Treatment FAQ

what is a good otc acne treatment

by Dr. Christ Blick Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Benzoyl peroxide.
This ingredient kills the bacteria that cause acne, helps remove excess oil from the skin and removes dead skin cells, which can clog pores. OTC benzoyl peroxide products are available in strengths from 2.5 to 10 percent.

Medicalnewstoday.com

1. Tea tree oil...is a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory...

2. Jojoba oil...may help to repair damaged skin...

3. Aloe vera...is a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory...

4. Honey...help to clear waste and debris from clogged pores...

5. Garlic...

6. Green tea...

7. Echinacea...

8. Rosemary...

Learn More...

Healthline.com

1. Apply apple cider vinegar...contains several organic acids...

2. Take a zinc supplement...important for cell growth, hormone production, metabolism and immune function...

3. Make a Honey and Cinnamon Mask...

4. Spot Treat With Tea Tree Oil...

5. Apply Green Tea to Your Skin...

6. Apply Witch Hazel...

7. Moisturize With Aloe Vera...

Learn More...

Top10homeremedies.com

1. Give your skin a gentle oatmeal rub...its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nature helps clear the acne away...

2. Apply a paste of aspirin...can reduce inflammation...

3. Try lemon juice...cleans out the dirt...

4. Dab Tea Tree Oil...

5. Apply Aloe Vera Gel...

6. Put an Ice Pack...

7. Use Basil...

8. Apply a Speck of Toothpaste...

Learn More...

How to find the best OTC medication for acne?

What Is the Best Treatment for Acne?

  • Starting out with skincare. The first step in controlling acne is implementing good skincare habits. ...
  • Over-the-counter and topical acne treatment. There are lots of over-the-counter (OTC) acne treatments available at your local pharmacy. ...
  • Oral medications. ...
  • Medical procedures for acne treatment. ...

Which acne skin care treatment product is the best?

  • CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser. ...
  • Clinique Acne Solutions Clinical Clearing Gel. ...
  • Clinique Acne Solutions Cleansing Foam. ...
  • Glytone Mild Gel Cleanser. ...
  • CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser. ...
  • CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser. ...
  • SkinCeuticals Glycolic Renewal Gel Cleanser. ...
  • PCA Skincare Pigment Bar. ...
  • The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%. ...

More items...

Which oral antibiotics are best for acne?

  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Bloating and indigestion
  • Loss of appetite
  • A raised, itchy skin rash
  • Coughing and/or wheezing
  • Tightness of the throat

What is the best medication for acne treatment?

  • Isotretinoin (Accutane®): Most effective but comes with major and potentially lifelong side effects
  • Oral Antibiotics: Somewhat effective in some people in the short term, but with side effects
  • Corticosteroids: Effective in the short term, but with side effects
  • Hormonal Treatment [females only]: Moderately effective, but with side effects

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What is the best acne treatment that you can buy in stores?

The 9 Best Drugstore Skin-Care Products for Acne, Recommended by DermatologistsNeutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel. ... PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash. ... Arm & Hammer Invisible Spray Powder.

What is the most effective medicine for acne?

Usually the first choice for treating acne is a tetracycline (minocycline, doxycycline) or a macrolide (erythromycin, azithromycin). A macrolide might be an option for people who can't take tetracyclines, including pregnant women and children under 8 years old.

What truly gets rid of acne?

Topical treatments, which you can get over the counter or through a dermatologist are one way to treat acne. Look for products with benzoyl peroxide, since it can help the skin topically. "Benzoyl peroxide helps kill acne-causing bacteria and unclog the pore.

What is the fastest treatment for acne?

6 Ways to Get Rid of Pimples Fast. ... Apply Ice to the Pimple: ... Apply a Paste of Crushed Aspirin to the Pimple. ... Use An Over-the-Counter Acne Spot Treatment. ... Use Makeup with Salicylic Acid to Conceal Pimples. ... Apply a Face Mask for Acne. ... Get a Cortisone Injection to Quickly Get Rid of a Pimple.

How do I know if my acne is hormonal or bacterial?

One of the telltale signs of a hormonal breakout is its location on the face. If you're noticing inflamed cystic acne on your chin or jawline area—anywhere around your lower face, really—you can bet your bottom dollar that it's probably hormonal acne.

