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All About Over the Counter Acne Products

If you have ever gone into a pharmacy to look for products to help with your acne, you might have been amazed or surprised by the number of products available. There are creams, gels, masks, pads, sponges and other products all claiming to help remove or prevent acne. There are products for removing dead skin cells, fighting bacteria and removing surface dirt from your skin. Many contain the same or similar concentrations of active ingredients, while others contain all-natural or ingredients you have never heard of. This article will touch on the more common acne products widely available without a perscription.

Acne creams that are applied topically up to three times per day are among the most popular and widely available acne products. They are sold under various brand names such as Clearasil, they usually contain benzoyl peroxide and they are generally effective at treating existing pimples or acne.

Acne soaps, rinses and washes are another type of acne product. They are available almost everywhere and are promoted quite heavily. In terms of active ingredients, many contain mild concentrations of salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. If you apply such a product and then immediately rinse it off, you may not get much benefit from its use. You may wish to use soaps or rinses in conjunction with another product such as a cream or leave it on your face a bit longer before washing it off.

Exfoliants in the form of sponges, scrubs or masks are also often marketed as being effective against acne. If you are someone whose skin is prone to irritation or is very sensitive, exfoliants are probably not the best idea. An exfoliant will, however, remove skin cells that are dead.

Facial masks make up another category of product designed to clear skin and treat acne. Masks can aid in the cleansing of your skin and in the removal of dead skin cells. These products can contain active chemical ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide or be comprised of all natural ingredients. Facial masks tend to cost more than other acne products so using them more than occasionally may not be very practical.

Adhesive skin cleansing strips, commonly referred to as pore cleansing strips, are another form of product used to clear up your skin. They stick to your skin and are pulled off taking blackheads and dead skin cells with them. I have used them in the past and while they do remove dirt and dead skin, I felt a bit silly using them and they hurt a little when removing. Pore cleansing strips seem a bit gimmicky to me and I get similar results from creams or soaps containing benzoyl peroxide so they are not something I continued using.

When it comes to clearing up your skin and fighting acne, you have a wide range of choices. There are many brands and types of acne products available over the counter. If you are determined to treat your acne yourself, choose a product with proven ingredients such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Simple is often best. If you are unsure, ask your doctor or pharmacist to recommend a product.