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.
Whiteheads Information and Acne Cure
Acne not only comes in various forms, but also in different degrees of severity. Whiteheads and blackheads are relatively milder forms of this chronic skin disease. Each tiny bulge takes shape out of surplus body oil and dead skin cells which pile up together and form a plug to clog the hair follicle, entrapping the discharged sebum within the pore itself.
A Natural Approach To Managing Acne
Almost everyone has suffered from acne at one time or another in his or her lives. It is primarily a disorder of the sebaceous gland (glands in the skin that secrete an oily substance) of the face, the neck and back.
Detox Your Diet for a Healthier You
Americans consume too much saturated fat and sugar -; in one year, the average American can eat 64 pounds of sugar and 30 pounds of cheese. Indulging during special occasions isn't the problem. It's the small food choices we make every day that can add up to big health problems down the road.
Get Rid Of Acne Scars Naturally At Home
For many sufferers of spots and pimples, a certain downside relates to the potential development of acne scars in those situations where the spots start to become inflamed or are popped.
Can Toothpaste Rid Off Zits?
Can you guess why toothpaste was ever thought of as an acne cure option? Probably because everyone has access to a tube of toothpaste!
Prevent Acne With Food During Healthy Diet
Acne is a universal problem. It does not discriminate between color, creed or caste. A bold problem as such, has to be treated in a bolder way.
Effect of Swimming on Acne
Swimming, as a physical activity, is great for overall health including skin health. The way you breathe while swimming increases the flow of oxygen within your body, and the extra oxygen that enters your blood stream promotes the growth of new skin cells and heals inflamed skin.
Does Witch Hazel Work for Acne Scars?
The fight with acne can take several forms. Lots of people choose to take medication, so use laser therapy and other people like the natural remedy. If you want to go the natural route you might consider witch hazel.
Be Free From Acne Forever. Learn How Here!
Is your acne so bad that it gives you nightmares? Does the thought of going out in public make you want to go into hiding?
Home Treatments for Acne
There are many over-the-counter adult acne treatments to unblock pores, reduce bacteria and dry out pimples.
Ways To Manage Your Acne And Clear Up Your Skin!
Acne is a common occurrence among many people worldwide. There are many different types of acne too. Different factors can lead to acne, but the main causes are dirt, oil build-up caused by hormonal factors, and bacteria.
Why One Acne Treatment Does Not Cure All
Ever wonder why some people are plagued by acne and others never get a zit?
The Best Acne Cures
Since acne is the most common skin disease in the United States, the best acne cures are, fortunately, found close to home.
Tips To Rid Yourself Of Acne Now
Unsightly skin conditions like acne, can take many different forms with blackheads, whiteheads, and raised, inflamed red bumps, being the most common indicators of problems with the health of the skin. Whether you are battling acne on your face or body, the information in these acne tips and tricks, may provide answers to your questions.
Healthy Foods for Clearer Skin
In some cases, an effective method to get rid of acne lies in your diet. You can achieve clear skin by eating certain types of foods resulting in clearer and more beautiful skin.
How To Treat Acne Now And Forever
Once thought to be the bane of teenagers alone, acne and other skin irritations can affect men and women in all age groups. Rather than allowing the redness and uneven texture of pimples and acne lesions to overwhelm you, try the advice in this handpicked selection of acne tips and tricks, to improve the appearance of your skin.
Expert Advice On Acne Prevention And Reduction
It's horrible waking up to see a large, red spot on their face. Fortunately, with the right advice, it is much easier than you think to keep your acne under control. This article contains a number of tips on acne that will you help on your way to being acne-free.
Tired Of Having Acne? Here Are Some Tips To Help You
Learning the best treatments for acne is the best way to get rid of it for good. You are sure to benefit from reading all of the valuable tips that are in this article. They are each beneficial in their own separate way. Read through each of them carefully and determine if these tips are for you.
You Can Be Free From Acne Once And For All
Suffering with acne can cause you to become extremely frustrated, but by following these simple tips and tricks, you can discover ways of stopping the breakouts. You can begin to enjoy having healthier better-looking skin in little to no time. Simply read this guide and put this information to use for you.
Acnezine services can be hard to find
Many people find acne to be a very difficult condition to endure. I know there are people that have been dealing with this for years. This Acnezine review should cover all of these things, plus a little bit more information that will most likely be appreciated. The page has been up for a while now. Acne products are made by many companies.