For every acne sufferer, there's a topical acne treatment to manage symptoms. These products crowd the cosmetic aisles of many drugstores and retailers. Some people prefer a spot treatment to an acne mask, while others find abrasive scrubs more effective than light lotions. Though these products differ in the their delivery of medication, the majority rely on the same effective ingredients.
History
Topical acne treatments have been helping acne-prone individuals manage blemishes for some time. The most effective acne-fighting ingredients have been available for decades. For example, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), sulfur has been used in conjunction with other ingredients for more than 50 years.
Effects
Topical acne treatments containing benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid work by destroying bacteria and drying excess oil that causes breakouts. These ingredients are the most commonly used agents in topical acne products, according to the AAD. They must be applied continuously to combat acne.
Types
An array of topical acne treatments are available over-the-counter, ranging from scrubs and spot treatments to cosmetic formulas designed to hide and heal acne simultaneously. To find the best fit for your acne condition, pay attention to the strength of the medicine. Mild formulas contain lower dosages of acne medicine, while aggressive treatments may boast much higher strengths. For example, benzoyl peroxide strengths range from 2.5 to 10 percent. Begin with the lowest strength, however, to avoid skin irritation.
Considerations
If you have stubborn acne, consider a prescription topical treatment, such as a retinoid cream or gel. These medicines are applied to the skin once daily and work to increase cell turnover, causing skin to shed dead cells which keeps pores clearer. Other prescription creams contain topical antibiotics, such as tetracycline or minocycline. These medicines are combined with other ingredients to reduce bacteria and inflammation, according to the FamilyDoctor.org.
Warning
Topical acne products can be extremely irritating to some users, causing redness, peeling and burning. Using more than the recommended amounts of the product increases these side effects. In addition, retinoid creams can cause excessive skin peeling with initial use. This side effect generally fades, however, with continual use.
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