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Over-the-Counter Treatments

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Americans spend over a hundred million dollars a year on over-the-counter acne treatment products such as creams, lotions, face-washes, and cleansing pads. The most important thing to look for when selecting over-the-counter treatments is the active ingredient. Specific ingredients work for different acne problems. In many cases a combination of products will work best together to clear up acne. It is recommended that you speak with a dermatologist to determine what will work for your skin type. Two of the most popular ingredients are benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.

• Benzoyl Peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide was one of the first ingredients found to be effective in clearing up mild acne and has been around for decades. It helps remove dead skin cells and reduce oil production that causes comedones. Since it does not include an anti-inflammatory agent, it will likely not be as helpful in clearing up nodules and cysts. If you suffer from several different types of acne, you could combine benzoyl peroxide with another treatment permitting your doctor’s approval. The main side effect of benzoyl peroxide is dry skin so use as directed. Benzoyl peroxide is known to bleach hair and clothing so use caution when applying and be sure to thoroughly wash your hands. If you need to apply the product to your chest or back wear an old t-shirt you won’t mind getting ruined.
• Salicylic Acid: Salicylic acid is found in many over-the-counter products and is used to help with the abnormal shedding of dead skin cells. Many times you will find salicylic acid in cleansers and face washes that recommend using twice daily. It is used to treat non-inflammatory acne and it can also be irritating to some skin types. Again, it is common to combine salicylic acid with other products to achieve the desired results.

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