Over the counter acne products usually contain certain active ingredients that can address some of the key factors responsible for causing acne and pimples. Such factors can include presence of excess sebum or oil on the skin, bacteria, and clogged skin pores. Find out the best over the counter acne treatment options and how they work to control and treat acne with this article... Acne, as we know, is caused by excessive secretion of sebum by the sebaceous glands, which results in clogging of the skin pores. Bacteria, dead skin cells and dirt can get easily trapped inside such clogged skin pores, which can cause infection and the development of acne and pimples. Acne can be treated by herbal remedies as well as with over the counter and prescription medications. But with so many acne products, ranging from creams, lotions, cleansers to masks and strips, it is quite easy to get confused and wonder, what's the best over the counter acne treatment?

Best Over the Counter Acne Treatment
To find out the best over the counter acne treatment products, first of all one has to understand his or her skin, its requirement and the type of acne. The best acne treatment can vary depending on whether the skin is sensitive, dry or oily. Again, the treatment for mild or moderate acne can vary significantly from the treatment for a severe acne breakout. Some acne treatment products contain ingredients that can destroy the acne causing bacteria, while others address the issues like presence of excessive oil or sebum on the skin and clogged skin pores. The first step to find out the best over the counter acne treatment is to know the ingredients of the acne products, and what types of acne these ingredients can cure. The most important ingredients in over the counter acne treatment products are benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, sulfur and resorcinol.

Active Ingredients in Best Over the Counter Acne Treatment

Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is one of the most important active ingredients in over the counter acne treatment products, that works well for moderate and severe acne. It basically works by destroying the acne causing bacteria and removing the dead skin cells. The over the counter benzoyl peroxide preparations are usually available in 2.5 to 10% strengths. However, benzoyl peroxide can make the skin dry and more sensitive to ultraviolet radiation. Apart from these, scaling, redness and minor swelling of the skin can occur, occasionally. Therefore, it is usually not considered suitable for sensitive skin. But benzoyl peroxide can be very effective for oily skin, as it removes excess oil from the skin. Some well known acne treatment products that include this compound are, Proactiv, Benzaderm Gel, Neutrogena On-the-Spot and Clearasil. Know more about acne products with benzoyl peroxide.

Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is another important ingredient of acne treatment products, that mainly unclogs the skin pores by stimulating exfoliation of the dead skin cells. It can effectively treat mild acne. Acne products containing salicylic acid are considered by many as the best over the counter acne treatment for sensitive skin, as salicylic acid is not harsh on the skin. However, it can cause a mild tingling sensation on the skin. Over the counter acne products are usually available with 0.5 to 2% salicylic acid. Some possible side effects of salicylic acid are, skin dryness, peeling and increased sensitivity to sunlight. Some good quality acne products with salicylic acid are, Noxzema Anti-Acne Gel, Noxzema Anti-Acne Pads, Clearasil Clearstick, Stridex and Neutrogena Acne Rapid Clear Daily Treatment Pads. Read more on acne medication side effects.

Sulfur and Resorcinol
Sulfur and resorcinol are usually included together in acne products. They help to remove excess sebum or oil and dead skin cells in order to unclog the skin pores. They can also destroy the bacteria responsible for causing acne and pimples. Sometimes, one can experience peeling, redness and dryness after using sulfur and resorcinol containing acne products. Examples of sulfur and resorcinol containing acne products include, Clearasil Medicated Blemish Cream, Clearasil Medicated Blemish Stick, Glytone Flesh Tinted Acne Treatment Lotion and Rezamid Lotion.

Alcohol and Acetone
Alcohol and acetone are mainly found in astringents, toners and cleaners. These are basically used to remove dirt and excess oil from to prevent clogging of skin pores. Hence, they can be very effective for oily skin. However, individuals with dry skin can experience excessive skin dryness after using alcohol and acetone based acne products. Some common alcohol and acetone based acne products are, Tyrosum Liquid Acne Skin Cleanser, Glytone Acne Treatment Toner and Seba-Nil Liquid Cleanser. Read more on:

• Acne Skin Care Products
• Causes of Acne
• Acne Prevention

Apart from these ingredients, some acne products found to contain alpha hydroxy acids, too, can stimulate exfoliation of dead skin cells to treat acne. The best over the counter acne treatment is the one that can treat acne without causing much side effects. It would depend on the type of skin and the severity of acne breakout. For mild acne, salicylic acid based acne products can work satisfactorily, while for moderate to severe outbreak, benzoyl peroxide containing products can be required. However, for sensitive skin, use of benzoyl peroxide is not usually not advisable. But, benzoyl peroxide as well as alcohol and acetone based products are considered by many as the best over the counter acne treatment for oily skin. Usually, it is better to try a mild product initially to treat acne, using the higher strength products only when required. If you experience any kind of reaction like skin irritation, redness and inflammation after using any acne product, then do not forget to inform your dermatologist at the earliest.