As someone who suffers from acne, you more than anyone are probably the biggest expert on the best OTC acne treatments. Most people who have suffered from acne throughout their teen and young adult years have tried each and every product on the drugstore shelf, every product online, and every product advertised in those late night infomercials – all with no success.

The acne industry has truly taken advantage of those of us with less than stellar skin and put products out on the market that work for a very small percentage of the population. If you have very light acne or the occasional pimple, then some of the over-the-counter medications will work really well for you, but if you suffer from severe, chronic acne, then even the best over-the-counter acne treatments will probably cause you more problems than they’re worth.

Most over the counter acne treatments are based on one ingredient – benzoyl peroxide. This solution is used to dry out your skin, dry out the pores, and help prevent oil from building up and becoming infected. Some of the most widely known brand names are based on benzoyl peroxide, from Proactiv to any of the medications found in your drugstore. For people who have sturdy skin, these products will work, but the problems really begin for people who have sensitive skin, because benzoyl peroxide can dry out your skin so badly that it becomes red, swollen, and starts to peel. You may have less acne, but your face could turn out to be a bit of a mess.

Sulfur is also used in many of the best over-the-counter acne treatments. It is used to remove the dead skin which often blocks the pores and creates pimples. It is easier on the skin than benzoyl peroxide and is found in products like Clearasil.

Salicylic acid helps your skin to refresh itself more often – basically causing your skin to shed. If you have a lot of whiteheads or blackheads, salicylic acid that is found in some of the “Oxy” products, Stridex, and Noxzema are considered by many to be the best over-the-counter acne treatments because they cause fewer side effects.

People have been using alcohol to cleanse and dry skin for centuries. If your blemished skin is caused by excessively oily pores, or if you work out a lot or work in a place where your skin is subject to grease or oil, then alcohol remedies may be more up your alley. They are found in a lot of over-the-counter toners and astringents and can help to get rid of all of that excess oil, allowing your pores to breathe and not get clogged up.

The best over-the-counter acne treatments can really only be evaluated by you, because we all have such different skin. Depending on the severity, type, and location of your acne, you may find that the product that works so well for your friend does not work at all for you. So, keep trying them until you find one that works – there is one out there with your name on it!

Author Bio: Is your painful and embarassing acne flaring up again? Are you wondering what the best acne treatments are? All just because you want to live your life with clear skin and get your confidence back right? Click here. for more information.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: acne,acne treatments,spots,pimples