Over the counter acne treatment products typically include acne or spot treatments, cleansers and washes, moisturizers, lotions, pads and wipes, masks and strips, shaving creams, and toners and astringents.
They are found in any convenience store. They are advertised on TV, in newspapers, magazines, on the internet, and in flyers. They are probably the most common way that people battle acne.
What causes acne?
Your sebaceous glands secrete "sebum", the body oil that moisturizes your skin. If your body produces excessive amount of sebum, this can plug up your pores and hair follicles. When this happens, the follicle wall may burst. This can cause more oil to get stuck on your pores. As oil accumulates, skin bacteria will also build up. More oil and bacteria will infect your skin and cause inflammations and lesions. These skin imperfections lead to an acne breakout.
How most over the counter products work?
When you use over the counter acne products, the acne-producing bacterium known as "Propionibacterium acnes" or simply "P. acnes" is targeted by the powerful cleansing ingredients of the product. Aside from killing the acne producing bacteria, some acne treatment products get rid of pimples by regulating the productions of enzymes and removing the excess oils in the skin. Others just speed up skin cell growth. According to experts however, the best solutions come from products that perform all of these functions.
Ingredients and efficiency
By looking at the ingredients of acne treatment products, you will be able to tell how the medication will work against your acne. Below are some of the most common ingredients used in acne treatment.
Benzoyl peroxide: This is probably the most efficient ingredient in the treatment mix. This chemical solution kills acne-producing bacteria and it also helps the body minimize oil-production. Moreover, it also hastens the process of removing dead skin cells. However, if used excessively, this can have adverse effects on the skin. It can cause dry skin, redness, and swelling. It also increases the body's sensitivity to UV rays.
Salicylic acid: This acne treatment ingredient works by slowing down cell process in the hair follicles. By preventing rapid skin cell deterioration, the chemical also prevents the pores from clogging up. In correct concentration, salicylic acid also cleans up the clogged pores. However, this chemical may cause skin irritations like mild stinging and itchiness. Most acne products have 0.5 to 2 percent of salicylic acid.
Sulfur and resorcinol: These components come as a pair in most acne products. They function much like the salicylic acid. They remove the dead cells in the skin and reduce the body's oil production levels. According to some experts, these chemicals can also break down blackheads and whiteheads. However, just like other chemicals, excessive amounts of these chemicals may cause peeling and redness especially for those who have sensitive skin.
