There are dozens of washes, scrubs, ointments, gels, pads, creams, strips, and more to help you treat acne on your face and body. With so many choices, it can be hard to tell the difference between the many products out there, or to know what to use when.
First off, learn the difference between products that include medication and those that don’t. It should be clearly marked on the “active ingredients” section of the product’s label. There are four main medications (actual drugs/chemicals) that these products may contain (see below), but there are other products that may help, too.
Aside from the four medications listed below, it may help to use a product that will exfoliate your skin. An exfoliate will use small granules to break up blockage in the pores. However, note that some experts say that exfoliating too often will actually cause your body to be more prone to acne.
And now, the four major medications in over-the-counter acne treatment:
1. Salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is a plant hormone that is actually chemically similar to aspirin. Used as a pain reliever for centuries, it is now most known for its help in treating acne and warts. Salicylic acid makes skin cells shed more easily, which keeps the pores from clogging. It is one of the most common ingredients in topical acne treatments, and can be found in a number of Clean and Clear products, as well as Clearasil, Stridex, and other popular brands.
2. Benzoyl Peroxide. In small doses (no more than 10%), salicylic acid is a peeling agent that has been used for acne since the 1920s. Generally stronger than salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide is found in Proactiv and a number of other products, most notably those by Clearasil, Persa-Gel, Neutrogena, and others.
3. Sulfur. Sulfur is used in a wide range of modern applications, from acne treatments to detergents. It’s use in acne products goes back before medicine became as scientific as we know it to be today. Scientists aren’t exactly sure why it helps, but it seems to help fight bacteria on the skin. While less popular than salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, sulfur is used in a number of products in the Clearasil Adult Care line.
4. Resorcinol. A derivative of benzene, resorcinol is used in over-the-counter and prescription acne treatments. It is applied to the surface of the skin, where it helps as a disinfectant and as an antiseptic. Like sulfur, resorcinol can be found over-the-counter in the Clearasil Adult Care line of products.