What is better than Proactiv?

AcneFree Clear Skin Treatments (benzoyl peroxide) Olay Fresh Effects Clear Skin Acne Solutions System (salicylic acid) Neutrogena Complete Acne Therapy System (benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid) La Roche-Posay Effaclar Acne System (benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid)

Is CeraVe good for acne?

Dermatologists recommend CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser for people with acne as it works to cleanse the skin and remove oil, without disrupting the skin's protective barrier. It won't clog pores or dry the skin out, and contains niacinamide and ceramides to help calm and moisturize irritated skin.

What vitamin helps with acne?

Washing the face daily, especially before bed or after a sweaty workout, will help kill bacteria and clear off dead skin cells. Vitamins can give the skin the extra boost needed to fight acne. Vitamin A, D, zinc, and omega-3s are the most widely used vitamins for treating acne.

How do I get rid of adult acne forever?

What else can I do to clear hormonal acne?Wash your face in the morning and again in the evening.Apply no more than a pea-size amount of any acne product. Applying too much can dry out your skin and increase irritation.Wear sunscreen every day.Use only noncomedogenic products to reduce your risk of clogged pores.

Which is better benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid?

Salicylic acid is more effective for blackheads and whiteheads. Benzoyl peroxide works well for mild pustules. The severity of your breakouts. Both ingredients are intended for mild breakouts, and they can take several weeks to take full effect.

Does Proactiv really work?

With that being said, Proactiv may be an effective treatment option for mild to moderate acne outbreaks and scarring. But it's not a miracle cure, and it won't work for everyone. According to its product description, Proactiv doesn't work on cystic or nodular acne. It's also not the best option for severe acne.

How do dermatologists treat acne?

Dermatologists use chemical peels to treat 2 types of acne — blackheads and papules. Acne removal: Your dermatologist may perform a procedure called “drainage and extraction” to remove a large acne cyst. This procedure helps when the cyst does not respond to medicine.

Active Ingredients in Acne Products

Acne products work in different ways, depending on their active ingredients. Some OTC acne products work by killing the bacteria that cause acne in...

Choosing An Effective Acne Product

The acne product that's best for you depends on many factors, including your skin type, the type and severity of your acne, and your skin care pref...

Skin Care Tips When Using Acne Products

Acne products are just one step in your skin care routine. When using acne products: 1. Wash problem areas twice daily. Use a gentle nonsoap cleans...

What is OTC treatment?

Most over-the-counter (OTC) treatments include cleansing gels, lotions, foam patches, leave-on products, and treatment kits. Knowing the exact product that can work for you can be an arduous task due to the many options available. The Food and Drug Administration has warned that some well-known OTC acne treatment products can have very adverse ...

What acid is used to treat acne?

Features three different acids – lactic, salicylic, and glycolic acid – that all play an important role in treating acne. Works by targeting dark spots and repairing age spots, damage caused by the sun. It also evens skin tone. It’s easy to use.

How many ounces of benzoyl peroxide is in a pack of face wash?

It’s a unisex face wash that comes in a pack of three bottles that weigh 6 ounces. The active ingredient, benzoyl peroxide, works by getting rid of any acne-causing bacteria as well as controlling oil. This face wash is anti-inflammatory and comedolytic, which means it helps calms the skin while reducing clogged pores.

Can OTC acne cream cause redness?

The Food and Drug Administration has warned that some well-known OTC acne treatment products can have very adverse effects. These can range anywhere from mild effects such as redness, itchiness, irritation to more serious reactions such as swelling of the lips, tongue, face, or even tightness of the throat. While treating acne is no mean feat, ...

Is Cerave a good face cleanser?

If you are looking for a highly effective acne treatment facial cleanser that you can buy over-the-counter, you should consider CeraVe Foaming facial cleanser. This is a good product for people with normal to oily skin. It comes in a value size, has no actives, and is affordable.

Is benzoyl peroxide good for acne?

Benzoyl Peroxide is a very well-known acne treating ingredient. In fact, most dermatologists recommend products that contain benzoyl peroxide for anyone battling acne. This creamy wash comes infused with 4% benzoyl peroxide, which makes it a good choice for novices who are considering OTC treatment.

Is a lotion good for dry skin?

