Over-the-Counter Acne Medications

There are several very effective over-the-counter (OTC) medicines that can be bought early without waiting for a prescription from a physician. This can allow someone to begin treatment immediately, and many of these agents are highly effective.

Over-the-Counter Acne Medications Mechanisms

These agents cannot do much in comparison to Accutane and oral antibiotics, but have some profound effects initially. These agents either kill the culprit bacteria descreasing inflammation, prevent clogging of pores by keratin and also may decrease sebum oil production.

Mild Acne Agents

These agents are used for mild acne, and are topical medications that are applied directly to the acne lesions and to the entire area of affected skin in order to prevent acne lesions.

Benzoyl peroxide

This agent kills bacteria, such as P. acnes, thereby decreasing inflammation by preventing neutrophil influx. It is also believed to reduce oil production. Great for mild acne, and a good agent to use with most acne medicines. Beware of skin thinning and do not apply too much as it removes a layer of skin each time you apply it. This is not an antibiotic, but a general agent that acts by desctory any type of cell, including bacteria and normal skin cells.

Resorcinol

This agent is well-known to decrease comedones by breaking blackheads and whiteheads down.

Salicylic acid

This acid agent works by decreasing comedones and comedogenic lesions. Blackheads and whiteheads are cleared.

Sulfur

This agent is also effective in clearing comedones, blackheads and whiteheads. Acts by unplugging pores. Usually added to other agents.

Over-the-Counter Creams, Lotions and Gels

These over-the-counter medicines can be found in many different forms to suit your skins needs. These include but are not limited to gels, lotions, creams or soaps.

Side-Effects

Because these agents act by removing a layer of skin, skin irritation, burning, or redness are common. Stopping the agent will reverse this.

Results

Using these agents as indicated on their label, for approximately 8 weeks, should reveal effective results. Remember, consistency is essential in treating acne, as acne skin changes do not occur overnight.