How to Choose an Over The Counter Acne Medication
Author: Greg Podsakoff
Source: articleage.com
There are literally hundreds of different treatments available to reduce acne. There is everything from all natural herbal remedies, pharmaceuticals powerful chemicals such as Accutane. However, acne treatments most commonly used in the United States are over the counter acne medications. They are usually inexpensive compared to prescription drugs, and some work very well. Benzoyl peroxide is the most commonly used in acne medication, and rightly, benzoyl peroxide is one of the treatments for acne most effective available. A 5% solution is all that is needed to treat acne, and almost no side effects for most people who use it. Unlike antibiotics and other prescription drugs, benzoyl peroxide can be used for months or even years at a time, and there really is no long term side effects (including a tolerance) that can be associated with she. Furthermore, benzoyl peroxide has been compared to some prescription medications for acne, and is almost as effective as many acne antibiotics. Above all, the benzoyl peroxide is the most successful medication for acne. However, there are others that can be very beneficial as well, such as salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid, and acts as an astringent to remove dead skin cells. By removing dead skin cells, this helps eliminate clogged pores and help renew skin more quickly. Because acne is caused by p.bacteria that accumulates in sebum in the pores of the skin, is very important for the sebum to have a way of draining the pores before it becomes infected. Once the salicylic acid is used to remove dead skin cells, sebum is much less likely to be trapped under the skin of those infected. Salicylic acid is often sold as a makeup remover, but is most commonly used in the treatment of acne through the pads or pads Stridex Oxy. Sulfur is also used in some over the counter acne medications. Sulfur is one of the oldest acne treatments, and reacts with the skin so that it is dry, and peel. This works on acne sebum from drying, and therefore stop the growth of bacteria. Many soaps and facial cleansers have sulfur in them. Sulfur is effective to get rid of whiteheads and blackheads. It works well against the more inflamed cystic acne. One drawback is that it can increase adhesion of skin cells to the skin, and therefore help to produce more grain in the future. It is best to use a gentle exfoliant when used sulfur to treat acne. Sulfur also has a strong smell, and some people have skin that reacts harshly to sulfur, causing excessive redness and peeling. Resorcinol is another over-the-counter chemical that is used to treat a variety of skin conditions including acne. It works by breaking the hard skin. For acne, this means less clogged pores, and faster growth of the skin. Resorcinol is commonly used with sulfur to treat acne. It's also good for eczema and dandruff. Because it is a strong chemical, do not use resorcinol with other astringents or cleansers unless advised by a dermatologist to do so. These are the most commonly used in acne treatments. For anyone who suffers from acne, these 4 over-the-counter treatments have a good opportunity to help reduce or eliminate acne. Greg Podsakoff is a former acne sufferer, and editor http://www.acne-treatments-guide. com