Treatments for Mild Acne

Over-the-counter acne treatments

According to experts, most cases of mild to moderate acne can be treated effectively with an over-the-counter topical medication or a combination of them. The ingredients of these topical treatments vary but the most common are benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, alcohol, sulfur and tea tree oil.

One of the most heavily marketed acne treatments is the Proactiv Solution 3-Step System . The system includes Renewing Cleanser, Revitalizing Toner and Repairing Lotion. Some users complain that it works well in the beginning but that as their skin builds up a tolerance, it no longer works for them. Some experts and users feel that the "smooth tiny beads" in the cleanser are too harsh on the skin, and some object to the "club" approach to sales from the Proactiv website, which automatically sends you more kits and charges your credit card every 60 days. Still there are many who swear by the system as the only product that clears up their skin. Experts generally agree that Proactiv is a viable option for those who suffer from mild or moderate acne. Paula Begoun, who believes that most acne kits contain at least one problem product, gives each of the products in the Proactiv kit a reasonable review. Her main complaints are that the cleanser is not ideal for use around the eyes and that the toner is an alpha hydroxy (AHA) product rather than a beta hydroxy (BHA) product. She says that "when it comes to most kinds of breakouts, research indicates that BHA (salicylic acid) rather than AHA (glycolic acid) is the best way to exfoliate for breakout prevention." Begoun particularly recommends the Repairing Lotion, giving it her highest rating and praising it for its inclusion of anti-irritants.

Good Housekeeping chose the Proactiv system as the best acne-control kit based on its ingredients and claims. Their dermatologists praised it for "providing the best antibacterial coverage, because its cleanser includes benzoyl peroxide." It should be noted that the Repairing Lotion is also a benzoyl peroxide product. Good Housekeeping likes that it uses a 2.5 percent solution rather than a higher concentration "which could irritate the skin."

Experts claim that benzoyl peroxide is one of the most effective over-the-counter treatments for acne. Paula Begoun claims that the research is "exhaustive and conclusive" as to its effectiveness. It is a disinfectant that can penetrate into the hair follicle, killing the bacteria that cause blemishes. Benzoyl peroxide can, however, dry out the skin. Consumers should therefore start with the lowest dosage possible (2.5%) once a day and increase in frequency and concentration only as needed.

Another well-liked benzoyl peroxide product is Clinique Acne Solutions Emergency Gel Lotion (*Est. $15. for 0.5 oz.). It contains a 5% benzoyl peroxide solution that experts love because it also includes anti-inflammatory agents that reduce redness. Users also rave that is extremely effective without being harsh on their skin. Clinique recommends daily use of a sunscreen with this product.

Salicylic acid is another acne treatment product that can penetrate the pores. It is a powerful exfoliant that can cut through the oil that is prevalent for many acne-prone individuals. It sloughs dead skin cells from the surface of the skin and from inside the pore walls.

One popular salicylic acid product is Clean & Clear Advantage Invisible Acne Patch (*Est. $10 for a 2-pack) . InStyle beauty experts chose it as the best acne spot treatment for their 2007 Best Beauty Buys awards, stating that it "allows you to apply makeup over a breakout while salicylic acid works to shrink it all day." The acne patch uses chitosan to smooth the skin for easy makeup coverage and salicylic acid to heal blemishes at the same time. Dermatologists at Health Magazine call it a "quick drying solution" that "battles bacteria and inflammation." Paula Begoun, on the other hand, believes that the Invisible Acne Patch is problematic because it contains harsh ingredients including alcohol as well as cedar and cinnamon bark extracts. Clean & Clear's website includes a list of ingredients for each product and shows that the Acne Patch does indeed contain alcohol, but it is fairly low on the ingredient list and therefore may not cause problems for all skin types. If excessive dryness and irritation occur with this, or any acne treatment, consumers should use the product less frequently or discontinue use altogether.

A major concern with salicylic acid treatments for Paula Begoun is that most of the products do not have the right concentration or pH balance for effectiveness. She says that BHA products should have a concentration of 1-2% and a pH between 3 and 4. We did not, however, find mention of this from any other expert. Nor is it easy to find products that meet this description because most companies do not list the pH balance of their products. As with any other acne product, it may take some trial and error to find the right match for your skin.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control 3-in-1 Hydrating Acne Treatment (*Est. $8/2 ounces) is one product that meets Begoun's specifications for effectiveness. It has 2 percent salicylic acid with a pH of 3.4, according to Begoun. Many experts choose it as a favorite because it contains antioxidants as well as anti-irritants and is moisturizing as well. Experts at Shape Magazine recommend it for normal skin types and say that it "sops up oil without over drying." Users are also big fans of the 3-in-1 Hydrating Acne Treatment, with many of them raving that it is smooth and light and that it helps to control redness. A handful of users complain that the treatment made breakouts worse, an effect that might be attributed to the silicone base used in the product (some people are allergic to silicone).

Experts agree that the most effective regimen for mild to moderate acne is a combination of both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid products. Both products perform equally important functions in the fight against blemishes. Stacy Colino of Real Simple magazine says, "A regimen that includes one product with salicylic acid and another with benzoyl peroxide offers a one-two punch against pimples."