Treating Mild Acne
Treating Mild Acne – Mild acne can be treated with over the counter products packed with salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Watch this to see how these medications work.
Expert: Hadley King, M.D. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Dermatologist, Skin Cancer Specialist
Transcript
Want to know the secret to getting rid of mild to moderate acne? It’s right there on your drugstore shelves! In this video, we’ll look at simple treatments for those annoying blemishes.
Americans spend more than $100 million every year on over-the-counter acne treatments, and it’s little wonder! Most mild to moderate cases of acne can be treated effectively with drugstore cleansers, scrubs and ointments.
The treatment that is best for you will depend on the severity of your acne, your skin type and the kind of blemishes you have.
While scanning the drugstore shelves, it’s important to read the ingredient labels. You’ll want a treatment that contains one of five proven acne-fighting compounds. A popular acne treatment product, salicylic acid, draws the oil from blackheads and whiteheads, and slows the shedding of skin cells that can block pores and cause acne. Salicylic acid is the most versatile over-the-counter acne-fighter. You’ll spot it in everything from cleansers and scrubs, like Stridex Triple Clear Acne wipes, to acne-safe makeup, such as Neutrogena SkinClearing Oil-Free Makeup.
The strongest and most effective over-the-counter acne treatment contains benzoyl peroxide. Applied as a cleanser or lotion, like ProActive, benzoyl peroxide kills harmful bacteria and clears oil and skin cells from pores. Benzoyl peroxide can bleach fabric, so take extra care when using it-and, for your sheets’ sake, remember not to apply products with this active ingredient right before bed.
No matter what product you use, remember that what works well for a friend may not work for you-and vice versa! Just look at the case of siblings Bo and Katherine. Bo and Katherine both had teenage skin plagued by blemishes. To help treat their acne, their mother bought them a tube of Clean and Clear. After trying the cream, Bo’s skin cleared up instantly, but Katherine’s looked even worse! Distraught, Katherine went to see a dermatologist who recommended an over-the-counter medication containing salicylic acid. To Katherine’s delight, it worked! In mere weeks, her skin was as clear as Bo’s!
Another acne-fighting agent, resorcinol, breaks down the structure of blackheads and whiteheads and removes excess oil. It’s most often used in ointments, like Clearasil, which are meant to spot-treat individual blemishes.
Sulfur, which aids in acne breakdown, can be combined with other acne-fighting ingredients. Scientists aren’t sure why it’s so effective, but, unfortunately, sulfur’s rotten-egg smell limits its uses.
Two ingredients used in combination, alcohol and acetone, eliminate oil and kill acne-causing bacteria. The acne-fighting duo is usually found in astringents and facial washes like those made by Clean and Clear.
No matter what active ingredient is in your acne-fighting agents, you may notice some redness or skin irritation at first. If this does not diminish after several days, discontinue using the offending products.
Use over-the-counter acne treatments on all acne-prone regions, not just individual blemishes. Doing so will clear up blemishes and can help stop them from forming in the future. Continue your daily treatment even after your face clears. If you stop cleansing your skin, the blemishes will usually reappear in a matter of weeks. Remember, most acne will go away with the help of over-the-counter medications. If your acne doesn’t respond to these treatments after four to six weeks, make an appointment with your dermatologist to consider prescription options.
Last Modified: 2014-01-20
Category: Health and Nutrition, Videos
