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Over-the-counter Acne Treatment
By Jessica Davis, Thu Dec 8th
There are many types of over-the-counter treatments for acne.Most people, when first faced with an condition, usually goto the local pharmacy and buy an over-the-counter medication onthe basis of recommendations from their friends or perhaps eventelevision ads. It's always a good idea, however, to consultwith a doctor before using any kind of over-the-countermedication. Even though is a fairly benign condition, adoctor can advise on the best course of treatment and alsooffers suggestions based on your particular kind of acne. Because of the large number of products available for treatingacne, it can be difficult to decide which one to try. Dependingon advice from your friends is not too reliable, because whatworks for one person may not work for another. It's best if youhave some background knowledge about the active ingredients invarious medications, so you can make a better informedchoice about which medication to try. One of the most popular ingredients in treatments isbenzoyl peroxide. It is found in gels and ointments and works bycombating the bacteria which causes pimples. It is also usefulfor removing dead skin cells that accumulate on the surface ofthe skin. It is these dead skin cells which combine with sebumto create blackheads and whiteheads.
Benzoyl peroxide has been proven to be safe and effective incombating lesions. It can be used after has cleared up tokeep the skin free from causing bacteria. The only sideeffect associated with this ingredient is dry skin, and this canbe avoided by decreasing the frequency that it is applied on theskin. It can also bleach hair and clothing, so care must betaken when applying it. Another popular ingredient in medications is salicylicacid. This prevents by clearing up dead skin cells whichare accumulating too quickly and clogging the pores. Productswhich contain salicylic acid should continue to be used afterthe skin has cleared up to prevent future outbreaks of acne. Theonly side effects associated with salicylic acid are dry,irritated skin. Other ingredients you may see in medications includeresorcinol and sulphur. Resorcinol causes the top layer of skinto peel -- including the dead skin cells which clog the pores.It is often combined with sulphur. It is not known how sulphuraffects conditions, but it has been used effectively
formore than 50 years. Sulphur is often combined with otheringredients besides resorcinol like salicylate acid and benzoylperoxide. It is not usually used by itself because of itsstrong, unpleasant odor. Of all these ingredients used for combating acne, benzoylperoxide is probably the most versatile. It can be used incleansing liquids or bars, as well as lotion, cream, and gelswhich are applied directly on the skin. The cleansing productsare usually used once or twice a day, while the creams andlotions can be used as needed. They should be applied on theskin around the as well as the pimples themselves for mosteffectiveness. You must avoid getting benzoyl peroxide in theeyes, mouth or nose as it will cause irritation or inflammation. About the author:Jessica is a Dermatologist in the Orlando area. You can read herblog online at http://www.acneblogonline.com.
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