If you suffer from frequent acne outbreaks then one thing that should definitely feature in your shopping list is the acne products. These products are like life lines that help you fight against acne refusing to go away. You usually opt for the commercial lotions, moisturizers and creams that vouch to fight acne but more often then not they do not live up to the claims. Instead of the commercial stuffs you can try some OTC acne products. What are the stuffs you can try out in this category? Read on.

1. Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyal Peroxide is one of the best OTC acne products available. In fact, Benzoyl Peroxide features in the ingredients’ list of almost all commercial acne treatments. Benzoyl Peroxide shows its efficacy by

– Killing the bacteria residing deep within the follicles. This reduces inflammation.
– It decreases acne bacteria and reduces the blackheads and the whiteheads.
– It dries and exfoliates the skin.

Bezoyl Peroxide is more effective then any of the prescription drugs as the acne causing bacteria cannot build up resistance to Benzoyl Peroxide like it does against prescription drugs. However, Benzoyl Peroxide does have some side effects.

– As it is harsh it can cause redness and dryness.
– It might cause allergy in some people.

2. Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is one of the most popular OTC acne products available in the market. Most of the acne solutions and treatments contain Salicylic acid. How does Salicylic acid work? It breaks down the keratin responsible for holding the skin cells together. This exfoliates the skin faster and thus expels the whiteheads and the blackheads. However you will need to keep in mind that Salicylic acid is mild and does not reach as deep down as Benzoyl Peroxide does. It sloughs the top layer of the skin and removes the zits. The side effects of Salicylic acid are

– Dryness and irritation
– Increased sensitivity of the skin
– Can cause salicylic toxicity

3. Alpha Hydroxy Acid

It is one of the most common OTC acne medicines and it works effectively against almost all types of skin. AHA is a natural acid and it has several categories. Most of them are used in acne products manufactured commercially. AHA works by dissolving the intercellular glue that binds the dead skin cells together. It peels away the uppermost layer of the skin and exposes the newer and smoother skin. AHA is pretty effective and you will witness positive results in about couple of weeks. The side effects of AHA are

– Susceptibility to sunlight
– Skin irritation, burns and blisters
– Not largely approved by FDA

4. Sulfur and Resorcinol

Sulfur and Resorcinol are two of the most popular OTC acne medicines and you can easily purchase them at any of the local pharmacy shops. Both these medicines work in tandem with each other. Sulfur is quite efficient in killing the bacteria that causes acne.

Resorcinol peels away the outer layer of the skin thereby increasing the effect of sulfur. The side effects of this treatment include

– Dryness
– Itchiness
– Bad odor
– Pregnant women should use it only after consultation with their doctor.

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Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: OTC acne products, acne products