With so many products to choose from where acne is concerned, the right choice can be confusing. Cleansers, lotions, and even scrubs are available as over the counter acne products. It may leave you wondering which products actually work and which products are just hyped up. In this article I will walk you through the best over the counter acne products available.
Clean and Clear: This line of over the counter acne products is very effective against acne. It does however, have the tendency to over dry sensitive skin. If you have sensitive skin and chose to use Clean and Clear, I would advise the use of a moisturizer designed for acne-prone skin as well.
Noxzema: While not directly marketed as an acne product, Noxzema works tremendously well for acne. This tried and true cold cream leaves skin feeling clean and soft, and digs deep to clean pores. Try applying Noxzema in conjunction with steam – it works wonderfully!
Pro-Activ: This infomercial acne product can also be found in vending machines at some shopping malls. Though the starter kit can be somewhat pricey, you get what you pay for. This over the counter acne product will effectively clear your skin of acne within 30 days.
Clearasil: This over the counter acne product has been a popular choice for acne treatment for decades. While effective, the active ingredient benzoil peroxide can lead to over drying.
When looking for an over the counter acne product it is important to keep your skin type in mind. Choosing an appropriate product should revolve around your skin type. Another factor when purchasing an over the counter acne product is the active ingredient. This will help you determine what works best for your skin by process of elimination. If you have used products with similar ingredients to no avail, you can then steer clear of them. This will also be beneficial from a financial stand point.
Key ingredients typically found in over the counter acne products include: • Benzoil peroxide • Salicylic acid • Sulfur
• Tea tree oil
Again, when determining what over the counter acne medication is best for you, keep these ingredients in mind. All have been proven as beneficial in treating acne. It is all specific to your own skin’s needs. Some skin may not be effectively treated by certain ingredients. You may find that choosing the ideal over the counter acne medication for you is a process of trial and error. This is not an uncommon occurrence. Often it takes time to find what works best for your skin.
If you find that over the counter acne products do not clear your acne, consult your physician. Your physician can refer you to a dermatologist that can prescribe an acne treatment for you. Sometimes even the best over the counter acne medications do not work. Do not get discouraged. Everyone’s skin is different and sometimes treatment can be more involved than just topical treatments alone. This guide to the best over the counter acne treatments may not work for all individuals, and is based on opinion.
