Acne is a common skin blemish problem that occurs when plugs of sebum oil and skin cells form in your follicles. In mild cases, acne typically clears up on its own or with the use of a mild over-the-counter (OTC) treatment product. Unfortunately, some cases of acne are more chronic and may need regular intervention to keep the acne under control. When looking for a treatment product that you will use on a regular basis, it's important to choose products that have proven themselves to be the best.
Cleanser
A daily acne wash or cleansing product is one of the easiest and most cost effective methods to keep your acne under control. When choosing a soap or cleanser, look for water-based and oil-free products. The Mayo Clinic recommends washing acne-prone areas of your skin twice daily to remove excess oil and dead skin cells. Washing your skin more than that can cause irritation and, therefore, is not recommended.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is an OTC product that can be used on a daily basis to keep acne under control. As a keratolytic agent, salicylic acid breaks down the keratin of dead skin cells that block the follicles. According to the New Zealand Dermatological Society, salicylic acid can also help control acne by slowing down the rate at which follicles shed their skin cells, resulting in less material being available to form plugs.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is another over the counter product that can be used to control acne. It is specifically formulated to kill an acne-related bacteria known as Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). Used on a regular basis, benzoyl peroxide penetrates follicles and exposes the P. acnes bacteria to fatal levels of oxygen.
Alcohol and Acetone
An alcohol-acetone mixture is also commonly found OTC for the control of acne. The alcohol in this mixture acts as an antibacterial agent, while acetone works as a degreaser on your skin, controlling the presence of excess sebum oil that can combine with dead skin cells to create acne comedones (blackheads or whiteheads).
Isotretinoin
For more serious cases of reoccurring acne, a prescription medication may need to be used to control the acne outbreaks. One of the most commonly used prescription medications for acne control is isotretinoin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, it is currently the only prescription medication capable of addressing all four major causes of acne outbreaks, including sebum oil production, skin cell pore clogging, inflammation and bacteria.
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