Guide To Over The Counter Acne Products

Prior to consulting a dermatologist, most acne sufferers would first employ the use of over the counter drugs and medications. But, because of the wide range of acne products available in the market, average patients find it difficult to decide which treatments will improve the skin condition and which acne products will result to more damage.

To help you shop for the best suitable acne product, you must first become a label reader. Meaning, you have to develop the understanding and the habit of reading the ingredients of the acne medications. Also, you have to distinguish which certain ingredients and which acne products that work best for your type of skin.

If you are after the cleansers, dermatologists often advise the use of acne products such as Neutragena, Eucerin, Aquanil, Cetaphil and Extra Gentle Cleanser. Rough cleansers and scrubs must be avoided along with the vigorous rubbing of the skin as these may create further irritation and may eventually lead to more acne.

Moderate cases of acne are usually treated with over the counter medications. Benzoyl peroxide, a common ingredient contained in most acne products are effective in reducing the acne infecting bacteria termed as the "Propionibacterium acnes", which clog the pores while creating acne lesions. It also removes dead skin cells, thus preventing the appearance of comedones. This acne product has been highly regarded among experts for decades now and is still rising in popularity as a safe way of clearing acne form the skin. However, the only serious side effect from using benzoyl peroxide is abnormal dry skin.

Another acne product that is noted to obstruct the quick shedding of the skin and the clogging of the skin pores is salicylic acid. This does not reduce the presence of the natural oil , but it prevents the formation of lesions in the hair follicles.

It is advisable that you continue using these two acne products even after the severity of the skin disease disappears to minimize the likelihood of future acne breakouts.

The effective ways to determine which product, from the multitude of acne products available, is to distinguish the result of the active ingredients. Take note of what they do to your skin. It is recommended to avoid alcohol and oil-base products as these may either dry your skin extremely or add to the problem of excess oil. As you experiment with acne products, take note which leaves a soft feel and which results to itchiness and irritation.

Make it a habit to apply only small amounts at the beginning of each acne treatment then proceed to adjusting the usage to suit your requirements. Also, pay close attention to the acne products for which your skin reacts constructively. In time you will be able to determine the acne products that will work right for you.

In case your acne has left you with scars, you may then proceed to more complex treatments and procedures. Two of these are the dermabrasion and microdermabrasion. These are designed primarily to lessen the appearance of wrinkles and scars to create a more even and softer skin surface.

Dermabrasion is considered by many as one of the most effective ways to removing acne scars. It works by mechanically removing the topmost layers of the skin through an instrument referred to as the fraise or high-speed brush.

Microdermabrasion on the other hand is recommended only for patients with superficial or mild skin damage. This method employs the use of a vacuum effect in removing the surface layers of the skin. It is non-wounding and non-invasive and recovery may only take several hours. However, a series of this procedure is required to procure the effects.