Acne Medication Over the Counter

The skin disorder that occurs due to over production of sebum (oil), resulting in clogging of skin pores, is referred as acne. The sebaceous glands that lie beneath the outermost layer, secrete sebum to keep the skin moist and soft. However, when sebum is produced in large amounts, the pores get choked creating a perfect environment for the bacteria to breed. This bacterial infection then triggers acne that causes formation of pimples, whiteheads and blackheads. In this condition, the skin turns red and may become inflamed.

Acne Products Over the Counter
New acne skin care products are pouring in the market with each passing day. Therefore, people with acne are likely to get confused, when it comes to choosing the right acne medication. To make things easier, some of the reliable acne medication over the counter are mentioned below:

Acne medication over the counter that contain benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are very useful for treating acne. One does not have to spend a fortune to buy salicylic acid acne cleansers. Most importantly, acne products containing salicylic acid are safe and do not irritate the skin. Salicylic acid plays a key role to unclog the pores, thereby reducing acne breakouts. Salicylic acid lotion, creams or gels are quite popular and commonly used to clear acne. Treating acne with benzoyl peroxide is another way to reduce this skin problem. Benzoyl peroxide is an important constituent of many acne skin care products as it destroys the bacteria causing acne. However, overuse of these products has to be avoided as it can dry and irritate the skin. Read more on acne products with benzoyl peroxide.

There are quite a few acne medications that are sold under brand names. Studies show that acne products that contain salicylic acid in the range 0.5-2% and benzoyl peroxide (2.5%) are most effective to treat this skin disorder. Some of the popular brand names that contain salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide or both are given below:

• Clearasil
• Oxy-10
• Oxy Night Watch
• Persa-Gel
• Stridex

Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Creams: Neutrogena products are also recommended for acne products as they provide long-lasting relief from this skin disorder. Neutrogena 3-in-1 hydrating acne treatment has received positive feedback and has proved to be quite beneficial to improve acne and restore healthy natural skin. It is specifically designed to combat acne and give a clear skin within a short duration. Neutrogena contains 2% salicylic as well as aloe vera and cucumber in appropriate amounts. It moisturizes the skin, making it free from acne at the earliest. This is indeed the best acne medication over the counter. The ingredients such as cucumber and green tea provide a calming effect and reduce the redness. It is a skin soother that unclog the skin pores, resulting in ultra soft skin.

Proactive Solution: This is one of the over the counter acne medications prescribed to treat facial acne. This topical treatment is a kit that contains 3 products: Renewing cleanser, revitalizing toner and repairing lotion. Renewing cleanser should be used everyday in the morning to remove all the impurities such as dead skin cells. After washing the cleanser with warm water, use the revitalizing toner to unclog the pores. Application of toner helps to eliminate excess oil, from the skin pores, thus rejuvenating the skin. When the toner dries up, apply the repairing lotion in small amounts to the affected area. This 3 step system recommended by dermatologists has helped immensely to heal acne fast. The active ingredient in proactive products is benzoyl peroxide that kill the germs, responsible for causing acne. Proactive has been tested and is regarded as a remarkable acne treatment.

To know more about acne skin care products, read:

• Moisturizer for Acne Prone Skin
• Acne Products That Really Work
• Acne Products for Sensitive Skin

Remember, to enhance effectiveness of any acne medication over the counter, one should first wash the face thoroughly with a mild cleanser and then only use these acne products. In case, application of acne creams causes excessive dryness, one should contact a dermatologist to know about an alternate acne remedy.