There are many products designed to treat acne. Some of these products are formulated to serve a specific purpose while others are dedicated to treating the general symptoms of acne.
This article discusses some of the basic products sold over-the-counter that can help prevent and combat acne. Remember, if products sold in most drugstores aren’t helping your condition, it may be advisable to seek medical attention.
Soap and water is the most basic product to help fight acne. Depending on your skin type, sensitivity, and possible allergies, you may want to choose a soap carefully so as to prevent further breakouts or irritation.
When you wash your face, you are removing excess oils that build up on your skin, clogging pores and causing pimples to form. Although it is strongly recommended that you not wash your face too often, and that you don’t scrub vigorously, as this can remove too much oil and irritate the skin, washing your face twice or even three times daily can remove unwanted dirt and oils and help control your breakouts.
Benzoyl peroxide is another very common remedy that can be purchased over-the-counter to help fight acne. It is often recommended by physicians, it is usually used to treat mild forms of acne. It is present in many acne treatment products, and was the first product to be proven effective in treating acne.
Benzoyl Peroxide is helpful in fighting bacteria and stops excess oil from clogging pores. It is available in the forms of a lotion or a cream.
Salicylic acid is commonly used in many over-the-counter acne cleansers and treatments, and when applied to the skin, helps to correct the abnormal shedding of cells. In milder forms of acne, it helps to unclog pores and prevent lesions we know of as pimples.
Salicylic acid does not stop oil production. Like Benzoyl Peroxide, it must be used continually in order to see its effects.
Sulfur is also another common product found in many over-the-counter acne treatments. It has been used for years in conjunction with other products to help combat acne. Due to its unpleasant odor, sulfur is less often used by itself to treat acne.
Although it is widely used, and common in many treatments, it is not known exactly what characteristics help heal acne. Nevertheless, results have been shown and it continues to be used.
Herbal and natural products are often available for purchase over-the-counter to treat acne. Most of these products are organic, and have not been tested clinically to determine their effectiveness. In spite of this, they are sometimes preferred, and their usage is said to be increasing.
There are many over-the-counter options available to help heal and prevent acne. Different products react differently to different skin types, and the effects are different for everyone. It is important to find what works for you and stick to it.
