Best Over the Counter Acne Treatments for Mild Acne

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Over the Counter Acne Treatments

By Angela Palmer, About.com
Updated: December 30, 2008
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board
Mild acne, or Grade I acne, can be treated at home with over-the-counter acne treament products. It is always preferable to begin treatment during this stage, before acne has a chance to progress.

Mild acne is characterized by the presence of blackheads, whiteheads or milia. There may possibly be some papules and pustules, but they will occur infrequently. Mild acne can be greatly improved by the application of topical medications.

Benzoyl Peroxide
One of the most common acne treatments available, benzoyl peroxide is found in cleansers, lotions, and creams. It works by killing Propionibacteria acnes, the bacteria responsible for acne breakouts. Benzoyl peroxide also helps unclog pores and reduces inflammation of the skin. Benzoyl peroxide is sold over the counter in strengths from 2.5% to 10%.
Some common over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide products include:

*Proactiv
*Benzaderm Gel
*Glytone 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Treatment Gel
*MD Formulations Benzoyl Peroxide 10
*various generic or store brand benzoyl peroxide creams
*Sulfur and Resorcinol

Sulfur and resorcinol are usually found together in acne products. Resorcinol helps prevent comedones by removing buildup of dead skin cells. Sulfur has been used for more than half a century to treat acne, although exactly how it works is still unclear. Together, these ingredients also reduce excess oil. Resorcinol and sulfur are typically used in strengths of 2% and 5%-8%, respectively.
Some common acne treatment products containing resorcinol and sulfur are:

*Clearasil Medicated Blemish Cream
*Clearasil Medicated Blemish Stick
*Rezamid Lotion
*Glytone Flesh Tinted Acne Treatment Lotion
*Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid works by correcting the abnormal shedding of skin cells, helping the skin to shed dead cells more effectively. In this way, salicylic acid helps reduce the number of pore blockages, preventing breakouts. Salicylic acid works especially well for those with blackheads and whiteheads. It is found in over-the-counter cleansers, lotions, and treatment pads. The usual strength is .5 to 2%.
Products containing salicylic acid include:

*Oxy products
*Noxzema Anti-Acne Gel
*Noxzema Anti-Acne Pads
*Stridex
*Dermalogica Medicated Clearing Gel
*Alcohol and Acetone

Alcohol and acetone are also used in combination in many products for oily skin types. Alcohol is an antimicrobial and may work to reduce acne-causing bacteria. Acetone removes excess oil from the skin. Together they help cleanse excess oil from the skin, reducing the amount of pore blockages. Alcohol and acetone are found mainly in toners, astringents, and cleansers.
Some products containing the combination of alcohol and acetone are:

*Tyrosum Liquid Acne Skin Cleanser
*Glytone Acne Treatment Toner

Using Your Over-The-Counter Treatments
While it's tempting to begin assaulting your breakouts with many treatment products at once, doing so could cause irritation of the skin. Most acne treatments dry the skin to some extent, so overuse of these products could cause excessive dryness, peeling, and redness. You may wish to start with a single acne treatment product, and slowly add more if needed. This is especially true if your skin tends to be sensitive or easily irritated.

To achieve the best results possible, you must first understand your skin. Non-inflamed acne, blackheads and milia (whiteheads), often responds well to salicylic acid products. Start with a wash or cleansing pad. If after several weeks of treatment you aren't seeing noticeable improvement you may add a salicylic acid lotion, provided you aren't experiencing excessive dryness or irritation.

For those who tend to get inflamed pimples, benzoyl peroxide is a good treatment to start with. Benzoyl peroxide creams and lotions can be found at nearly every drug store. Apply the lotion as directed for several weeks, and then add a benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid wash if needed. Again, additional products should be added only if you are not experiencing excessive dryness or irritation.

There are also complete acne regimens or "kits" available over-the-counter that contain cleanser, toner, lotion. The products in these kits usually contain a combination of acne-fighting ingredients, and can help take the guesswork out of building a daily skin care routine. These regimen programs don’t necessarily work better than products you purchase separately, but some people prefer them because of their ease of use.

Some complete acne regimens include:

*Proactiv
*Acne Free
*L'Oreal's Acne Response

Part of the battle in treating acne is finding products that work for you. You may need to experiment with several treatment products before finding one that improves your acne, so try not to get discouraged. If, after several weeks of treating your acne with over-the-counter products you aren't seeing improvement, don't hesitate to contact your doctor. He or she is a great asset in the fight against acne.

*All About Benzoyl Peroxide
*Benzoyl Peroxide Basics
*Tips for Using Benzoyl Peroxide
*Bargain Benzoyl Peroxide Cleansers
*Acne Skin Care
*Daily Skin Care
*Skin Care DOs
*Skin Care DON'Ts
*Finding Help
*Diagnosing Acne
*Being Honest with Your Doc
*What is an Esthetician?

Related Articles:
*Benzoyl Peroxide - Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Treatments
*Salicylic Acid - Salicylic Acid Acne Treatments
*Proactiv Alternatives - Cheaper Alternatives to Proactiv
*Adult Acne: Causes and Cures
*Top Picks - Best Overall Acne Fighting Products