Some big-name acne treatments don't contain the effective active ingredients required to control outbreaks.
There's no medical evidence that the antibacterial agent triclosan is an effective acne treatment, despite being found in several treatment products. Products containing benzoyl peroxide are the best bet for controlling mild to moderate acne outbreaks.
For severe acne, consumers should consult their doctor or a dermatologist. A range of effective treatments is available, and a combination of prescription and non-prescription products may help ease the problem.
Follow these tips for the right over-the-counter acne treatment:
- Acne treatments won't get rid of existing pimples - they help prevent new ones popping up. This means using the treatment even when the skin is looking good, and spreading it over the entire effected area.
- Give it time - acne treatments usually take time to kick in.
- What works for friends may not work for others.
- Acne may clear up on its own accord.
- If a consumer has a reaction to a particular product, it could be an allergy to one of the ingredients, an interaction with something else or a consequence of overusing the product.
Topical treatments, those that you apply directly to the affected area, work best if they have an ingredient called benzoyl peroxide. However, benzoyl peroxide can dry and irritate the skin.
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