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The best over the counter acne treatment products...convenient, effective and affordable
Today, we have oodles of effective over the counter acne treatment products to choose from. Over the counter (non-prescription) acne treatment products are HIGHLY EFFECTIVE. It is not always necessary to obtain a prescription from your dermatologist. If you suffer from mild to moderate types of acne, then over the counter acne products may be a great choice for you.
Cost Effectiveness:
Some popular companies such as Proactiv Solutions and Murad provide you with the convenience of setting up automatic shipments. You are able to choose which acne products you want and how often and have them delivered, at your front door. Remember, it all begins with knowing what types of acne you have. Over the counter (OTC) acne treatment products can be very effective, but if you suffer from severe acne ( cystic or nodule) ...you are probably going to need prescription medicine, that you can only obtain from your personal physician or dermatologist, with the exception of Glycolic Acid. But, for those with mild to moderate types of acne such as whiteheads, blackheads, papules and pustules ...you have a better chance of controlling your breakouts with OTC acne products. Unfortunately, one acne treatment product does not fit all: In other words, what might work for your best friend, may not necessary work for you. Due to many factors such as skin type, diet, hereditary, environment etc...your best friend’s skin may respond well to Benzoyl Peroxide products, but prove ineffective for you. On the other hand, your blemishes may respond well to Salicylic Acid products , but not for your best friend. This is where your patience and determination come in. You need to find which over the counter acne treatment product contains the active ingredient that works best for you. Don’t be fooled by flashy TV commercials and advertisements on the "latest acne hype treatment product". Don't get me wrong, some of these products work wonders for people, but you need to find what works for you. Through searching and searching I stumbled across Glycolic Acid. This active ingredient is great for me and helps me control my severe acne, but is not for someone with sensitive skin. It is just as important to know the percentage (strength) of medicine in your acne products.Take for example--when you notice your skin is improving, but then progress begins to slow down or stop, you most likely need to find like product(s), but with an increase in active ingredient. Once you've found an active acne ingredient that works for you...do not switch to an acne product that contains a different active ingredient that does not work for you! On the other hand, if you have given one acne active ingredient a fair try and still you see no improvement in your skin...then yes, try a different over the counter acne treatment product with a different active ingredient. Below, I've made a list of popular acne ingredients today such as Benzoyl Peroxide, Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Sulfur and the types of acne they work best on, along with which popular over the counter acne treatment products contain them. Some effective and powerful acne ingredients you'll see: • Benzoyl Peroxide—is an antiseptic that reduces bacteria on the surface of your skin and works as an anti-inflammatory, reducing the swelling associated with inflammatory acne . Also, this acne medication is excellent for drying up sebum (oil) and fluid in acne lesions. Benzoyl Peroxide is good for mild to moderate types of acne.
Salicylic Acid is good for mild to moderate types of acne. • Glycolic Aid-- Is an EXCELLENT exfoliator, unclogging your pores by lifting away dead skin cells on the surface of your skin. Glycolic Acid a powerful ingredient against acne, it's also popular and effective for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles! Glycolic Acid is good for mild to severe types of acne, yes...that includes cystic and nodule acne! From personal experience, this is the only OTC acne treatment ingredient effective for my severe acne. • Sulfur-- Known for its awesome ability to absorb sebum (oil), dirt and other residue by reaching deep with-in your pores, sulfur is very effective against acne.(Sulfur is usually found in acne masks and spot treatment products). You will find these great ingredients in over the counter products like acne cleansers, scrubs, peels, acne masks, acne moisturizers and acne toners. Over The Counter Acne Treatments that contain Benzoyl Peroxide: • Proactiv Solution has their Repairing Lotion. This light, oil-free lotion contains finely milled prescription-grade benzoyl peroxide to heal acne lesions and prevent future breakouts. Over The Counter Acne Treatments that contain Salicylic Acid: • Murad Exfoliating Acne Treatment Gel -Its "active" ingredient is Salicylic Acid, but also contains Retinol and Glycolic Acid! With these powerful acne fighting ingredients, this product over delivers. • Neutrogena Healthy Skin—works by treating and helping prevent future breakouts. It also contains Retinol which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Over The Counter Acne Treatments that contain Glycolic Acid: • Reviva Labs-- has their 5% and 10% Glycolic Acid Cream . This creamy formula goes on smooth , penetrating your skin and exfoliating all unwanted residue. Leaving your skin with a more youthful appearance. This is my favorite over the counter acne treatment cream that contains glycolic acid. Over The Counter Acne Treatments that contain Sulfur: • Proactiv Solutions-- has their Refining Mask with 6% Sulfur. • Murad-- has their Clarifying Mask which contains 4% Sulfur •
Murad-- also has their Acne Spot Treatment
with 3% Sulfur.
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For those who may be on a tight budget, over the counter acne products usually cost less than prescription medication. After you factor in the cost for an office visit with your dermatologist and then the cost of your medication, you could be looking at a higher cost...compared to just driving to your local drug store. In many cases you have the option of ordering on-line, click,and order while still in your pajamas. 
• Salicylic Acid—is another great anti-inflammatory that reduces the swelling in acne lesions. Salicylic Acid is known for its great ability of cell turn-over, dissolving protein in your skin, that is responsible for holding your skin cells together, which results in… clogged pores. 
