Acne (acne vulgaris) is a common skin condition usually present at young people but sometimes can be found even at elderly people. Acne usually causes outbreaks of skin lesions called pimples, affected areas are face, neck, chest, upper back and shoulders and the skin looks very unhealthy and dirty. Recent investigations show that this is one of the most common diseases over the world.
Over the counter drugs, often called OTC drugs are products that became very popular alternative to prescription medications which were used for treatment of acne. These products are readily available and person doesn’t need a prescription for them.
Common used and most effective OTC acne fighting ingredients are few but the group of these ingredients is enlarging fast. Standard active ingredients for acne fighting used in OTC acne medications are salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, glycolic acid. On the other hand a huge demand for OTC acne medications with natural active ingredients is occurring. These natural ingredients common used are tea tree oil, witch hazel extract, chamomile extract, aloe vera, green tea extract, lemongrass and others.
The most used OTC acne medications are topical preparations like masks, foams, gels, scrubs, liniments and creams. Most of them contain benzoyl peroxide and/or salicylic acid or combination of this two. Benzoyl peroxide is the most often used active ingredient in OTC products, and it is available in concentration of 2,5% increasing to 5% and 10%.
Research suggested that best effects can be achieved starting with 2,5% and increasing through 5 – 10%. But concentrations of 5 and 10% of benzoyl peroxide are not significantly more effective than 2,5%.
On the other hand salicylic acid is well tolerated. Beta hydroxy acid works as an acerbic by elimination of the dead skin cells. Salicylic acid is used in makeup removers, but is also used in gel and lotion form. Sulfur is another well known and old ingredient used in OTC acne medications. A lot of soap cleansers contain sulfur as active ingredient.
Resorcinol in OTC remedies helps in the process of rapid skin development and lessens the blocked pores. Generally it is used in combination with sulfur. On other side natural ingredients in OTC topical skin products are used for their antiseptic properties and as a group of remedies well tolerated from the skin. Tea tree oil has proven antiseptic properties and his use in topical skin care OTC products in 10% concentration has the same effect as 5% of benzoyl peroxide.
Aloe vera in OTC acne medications is used regarding antibacterial and antifungal activities, it has been shown to inhibit growth of bacteria and its use is well established also for his effect of soothing, moisturizing and healing properties. It is available in many forms gels, scrubs, creams. Witch hazel is used in OTC topical products as a strong antioxidant and astringent, as a useful ingredient alone or in combination in fighting acne.
For other natural OTC acne fighting ingredients they are used in combination with the benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and other to enhance their acne healing properties.
Acne can definitely be treated with a combination of both natural and chemical ingredients, but of course it’s best to go with the most natural acne treatments and supplements possible, after all, you don’t want to add more toxins to your body, you want to remove them for clear skin.
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