Treating Acne With Over-the-Counter Medication
By Donald Saunders
Most cases of acne are mild and so it is common for people to treat themselves with over-the-counter non-prescription medications. If such medicines are used together with a good regime of skin care, then this form of treatment is often very effective.
So just what sort of over-the-counter medications should you consider?
One of the commonest treatments for mild acne, and one which is used by literally millions of people every day, is benzoyl peroxide which works in part by attacking the bacteria which is a factor in causing acne in the first place. It also works by removing dead skin cells which would otherwise block the pores of the skin and provide the ideal environment for pimples to develop.
Benzoyl peroxide is not a new medicine and has been around for very many years now so that we have excellent evidence of both its strengths and weaknesses. Fortunately, it has few side effects although it can dry out the skin and will also 'bleach' fabric so it does need to be used with care. It also comes in various strengths (typically 2.5%, 5% and 10%) and it is important that it is used in the correct strength. Start at 2.5% and only move up in strength if this does not appear to be effective and you are not suffering any undue side effects. Many people believe that if a 2.5% strength will do the job then a 10% strength will work four times as well, but this is not the case.
Salicylic acid is another commonly used medication and, as this is the active ingredient in aspirin, it is also a very safe treatment. Salicylic acid is often purchased in pad form and can help to break down both blackheads and whiteheads. In addition, it slows down the shedding of dead skin cells within the follicles which makes the build up and compaction of dead skin cells less likely. Finally, it helps to remove dead skin cells preventing a build-up of bacteria within the sebum, or skin oil.
Salicylic acid should not be used alongside other treatments unless your physician or dermatologist recommends additional treatment, as this can cause skin irritation.
A third option is resorcinol which can be useful in some cases, especially when combined with compounds such as sulphur. Resorcinol breaks down hard skin helping to remove dead skin from the follicles to prevent clogging and a build-up of bacteria. Rosorcinol should not be used with any form of astringent like alcohol.
A final and forth option is alcohol and acetone, which many people would describe as an 'old-fashioned' treatment. Alcohol acts as a mild antibacterial and helps to remove oil from the surface of the skin, while acetone also acts as a degreasing agent to clean the surface of the skin.
The problem however with acne is that the excessive skin oil which contributes to the problem of acne lies below the surface of the skin and it is here that, in the presence of dead skin cells, white blood cells and bacteria, that acne forms. As a result alcohol and acetone are of only limited value.
One final point to note is that a treatment which works for one person will not necessarily work for another person and so, with the exception of alcohol and acetone which really should not be recommended these days, it is a question of trying each medication in turn for a reasonable period of time to find the one that works best for you.
ProactiveAcneCreamTreatment.com provides information on all aspects of acne from details of proactive acne treatment to finding the best acne medication.
Embarrassed by Acne - Teen Acne Information
Teenage or adolescence is the convergence of childhood and adulthood. In this period the mental growth is still incomplete and the maturity level is yet unattained. Also it is that period of life where people stress on beauty and external appearance more than anything else.
Acne Remedies - Fight Acne Naturally
Acne is commonly a skin condition that is seen as whiteheads, blackheads, pustules or infected and inflamed nodules. Acne often is found on a persons face, chest, neck, and back.
Inexpensive Ways to Improve Your Skin
In the minds of many Americans, our face is our most precious possession.
Skin care and accutane
Keep your skin free of dirt and skin pores breathing fresh, to treat acne and for better skin care. Some medications are also available for severe conditions.
Review of the acne no more system
If you have a problem with acne, you may be wondering if Acne No More is the solution you've been looking for. There are all sorts of different books and products out there that promise to completely cure acne but how do you know which one is right for you?
Thalgo's Oxygen 3-Defence Cream
We already know that the air we breathe has its negative effects on our internal system. Pollutants such as car fumes, dust and cigarette smoke are linked to the likes of severe allergies, breathing problems and even cancer it is then no surprise that the air we breathe wreaks havoc on our skin as well.
Organic Skin Care- Know Your Skin-Type First
Skin is the largest organ of our body. It is the primary barrier between the outside environment and the vital parts of the body. If the skin is healthy then one might bypass many diseases that usually contaminate through the skin surface.
How to treat acne with safe methods?
Acne is a kind of skin disease which can occur in any age group, but mostly occur in teenage and adults. This skin disease creates blackheads, whiteheads, cysts and pimples on the skin and may get worse with time if is not healed at the right time.
Bad Skin? Use These Tips To Clear It Up
People who suffer from acne are often embarrassed and ashamed by their red bumpy skin. However, improving your acne situation is much easier than you think if you have the right advice and information. This article contains a number of pieces of advice that will help you improve your skin and acne situation.
Effective Acne Treatments for Teenagers
Acne affects virtually all teenagers at one point or another, to varying degrees. Teen acne is hereditary and is brought on by hormonal changes related to menstrual periods, pregnancy, birth control pills, or stress; oily hair and skin products; certain drugs such as steroids, testosterone, estrogen, and phenytoin; and high levels of humidity or sweating.
Is Acne Troubling You? Try These Helpful Tips!
While acne is most common in teenagers, the condition can also affect adults well into their prime. Without proper treatment, the bumps and cysts can cause lifelong scarring and unattractive splotches on the skin.
7 Beauty Tips For Acne Prone Skin
Acne. Boy do I hate it. Those pimples popping up all over my face back in my teenaged years. Even now, I do get acne outbreaks when I am stressed, or use the wrong skin care product.
Clear Skin Guide
Who will not like to have a soft, glowing, clear skin? And what not have you tried to get at it? You may have tried several cleansers, moisturizers, proactivs®, skin guides etc.
Acne Does Not Have To Remain A Problem
Sometimes it can be a complicating task to treat acne as we are on the search for the miracle cure. With acne, there is no miracle cure that will work in all cases. People can get so obsessed with their acne that they themselves stand in the way of proper skin care
Eat Your Way to Clearer Skin
As with many skin conditions, the best way to get rid of acne is from the inside out. Eating the right foods can clear your skin, helping you look and feel beautiful.
Suggestions For Achieving Clear, Problem Free Skin
Acne is a burden to many people. Acne is caused by the pores of the skin being clogged by oil and dirt, which causes bacteria to grow in them. The bacteria causes swelling at the area of growth. If you have acne and would like to get rid of it, then read on to learn some valuable tips.
How To Get Less Acne And More Clear Skin by using these helpful tips
When you are an adult, the last thing you want to be worried about is acne. Acne does not only affect teenagers, adults can suffer from acne too. It can be an embarrassing problem when your skin breaks out. This article will give you some great ideas for controlling your adult acne.
Acne Is Nasty So Beat It With Some Solid Advice
Acne outbreaks can lead to stress, depression, and an avoidance of social activities. But controlling outbreaks does not need to be a time consuming or complicated task. This article will give you solid advice on how to be thorough in your approach to fighting acne without the added stress or complications.
Acne Strikes At Many Ages: Here Are Some Ways To Help
Acne has the potential to severely impact the self esteem of all those suffering from it. The key, however, is to realize that hope is available and clear skin can be reclaimed. By putting the tips in this article into action, it is possible to eradicate acne once and for all and regain your sense of confidence.
Best Vitamins for Acne Treatment
If consumed enough through either our foods or supplements, vitamins can in fact help stop acne before it features a chance to emerge. Since the is the biggest organ of the body, it requires the kind of nutrition to work in an optimal level, and for fighting acne from ever developing. The listed minerals and vitamins are exceptionally noteworthy for reducing pimples.