Acne. Almost everyone has it at some point in his or her life. The good news is that most acne can be treated with over the counter medications. The bad news is that you have to be persistent enough to find the right treatment for your skin and stick with it. Most acne therapies take eight weeks or longer to give you good results; like most things in life, however, it's worth the effort.
What to Look for
The two main causes of acne are sticky skin cells that fail to exfoliate (leading to blocked follicles) and bacteria that build up in the clogged follicles. To combat these acne triggers, look for over-the-counter acne treatments that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
Salicylic acid is a mild acid that helps reverse the stickiness of your skin cells, breaking up clogged pores and helping your skin exfoliate. It also acts as a mild anti-inflammatory, reducing swelling and redness. Salicylic acid can be found in many over the counter products including facial washes, lotions, and spot treatments.
Benzoyl peroxide is a topical antibacterial that works by killing the bacteria trapped in your plugged hair follicles. These trapped bacteria would otherwise build up and cause inflammation, leading to acne. Benzoyl peroxide is available in washes, creams, and gels in strengths from 2.5% to 10%.
Treating acne with both salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide provides a one-two punch, hitting two causes simultaneously. However, like starting a new exercise program, you have to start slowly.
Salicylic acid increases skin cell turnover causing peeling, while benzoyl peroxide causes dryness. If you find that your face is peeling too much or is too sensitive, then use them every other day for the first two few weeks until your skin has a chance to acclimate to the new routine. Then increase to every day when your face can tolerate it. Use salicylic acid at night and benzoyl peroxide in the morning.
Common Pitfalls
Although both salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are safe, they should not be used if you are pregnant. Also, salicylic acid should not be used if you are allergic to aspirin.
Although benzoyl peroxide comes in strengths up to 10%, higher strengths do not work better and can be irritating, causing many people to stop using it altogether. Look for products that contain 2.5% or 5%; they are just as effective and not as irritating.
Remember, too, that benzoyl peroxide is a bleaching agent, especially when concentrated to 10%. If you get it on your clothes, bed sheets, or towels, it can permanently bleach them, so be careful when you apply it.
Because salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide increase your skin's cell turnover, they also increase your sensitivity to the sun; so always wear a facial sunscreen when you use these products.
Be patient and persistent. No matter how much you would like your acne to go away, it takes weeks for these treatments to work and months for your face to look clear. If you don't stick to it and use them consistently, then your acne will creep back, and you will have to start all over again. If you have severe or cystic acne, then please see your physician. Over-the-counter products are more effective in treating mild to moderate acne, not severe acne.
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