The perfect lotion for delivering everyday moisture to take care of dry skin. It was initially designed for dermatologists and is therefore sensitive to the needs of your skin. It is also gentle. Suitable for people with various skin conditions such as acne because it has neutral pH formulations.

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Background on Acne in Adult Females

First, let’s get something out of the way: you’re not abnormal because you’re still struggling with acne. Adult female acne is not uncommon.

OTC vs Prescription Acne Treatments

Before seeking out prescription solutions from a dermatologist, such an oral antibacterial acne medication, many people with acne consider giving over-the-counter skin care products a shot.

Active Ingredients to Look For in OTC Acne Treatments

While perusing the drugstore aisles, it is a good idea to check labels before purchasing an over the counter acne treatment product.

Over-the-Counter Acne Treatments in Combination

Often, a dermatologist will recommend combination treatments for adult acne in women.

Other Skin Care Tips

In order to keep your face clear of cysts, whiteheads, blackheads, or any other acne that may creep up, it is important to establish a good skin care routine for acne .

The Bottom Line on OTC Acne Treatments

There are numerous products on the shelves and online for the treatment of acne, and while the variety is great, it makes it difficult to choose.

The basics

Acne is one of the most common — and most annoying — skin woes. Everyone can get the occasional zit. But for some, it may seem like your pimples are here to stay, whether you’re a teen or starting to notice your first wrinkles. The good news is there are steps you can take to reduce the frequency and severity of breakouts.

Why trust us

Laura Fitzpatrick, MD, is chief resident physician in dermatology at the Donald and Barbara School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell in New York. A Weill Cornell Medicine graduate, she was a full-time writer and reporter for TIME magazine before starting medical training.

Do you have acne?

Acne is an inflammatory disorder involving the hair follicles and oil glands. It affects about:

What are different types of OTC acne medications?

There are many different types of OTC treatments for acne. They can include washes, lotions, creams, scrubs, peels, vitamins, and masks, among others. With new treatments hitting the shelves on a regular basis, it can be hard to keep track! The key to choosing among them lies in selecting the right active ingredients for your skin.

Active ingredients and how to identify them

Certain OTC acne treatments are backed by more scientific evidence than others. Check the label for the following active ingredients, which have the most studies to support their use.

Keep in mind

We need better studies on almost all of these active ingredients — for now, there is little evidence that helps to differentiate which ones really work. And bear in mind that OTC products work best for mild cases of acne.

What is the best OTC skin care for acne?

Experts agree that OTC skin care products containing ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, azelaic acid, and more may serve as a steppingstone to improving mild to moderate acne. For moderate to severe acne, a visit to a dermatologist’s office is usually warranted.

What is the best treatment for acne?

Acne treatments include prescription medications, including topical and oral varieties, and over-the-counter (OTC) skin care products.

What type of acne is a comedonal?

A dermatologist will closely examine your skin to see which of the different types of lesions appear: Mild noninflammatory acne (aka comedonal acne) includes whiteheads and blackheads. Moderate inflammatory acne includes papules and pustules. Severe inflammatory acne includes nodules and cysts.

What is the difference between tretinoin and retinol?

Type of acne: Noninflammatory acne. Tretinoin is a prescription-strength topical cream or gel . Like retinol, tretinoin is a retinoid derived from vitamin A. It works by speeding up the life cycle of skin cells. It makes them divide and die faster so newer, healthier skin cells can come to the surface.

What is Altreno cream?

Unlike other tretinoin prescription medications, which usually take the form of a topical cream or gel, Altreno is a lightweight lotion that targets breakouts while moisturizing skin. “Topical retinoids are a foundational treatment for acne,” says Zeichner of the significance of tretinoin in Altreno.

Why does acne boil down to clogged pores?

The cause of acne usually boils down to clogged pores when a mix of sebum, bacteria, and dead skin cells are trapped in a hair follicle. Each pore on the surface of skin is the opening to a hair follicle, which is made up of a hair and an oil gland.

What antibiotics are used for acne?

Both oral and topical antibiotics may be prescribed for more severe types of acne. According to Zain Husain, MD, FAAD, a board certified dermatologist in New Jersey, clindamycin phosphate is a “topical antibiotic that is highly effective in killing bacteria and reducing inflammation.

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