Acne Products: Non-prescription Options
More than 16 million people in the United States suffer from acne vulgaris
. Accordingly, pharmaceutical companies and cosmetic manufacturers have targeted this huge market, developing an overwhelming amount of skin care products targeted at getting you clean and clear.
In this article, we will cover fads, brands, types of acne products and ingredients that are found in the best acne products to help you tackle that daunting cleansers aisle. When you are done reading, you will have a broad knowledge base of the different non acne medication options at your finger tips.
Over the Counter Acne Products
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide, one of the most used over the counter acne solutions, prevents acne by killing the bacteria P. acnes and by removing extra skin. The P. acnes bacteria cannot survive in an aerobic, or with oxygen, environment. Application of benzoyl peroxide introduces oxygen into the follicle, thereby killing bacteria. Benzoyl peroxide can cause drying and flaking of the skin, as well as some level of damage to skin structures due to its creation of free radicals. The infomercial fad Proactiv's main product line uses solutions of benzoyl peroxide.
Salicylic Acid
Pimple products with salicylic acid as the main ingredient cause the skin to shed extra skin cells in a more effective manner, decreasing the availability of those excess cells to block pores when combined with sebum. Salicylic acid is effective when found in whitehead and blackhead products. Stridex, Noxzema and Oxy are popular brands that utilize salicylic acid in their acne lines.
Alcohol and Acetone
Alcohol and acetone are typically found together in oily skin acne treatments as toners and astringents. The alcohol kills bacteria while the acetone reduces excess oil.
Sulfur and Resorcinol
Sulfur and resorcinol are also usually sold together as an acne product. The reason that sulfur works, even though it has been in use for more than 50 years as a way to becoming acne free, has still not been agreed upon by scientists. Resorcinol prevents whiteheads and blackheads by removing excess dead skin cells. The Clearsil 'Medicated' Blemish line utilizes resorcinol and sulfur.
Natural Acne Products
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil works as an antimicrobial when applied topically to the skin. Skin can be sensitive to tea tree oil so treatment should begin with low dosages or be diluted with water or aloe vera gel.
Licorice Root Extract
Licorice root extract is an antimicrobial that kills the acne-causing bacteria P. acnes. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory, anti-irritant, antioxidant and an inhibitor of sebum production.
Garlic
Garlic is a natural antiseptic that also contains sulfur.
Alpine Willow Herb Extract
This extract is a natural source of keratolytic salicylic acid in addition to being an antimicrobial.
Helix Aspersa Muller Glycoconjugates
With regard to natural treatments, the top acne products should include this miracle serum. These glycoconjugates promote skin reparation (improving the appearance of acne scars) and better moderate the body's inflammatory response to infection. This moderating action helps reduce the amount of damaging chemicals released by white blood cells when fighting against foreign bodies, effectively shielding adjacent healthy skin against unnecessary harm. It also enzymatically breaks down excess skin, preventing further pore blockage, and disinfects the skin without causing dryness.
by: Valerie Garner
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