There
is no instant (or long-lasting) cure for acne. Over-the-counter
products aim at control and prevention in order to minimize scarring,
and most of them require consistent use over a number of weeks (which
varies by the specific type of treatment) until results can be seen.
As you would expect, "proper" treatment depends on the type and
severity of acne that a person is experiencing. For acne that goes
beyond mild to moderate (Grades 1 & 2 in classification),
it is highly advisable to consult a dermatologist to help determine
a proper course of care.
As a first step, daily cleansing has many benefits, including breakout
control. Select mild cleansers or soaps, and be careful not to scrub
your skin too vigorously. For mild to moderate acne, which includes the majority of acne cases,
non-prescription products such as Stridex can be quite effective
when properly used. Look for these two ingredients:
salicylic
acid, an ingredient that acts to exfoliate skin and help unclog
pores to prevent acne lesions.
benzoyl
peroxide, a substance that exfoliates skin and destroys the
bacteria associated with acne.
Neither of these ingredients affects the underlying production of hormones
and sebum that contributes to acne, so products containing either
must be used consistently and continuously over time in order to
be effective.
