All About Over the Counter Acne Products
If you have ever gone into a pharmacy to look for products to help with your acne, you might have been amazed or surprised by the number of products available. There are creams, gels, masks, pads, sponges and other products all claiming to help remove or prevent acne. There are products for removing dead skin cells, fighting bacteria and removing surface dirt from your skin. Many contain the same or similar concentrations of active ingredients, while others contain all-natural or ingredients you have never heard of. This article will touch on the more common acne products widely available without a perscription.
Topical creams or gels are one of the most popular types of acne products. Most of these products include benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid among their ingredients. If you are going to treat your own acne using over-the-counter products instead of seeing a dermatologist, these are likely to be effective and straightforward to use.
Acne soaps or washes are another common form of acne remedy sold over the counter. These include bars of soap, washes and rinses. Some contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Their flaw is in the way they are often used. For example, if you apply an acne soap to your face then immediately wash it off, that might not be a very effective way to treat pimples. So if you do select an acne wash or soap, you would want to leave it on your skin for a few minutes before rinsing it off, unless the product's instructions tell you not to do so.
Exfoliants in the form of sponges, scrubs or masks are also often marketed as being effective against acne. If you are someone whose skin is prone to irritation or is very sensitive, exfoliants are probably not the best idea. An exfoliant will, however, remove skin cells that are dead.
Yet another type of product often used to remove dead skin cells and clear up the skin are facial masks. Medicated or all natural facial masks are available from a variety of cosmetic and skin care product makers including Clinique and Neutrogena. While facial masks can effectively cleanse your skin and are quite relaxing, they make a better supplement to your skin care routine than a cornerstone due to their generally higher prices and the time it takes to use them.
Adhesive strips that are briefly applied to the face then pulled off to remove dead skin cells have enjoyed some popularity. These strips are easily found in most drugstores. These pore cleansing strips are of limited usefulness, as the same result can be achieved in a much simpler and more practical fashion at less cost i.e. by thoroughly washing your face.
The selection of over-the-counter acne products for home use is dizzying. The easiest and often less expensive option is to avoid products that seem too good to be true, make excessive claims or carry an exceedingly high price tag. If you intend to fight acne yourself without the aid of a dermatologist, then buy a product containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, both of which have been proven effective over time. Consult your pharmacist or doctor for a product recommendation or if you are unsure about a particular product's suitability for you.