Vitality News Health Articles

As acne affects over 85% of Americans at one point in their lives, most have tried some (or many) over the counter (OTC) products. OTC products are of a strength to relieve mild acne and are available in cleansers, exfoliating scrubs, lotions, creams and gels. Over the counter acne pills are still not available.

If even the top over the counter acne medications aren’t solving your acne worries, you probably have a more severe form of acne. Don’t give up hope. Explore the many different variations and that one you haven’t tried could be the answer for your skin.

Over the Counter Acne Medications Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide, like other OTC medications, is used against mild and moderate acne, with improvement seen as quickly as five days. It is available in several strengths, some of which are only available by prescription. When it comes as a gel, it is generally of the stronger variety.

A common side effect of benzoyl peroxide is skin dryness and irritation. Start with weaker formulations to find the lowest percentage that works for your skin. Use it every other day if it’s still too potent and once your skin has adjusted, move up to twice daily or whatever has been recommended. Apply to clean (pat dry) skin to decrease the likelihood of irritating the skin.

Creating damaging free radicals, the major drawback of benzoyl peroxide is that it causes premature aging (like persistent acne) and can increase likelihood of skin cancer.

Research has shown that free radicals harm skin and bodily organs, and contribute to rapid early skin aging. Damage is determined by the concentration of benzoyl peroxide and the frequency and duration of use. Acne causes the skin to age faster than it would normally and use of benzoyl peroxide will do the same.

Hydrogen peroxide is made by the skin to ward off infection found in acne lesions. Unfortunately, hydrogen peroxide is damaging to the skin and body because it is a free radical. Over a period of time the volume of hydrogen peroxide acts just like continual sun exposure, damaging skin components such as collagen and causing the skin to sag and wrinkle.

On top of that, the body’s healing process is a complicated mess of chemical processes. These processes release more free radicals naturally, adding to the amount the body must endure against.

The skin has a supply of antioxidants that reduce the volume of free radicals and their damage. It is believed that moderate to severe acne literally depletes the skin’s level of antioxidants, leaving it nearly defenseless against free radicals that are created by normal skin functions.

Therefore, it is important to find an acne skin care product that doesn’t create free radicals while stopping acne and its harmful creation of hydrogen peroxide.

Azelaic Acid

It is also used to treat mild to moderate levels of acne. It kills acne bacteria and reduces inflammation of skin. Redness, burning and itching are low incidence with azelaic acid.

Sulfur, Sodium Sulfacetamide and Salicylic Acid

These are not as successful with treating acne as benzoyl peroxide but work well for mild acne. These products are less irritating than benzoyl peroxide, but some have a strong smell and may cause the skin to turn brown.

Seem like they all have nasty side effects? Don’t think that there are over the counter acne treatments that work? All skin responds differently and experimentation is necessary. If your mild to moderate acne improves with an over the counter treatment but you can’t handle the harsh side effects, there are also a number of natural ingredients that have the same antimicrobial and sebum stopping power.

Control of acne with an acne breakouts treatment is not only important to the appearance of the skin today, it is an important strategy to prevent the premature aging of the skin. If you already have aged or damaged skin, try BIO SKIN CARE, a natural product that will put you in control of your acne, work as an acne scar treatment and repair damaged skin.

- Valerie DeVette