Adult Acne Treatment For Women

There are so many options available for adult acne treatment women and over-the counter (OTC) treatment is one of them. OTC medications would normally be used for mild cases as moderate to severe cases normally require stronger prescription medications. They are available in many topical forms such as gel, cream, soap, lotion and pads.

Basically, there are 5 types of OTC medications: benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid, sulfur and “natural”, “organic” and “herbal” products.

Benzoyl peroxide has proven effective in the treatment of mild acne with a track record for decades. It works in two ways. First, it clear up the acne and remove the dead skin cells which may clog pores and form comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), thus prevent further outbreaks. Second, it attacks P.acnes bacteria which responsible for the heat and redness that can accompany acne, thus reduces the inflammation. Two reminders though; benzoyl peroxide has to be used carefully as it can excessively dry your skin. It also has a bleach effect which can affect all your hair, clothes, sheets and towels. Hence, you are advised to wear an old shirt in case you need to apply it to your chest or back.

Resorcinol can be found as an active ingredient in many OTC medications used to treat adult acne treatment women. It works by breaking down blackheads and whiteheads, thus helps in controlling small acne lesions. Frequently, it will be combined with sulfur.

Blemishes (non-inflammatory lesions) can be treated by using OTC medications containing salicylic acid. It is because salicylic acid will correct the abnormal shedding of skin cells, unclog pores to clear lesions and prevent the formation of new ones. However, salicylic acid can irritate the skin and it does not reduce the sebum (skin oil) production or fight P.acnes.

For over 50 years, sulfur has effectively been used as an acne medication despite of its unknown mode of action. Because of its unpleasant odor, sulfur is rarely used alone and usually will be combined with resorcinol, salicylic acid or alcohol.

There are also OTC medications that are labeled “natural”, “organic” or “herbal.” However, there are no guarantee that these products will work as very few, if any, clinical trials has been done to test them.

In conclusion, there are several OTC medications currently available to treat adult acne treatment women. Most of them are suitable for mild acne while moderate and severe acne needs stronger prescription medications. In general, all acne treatments need 4 – 8 weeks to work and before results are seen.