Acne Over the Counter

Searching for medications can turn into a nightmare. Especially if there is a large variety of treatments available and all of them claim to give the best results. Makes you wish for the good old days when there was only one drug available for each disease and everybody knew what it was. Nowadays there are many treatments and yet very few people know which one works. Hopefully, I can demystify some of the jargon involved in medication and help you make a knowledgeable decision on which remedy to use.

Over the counter treatments for acne are available in various forms. These include: creams, lotions and gels. Such treatments are readily accessible to everyone since there is no need for a doctor's prescription. To make the deal even better, all you have to do is follow the instructions on the label of the drug. Such labels always give you enough information about contradictions and side effects that may occur due to use of the treatment.

Some examples of good over the counter treatments include: Rezamid Lotion, Benzaderm Gel, Clearasil Medicated Blemish Cream, Proactiv, Clearasil Medicated Blemish Stick and Clearskin Max.

There are particular active ingredients that are found in many of these products. One major active agent is: benzoyl peroxide. This compound works by reducing the excessive oils on the skin. The oils are an attractive environment for invasion of harmful bacteria. By getting rid of the oily surface, the harmful bacteria would be less likely to cause inflammation of the skin. Benzoyl peroxide most importantly works by peeling off the dead skin cells from the surface. These dead cells are responsible for clogging of the pores of the skin.

On the down side, benzoyl peroxide can cause irritation to the skin which would lead to redness and itching. It has a strong bleaching effect and ought to be kept away from contact with your hair. Also be keen to avoid contact with fabric unless you want to ruin your best clothes.

Alpha hydroxyl acids are found in the ingredients of many acne products. Alpha hydroxyl acids include lactic acid and glycolic acid. They are particularly important in reducing inflammation on the skin. Since the condition always starts with inflammation of the oil glands, the alpha hydroxyl acids contribute to reversing the skin condition.

Alpha hydroxyl acids also contribute to stimulating growth of a new and smoother skin. Marks and spots are easily eliminated through this method. The growth of collagen tissues eradicates the affected areas of the skin to form a new and even toned surface.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Geoffrey_Njuguna_Moni

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7478157