Do Acne Remedies Work?
Many of the over the counter acne remedies are on the whole not very effective and largely unproven.
If you have bad acne with scarring you will need prescription medication from your doctor.
So we are talking here about mild to moderate acne. Acne has two major parts - infected lumps (papules) which get yellow heads (pustules) which are caused by infection. This infection takes place in blocked follicles and comedones (blackheads) caused by excessive sebum (grease) production.
Keratolytic agents such as salicylic and glycolic acids work by breaking down the greasy surface layers of the skin to help to unclog pores - they do not help with infection. They need to be used daily and may cause irratation. These products often contain acetone (a degreaser) and alchohol as a dilutent but there effect is minimal.
The mainstay of over the counter acne care is benzoyl peroxide. This reduces the germs in inflammatory lumps as well as working against blackheads. It does cause dryness and bleaches things, so care is required. It needs to be used every day.
Other antibacterial substances (e.g. triclosan) may be present in washes but need to be in adequate concentration to work. There is a move towards natural treatments but there is little science to back up the remedies.
If you skin is not improving within 6 weeks from using over the counter treatments, you need to seek medical advice with regards antibiotic therapy.
So see someone - don't suffer in silence!
