Acne is a common problem for many people, and it’s not surprising the amount of different acne treatments available for sufferers who are looking for the best over the counter acne treatment. Most over the counter acne products only have the strength to relieve mild acne and are available in the forms of cleansers, exfoliating scrubs, lotions, creams and gels. If you’re fighting with severe acne, it’s best to make an appointment with a doctor to find a method that will work best for you.
Popular Over the Counter Acne Medication
Benzol peroxide is quite popular when it comes to over the counter acne medicines because it treats mild to moderate acne and rapid results are normally seen. Benzoyl peroxide goes deep within the skin to kill bacteria, but it also creates free radicals, which are known to damage cell structure, cause premature skin aging and even cancer. With the use of stronger concentrations for longer durations, more harm is done.
Moderate to severe acne will cause the skin to age quicker because of the body’s natural production of hydrogen peroxide that causes cell damage as it fights acne bacteria, however, the use of benzoyl peroxide will significantly accelerate it.
Most blame dryness and irritation on the use of benzoyl peroxide, so it’s best to start with a weaker formula to find the lowest percentage that works for your skin. If it’s still too potent, try using it every other day, and as your skin adjusts, increase it to once a day or whatever has been recommended.
Azelaic Acid is also effective for some people’s mild to moderate acne. It kills acne bacteria and reduces inflammation of the skin. Azelaic acid generally has minimal side effects such as skin redness, peeling, itching and burning. It has also been known to lighten skin pigmentation, especially for those who have a darker complexion. In most cases, it will take a month to see any kind of positive effects.
Alcohol and Acetone are usually used in combination for best results to reduce bacteria, excess oil and pore blockers from the skin. Alcohol and acetone are found mainly in tones, astringents and cleansers and can cause skin redness and severe dryness. These side effects can be controlled with temporary discontinued use and the use of an oil-free moisturizer.
Sulfur, Sodium Sulfacetamide and Salicylic Acid
These products are a classic method to treat mild cases of acne. They are not as irritating to the skin but may have an unpleasant smell or cause skin discoloration. They have anti-fungal and antibacterial properties and exfoliate the dead skin faster to keep the cells free from debris that lead to clogged pores and breakouts.
Have you depleted your options for over the counter products and still haven’t found one that truly gives you the desired outcome that you’ve been hoping for? Or maybe your acne improved with an over the counter treatment, but the harsh side effects are just too much to endure. There’s hope with natural acne alternatives that work with your biology to help heal acne. There are a number of natural acne treatments that use organic ingredients that have the same antimicrobial and sebum stopping power AND are gentle on your skin.
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