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Over-the-Counter Products
Used to treat mild, moderate and severe acne, the effectiveness of
over-the-counter medications lies in the product’s active ingredient(s).
Not all active ingredients work the same way. The active ingredient
benzoyl peroxide reduces P. acnes; whereas, salicylic acid helps correct
abnormal skin shedding. For lesions to clear, the product(s) must be
effective against the factor(s) causing the acne. The following
describes common active ingredients used in over-the-counter acne
medications sold in the United States. Check with your dermatologist or
pharmacist before combining acne products.
Alcohol and acetone
Found together in some over-the-counter medications used to treat acne,
acetone works as a degreasing agent and alcohol has mild
antimicrobial
properties. When used alone, acetone tends to have no effect.
Benzoyl peroxide
The mainstay of over-the-counter acne treatment, benzoyl peroxide works
to clear up acne by reducing
P. acnes and removing dead cells from the
skin to prevent comedones. It was one of the first agents found to be
effective in treating mild acne and has been used in acne treatment for
decades. The principal side effect is excessive dryness of the skin, so
be sure to follow directions and not use more than stated unless
otherwise instructed by a physician. Care should also be taken when
applying it to avoid the bleaching effect. Benzoyl peroxide has been
known to bleach hair, sheets, towels and clothing. For this reason, an
old shirt should be worn after applying benzoyl peroxide to acne on the
back or chest. Benzoyl peroxide is available over-the-counter as a
lotion or gel. Use of benzoyl peroxide should be continued after acne
clears to prevent new lesions from forming.
“Herbal,” “organic” and "natural" products
Over-the-counter products labeled “herbal,” "organic" or "natural" are
marketed as acne treatments but their effectiveness has rarely been
tested in clinical trials. The value of such treatments is generally
unknown. Resorcinol
A popular ingredient in over-the-counter acne medications, resorcinol
controls small acne lesions and is frequently combined with sulfur in
over-the-counter products. Salicylic acid
Effective in treating non-inflammatory acne lesions, salicylic acid
helps correct the abnormal shedding of skin cells and unclog pores to
resolve and prevent lesions. Salicylic acid does not have any effect on
sebum production or
P. acnes. Like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid must
be used continuously. Once stopped, pores clog and acne returns.
Salicylic acid is found in many over-the-counter acne products,
including lotions, creams and pads. It may be irritating to the skin.
Sulfur
Sulfur has been used for more than 50 years in combination with other
agents, such as alcohol, salicylic acid and resorcinol and is found in
many over-the-counter acne medications. While long used to treat acne,
it is not known how sulfur works to clear acne. Due to its unpleasant
odor, sulfur is not frequently used alone as an acne treatment.
More Information
Acne Severity
Acne Therapies
Acne Skin Care Guidelines |
