Acne - Acne Products

There are many products designed to treat acne.  Some of these acne products are formulated to serve a specific purpose while others are dedicated to treating the general symptoms of acne.

This article discusses some of the basic acne products sold over-the-counter that can help prevent and combat this condition. Remember, if products sold in most drugstores aren't helping your condition, it may be advisable to seek medical attention.

Soap and water are the most basic acne skin care products. Depending on your skin type, sensitivity, and possible allergies, you may want to choose a soap carefully so as to prevent further acne breakouts or irritation.

When you wash your face, you are removing excess oils that build up on your skin, clogging pores and causing pimples to form. It is strongly recommended that you not wash your face too often, and that you don't scrub vigorously, as this can remove too much oil and irritate the skin.  However, washing your face twice or at most three times daily can remove unwanted dirt and oils and help control your acne breakouts.

Benzoyl peroxide is a very common acne product that can be purchased over-the-counter to help fight acne. It is often recommended by physicians, and it is usually used to treat mild forms of acne. It is present in many acne treatment products, and was the first product to be proven effective in treating acne.

Benzoyl Peroxide is helpful in fighting bacteria and stops excess oil from clogging pores. It is available in many different forms, including as a lotion or a cream.

Salicylic acid is commonly used in many over-the-counter acne treatments and cleansers, and when applied to the skin, helps to correct the slow shedding of dead cells. In milder forms of acne, it helps to unclog pores and prevent lesions that we know as pimples.

Salicylic acid does not stop oil production. Like Benzoyl Peroxide, it must be used continually in order to be an effective acne skin care product.

Sulfur is also another common acne product found in many over-the-counter acne treatments. It has been used for years in conjunction with other products to help combat breakouts. Due to its unpleasant odor, sulfur is not often used by itself to treat acne problems.

Despite being its frequent use in acne products, it is not known exactly what characteristics of sulfur help heal acne. Nevertheless, results have been shown and it continues to be popular.

Herbal and natural acne products are often available for purchase over-the-counter at any local pharmacy. Most of these products are organic, and have not been tested clinically to determine their effectiveness. In spite of this, they are sometimes preferred, and their usage is said to be increasing.

There are many over-the-counter options available to help heal and prevent acne. Different acne products react differently to different skin types, and the effects are different for everyone. It important to find what acne products works for you and stick to them.