According to surveys and studies it is estimated that acne is the most common skin problem in United States. It is the main cause for the 20 percent visits to all the dermatologists every year. It is affecting some 80 percent of the population aging between 11 and 30. More studies are evident that about sixty million peoples around the Americas are suffering from this skin problem and have active acne while 20 percent of individuals are experiencing severe acne which causes scarring. This disorder can affect anyone. More studies have revealed that about 30 percent of the population which is suffering from acne is using products which don’t come with prescription.

Acne can be better classified in to two primary types:

• Inflammatory acne which is characterized by presence of pimples that may rupture due to inflammatory lesions which generally are raised and redden.
• Non-inflammatory acne is a sort of acne which makes up the closed and open comedones i.e. whitehead and blackhead.

Exact cause of the acne is however not known and a number of factors are contributing to the acne. One of the factors which trigger the acne is puberty. Other factors which make up the acne and also the pother factors are:

• genetics
• hormonal changes
• oil based cosmetics
• stress
• physical irritation
• medications

Nonprescription acne Products

These products are available mostly as single entity and some times as combination having benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid or sulfur.

Benzoyl Peroxide

This is the most common and effective medication used working for acne. It works by decreasing amount of propionibacterium and removes dead cells from the skin and it is generally used for non-inflammatory acne. It is important to mention here that there are a number of products which have this compound as its active ingredient but they are not as effective as others.

The adverse effects of these products are:

• dryness of skin
• tingling
• burning

Be informed that if you have to use these products then you may have your hair, towels and cloths dyed. If you use it then it is advised to use it permanent for 4 to six weeks. It must be used with special care while using around lips, eyes and nose.

Salicylic Acid:

Salicylic acid is considered as mild comedolytic agent. It is very effective in using for treatment of non-inflammatory acne. It is available in concentrations that range from 0.5 to 2 percent. It is used for treating abnormal shedding of the skin and for unclogging pores.

Sulfur:

Sulfur is included in keratolytic and antibacterial agent in concentrations that ranges from 3 percent to eight percent.

Next:

• Acne Medicines