Acne is a troublesome and bothersome condition that affects people of all ages. Yes, I said people of all ages, because a common myth about acne is that it targets youngsters that are going through puberty. While acne is most commonly associated with teenagers, it does not discriminate by age, race or gender when it comes to attacking the skin. Acne occurs when bacteria grows and multiplies in the hair follicles and clogged pores.

Recently, when people begin thinking about effective acne treatments, they automatically think of prescription acne treatment options such as Accutane. However, there are several non-prescription acne treatments that can help acne sufferers

One of the most frequently used non-prescription acne treatment is Benzoyl Peroxide. This acne treatment may come in different forms such as cleansing bars, creams, gels, lotions or facial masks. They come under a variety of trade names, but all work similarly.

Advantages of Benzoyl Peroxide

This form of acne treatment is typically good for those who suffer from mild acne. It works to kill the pimple causing bacteria and comes in several different strengths from 2.5 % to 10%. It is important to know that while most of these are non-prescription applications, sometimes they can be prescribed by a dermatologist (generally the 10% strength).

Disadvantages of Benzoyl Peroxide

At first, your skin could become irritated by the acne treatment, especially in the initial three weeks. It may look like your acne worsens during this time as well. While using benzoyl peroxide, you should avoid usage of other topical products that use a peeling agent, permanents or hair removal agents, any products for the skin that contains spices or lime, astringents, after shave lotion or shaving creams.

Another effective non-prescription acne treatment is Beta Hydroxy Acids. These are a salicylic acid and as such they work mainly as an exfoliant. For the most part, this is a process that causes cells of the skin to become unglued, thus allowing the dead skin to be sloughed off, making room fro regrowth on new cells. In addition to being a good acne treatment, Beta Hydroxy Acids are gaining popularity as a wrinkle remover.

Advantages of Beta Hydroxy Acids

This type of acne treatment works to remove and unclog the pores of dead skin cells and promote new growth. Beta Hydroxy uses salicylic acid, which loosens clogged pores in the skin and helps in the prevention of acne. They effectively work against blackhead and whiteheads and can be found in the forms of cleansers, lotions and astringents.

Disadvantages of Beta Hydroxy Acids

This form of acne treatment will increase a persons sensitivity to the sun by up to 50% and requires high levels of sun protection when the user goes outdoors. It could also cause some skin irritation and result in burning, redness, itching, scarring or pain. For those who have a darker skin color, you are at a higher risk of scarring that result in changes in the pigment of the skin.

As always, an informed consumer can usually make the best buying decisions. Hopefully this article has helped provide some basic information and added to your overall quest for knowledge on the subject of effective acne treatments.