percent hydrocortisone cream. This is available without the need for a prescription. You can find the brand names Cortaid and Cortizone 10 or equivalents in-store brands.

Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid, even in low amounts, isn’t effective at treating acne. It is believed to be able to absorb benzoyl peroxide, as well as other prescription-based acne medications.

Beta-hydroxy acids (BHA) include salicylic acid and sorbic acid. Because beta-hydroxy acids are natural substances that come from plants, fruits, and sugar, they’re often called “fruit acids”. These acids are found in many over-the-counter products.

Salicylic acid exfoliates, which is a process that removes dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. Salicylic acid breaks down the gluelike substances that hold the skin cells together, allowing for the skin to be loosened. It is oil-soluble, so it can penetrate oily pores. These actions aid the skin to renew itself quicker and decrease the likelihood of pore blockage or a subsequent breakout.

OTC products that only contain salicylic acid (or any other form of salicylic acid) are at best minimally effective for treating non-inflammatory acne lesions. Salicylic acid does not affect sebum production. It just removes excess sebum from the skin surface and makes the skin feel smoother. This is why you may also find salicylic acid in makeup remover products.

Plastic surgeons and dermatologists often use stronger salicylic acid preparations for acne OTC treatments, wrinkle removal, and skin rejuvenation. High concentrations of salicylic acid are more effective in clearing blackheads and whiteheads than OTC products.

Salicylic acid, like benzoyl peroxide, comes in a variety of forms and is used in Clearasil and Oxy, Clean and Clear as well as in cheaper generic brands.

Salicylic acid can be found in concentrations ranging from 0.5 percent to 2.0 percent in lotions, creams, pads, cleansers, and astringents. These are agents that dry out oily skin. You can use it as a single agent or in combination with other ingredients like sulfur.

Salicylic acid creams, lotions, and pads are more effective than other options.

Many of the skin-care products offered by companies that sell benzoyl peroxide products also include products containing salicylic acids. They may be packaged together to form a “total treatment system” for your acne.

You can’t trust the expensive mail-order OTC combination systems that you see in TV infomercials. They aren’t tailored for your skin. If you do really want to try one, you can find a cheaper version at your local Wal-Mart or drugstore. Pay attention to the labels!

Salicylic acid products

For children who have just begun to get mild comedonal skin conditions, salicylic acid products can be used as a starter acne OTC treatment. These products are not recommended for use alone on other types of acne and more severe cases.

Apply a thin layer of salicylic acid to the areas affected by acne, just as with benzoyl peroxide. You can substitute the salicylic acid or add a benzoyl peroxide product to your routine if it isn’t working well.

Side effects

The area treated can experience some dryness, but it is generally mild. These products can cause irritation and dryness if they are combined with benzoyl-peroxide formulations. If the skin appears irritated or dry, use a light, non-oily moisturizer, such as the one listed in the section “Using Benzol peroxide”.

Other OTC medicines

This section will briefly discuss the most effective acne OTC treatments. Some are quite costly.

Alpha hydroxy acids and retinol

Vitamin A is the base of vitamin retinol. The term “retinol” is often used in advertising to describe products that claim to reduce wrinkles and fine lines by increasing cell turnover (sometimes called revitalization).

Sometimes, retinol can be used in combination with alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs). Glycolic acid, which is the most commonly used AHA for facial acne OTC treatment in this area, can also be used. However, citric and lactic acid can also be used. (AHAs most often come from fruits. This is why they are sometimes called “fruit acids.” However, lactic and citric acid doesn’t come directly from the fruit.

OTC products have very low levels of AHA. This acts as an exfoliant. AHAs and retinol were initially marketed for aging skin. However, both are being promoted as acne OTC treatments.

Chemical peels are popular for anti-aging and facial rejuvena­tion procedures. However, they can also be used to treat acne scars. This involves using strong acid solutions, such as AHAs and BHAs (betahydroxy acids), to cause the skin’s peeling off. It also encourages the regeneration of new skin. Your skin type and acne activity will determine the acne OTC treatment that works best for you. These AHAs and BHAs are stronger than the ones that can be applied by doctors.

Resorcinol, sulfur

These agents can be used to treat various types of acne, although they aren’t very effective. These agents have been around so long that I included them in my list to preserve their history and tell you how to save money if they are on a label.

