Acne is one of the most infamous skin disease which haunts almost every other person world wide. Though it is common and chronic in teenagers and adolescents, it too sprouts on skin of people in their twenties or even in later ages.
There are multiple solutions for acne treatment in the form of medications including skin care products, natural skin care products etc. Often you see on television many advertisements and endorsements of different skin care products by celebrities, but do these products really prove what they claim.
Hence, it is imperative to have knowledge of the ingredients before using them. Let’s have a look at famous OTC (over-the-counter) products to cure this skin disease.
Alcohol and acetone:
Alcohol is anti agent which terminates the growth of disease causing microorganism and prevent the skin from further being affected by these infecter. Acetone is an anti-oil agent which helps in removing greasy substance from the skin. Acetone, independently, do not work/help in acne treatment.
Benzoyl peroxide
It’s a chemical which peels the skin (consisting of dead cells), clears pores and spurts the growth of new cells. It acts like a antibacterial agent and works positively and effectively only when used in low concentration (2.5 percent to 5 percent and to a maximum level 10 percent). It is one of the oldest medications for treatment of acne.
It too possesses bleaching effects and causes clothes to fade their color. So, when you use this chemical agent on your back or shoulders, use old clothes. It is available in form of gel and cream.
Herbal, organic and natural products
Usually herbal products contain ingredients which are extracted from natural medicinal plants (aloe vera) etc. There is no risk of side effects in these products. Despite the effectiveness of these products, some dermatologist and researchers have reservations about them.
Resorcinol
Resorcinol is obtained from natural resins and is too synthesized chemically.
It restrains small acne lesions to appear and is often used with sulfur in different pharmaceutical products.
Salicylic acid
It helps in sloughing of dead skin and promotes the growth of new cells. It also prevents clogging of pores. Even then it does not stop excess sebum manufacturing from sebaceous glands. Continuous use is preferred as pause in its application causes clogging of pores.
Sulfur
Sulfur is one of the reliable agents used over five decades for acne treatment in combination with several other chemicals. It is used in many OTC acne medications. In spite of its long use, it is not clear how sulfur works to clear acne. It does not have a pleasant smell, so less frequently used.
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