• Resorcinol is a still-really-popular ingredient that is often paired with sulfur in OTC products. After a few days, your skin might become reddened and peeling.
• Sulfur: For more than 50 years, sulfur has been combined with other agents such as alcohol, salicylic acids, and resorcinol. It can be found in many acne OTC treatments. The skin reacts to sulfur in such a manner that it causes it to dry out, turn red and then peel. Sulfur is not recommended for use alone in acne OTC treatment due to its unpleasant “rotten egg” smell.

Multi-ingredient products

There are many products that contain various combinations of benzoyl peroxide and resorcinol. There are herbal remedies that contain lemon oil, aloe vera, and other fruit-derived ingredients. These products can be difficult to test scientifically.

Avoid these products with so many ingredients. You will pay more and be better off. OTC products that are classified as “herbal”, “organic,” and “natural” should be avoided. Their effectiveness has not been proven in clinical trials or scientific studies.

These acne OTC treatments are generally not of any value. Don’t try to experiment with old home remedies like rubbing papaya, a paste of roasted pomegranate skin, or fresh-cut cloves of garlic. Vegetables and fruits don’t work. Although they taste great, they are best used in your stomach rather than on your face. I am not sure how pomegranate skin tastes.

Acne soaps, cleansing strips, exfoliants, and masks

Some products can physically, rather than chemically, agitate your skin. They remove dirt, oil, and dead skin cells, but don’t treat acne. Although a clean, clear face is great, these scrubby products can often only irritate or redden already inflamed skin. These are the most popular acne OTC treatments for physical acne:

• Pore cleansing strips: These sticky pads temporarily lift dead cells and solidified sebum from your pores for about a day. Sometimes they can cause mild irritation. They are not very useful.
• Acne soaps are available in many sizes and shapes. Some soaps contain benzoyl peroxide while others contain salicylic acid. Others have triclosan which is an antibacterial chemical cleanser that eliminates excess sebum secretions. They won’t stay on your skin for too long to make a difference in your acne. You can make them even more effective by leaving them on for 5-10 minutes before you rinse them off.
• Exfoliants are skin products that remove dead skin cells. If you have inflammatory skin conditions, exfoliants can be harsh on your skin. They can also cause irritation if they contain salicylic acids. There are many types of exfoliants: scrubs, pads, pads, sponges, cosmetic scrubs, and masks. If you have sensitive skin, avoid these products.
• Masks: These masks are self-indulgent and can be used to treat mild acne. There are many ingredients in masks, including salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide as well as vitamins, aloe vera, lemon juice, and vitamins.
• Loofah sponges are almost as harmful as sandpaper if you have inflammatory skin conditions. They won’t harm you if you have clear skin and non-inflammatory acne.

These acne OTC treatments work best when they are used sparingly and in conjunction with other antibacterial treatments, such as benzoyl peroxide. My final words on these products are: Don’t spend too much! If you want to treat your acne yourself, make sure you use proven acne OTC treatments such as salicylic acid preparations and benzoyl peroxide.

Evaluating advertisers’ claims

Although there is a wealth of excellent, well-researched, and useful information available about acne and products that can help, you should be careful with what you read. Pay attention to the following when you are browsing the acne aisle in your local drugstore, browse the Internet, go to your local bookstore, and watch the infomercials.

• People who sell products: Many people who claim to be experts have a financial incentive to promote their products. This often outweighs the interest they have in helping you. Learn to read between the lines, and avoid all the nonsense. You should be skeptical about phrases and keywords such as magic, revolutionary, our laboratories, overnight, and others.
• These claims are just too good to be true: Any product or book with the words cure or 24 hours or 5 weeks time to clear your skin should make you suspicious. I don’t know how you can cure acne, and I am a dermatologist with powerful drugs at my disposal. There is no cure for acne. In most cases, even with the strongest acne OTC treatment, it can take months to control it and many years to maintain clear skin.
• Unsubstantiated claims about scientific testing: When a product says it was dermatologist-tested, it wasn’t necessarily approved or recommended by dermatologists. You could have one dermatologist who tested it. Or maybe the dermatologist didn’t like it. The manufacturer could still claim that it was dermatologist-tested. It’s difficult to discern the truth from the hype when a high-paid TV actor/doctor or your favorite movie star/pop star endorses a product. This book is not for the faint of heart. Your best guide.