When To Use Over-the-Counter Acne Treatments – And When To See Your Doctor


If you’re dealing with a mild case of acne, you may be able to treat it effectively with drugstore products. But if you have more severe acne, you’ll probably need to see your doctor for a prescription medication.

“If you have over-the-counter acne products that are effective, then stick with them,” says Dr. Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. “However, if your acne is not responding to over-the-counter treatments or is becoming worse, make an appointment with your dermatologist.”

Acne is the most common skin condition in the U.S., affecting up to 50 million Americans annually. Acne affects 80 percent of teens, but it can persist well into adulthood.

What Causes Acne?

Acne occurs when oil (sebaceous) glands come to life around puberty, when these glands are stimulated by male hormones that are produced in the adrenal glands of both boys and girls. Oil is a natural substance which lubricates and protects the skin. But when overproduced, it can mix with dead skin cells and clog pores. The bacteria that normally live on our skin, p. acnes, then get inside the clogged pores and multiply. This triggers inflammation, which leads to acne’s characteristic bumps and blemishes.

Treating Acne: Over-the-Counter vs Prescription Treatments

Over-the-counter (OTC) acne treatments often contain ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide that help clear away dead skin cells, reduce redness and swelling, and kill bacteria; they will also help remove excess oil from your skin’s surface that may be contributing to breakouts. OTC acne products tend to work slowly, however; they’re not ideal for severe breakouts or cystic

When it comes to acne, there are many options when it comes to treatment. Acne can be a mild issue that resolves itself over time or a more severe issue that requires medical intervention. Many people feel comfortable treating their acne at home; however, there are some instances where talking to your doctor will be necessary. Read on for all the do’s and don’ts of acne treatment!

Why You May Need To See Your Doctor

One of the main reasons to visit your doctor is if you’ve already tried an over-the-counter regimen but have not found success. If you use these types of products and they don’t work, it could be a sign that you need something stronger; this is when your doctor can come in handy! They can take a look at your skin and help figure out what type of product would be best for you based on the severity of your acne and other factors such as skin type and sensitivity level.

Another reason you may want to see a dermatologist or doctor about your acne is if it’s painful or inflamed. Sometimes, this type of acne will require antibiotics in order to clear up completely, which means that going straight from an OTC regimen won’t cut it. Instead, go ahead and make an appointment

Acne is a common skin condition that affects many people around the world. Here are some tips for managing and treating your acne.

If you have mild acne, you may have success using over-the-counter acne treatment that you can buy without a prescription at a drugstore or grocery store. Some products to consider include:

* Cleansers. You should wash your face with a gentle cleanser every morning and evening.

* Topical products that contain ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or sulfur. These ingredients can help clear up the pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads associated with acne.

* Moisturizers. Many people with acne find that their skin becomes dry when they use products to treat their breakouts. A moisturizer can help prevent dryness and peeling of the skin.

Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with dead skin cells and oil from the skin. It can affect people of all ages, but it is most common in teenagers and young adults.

Acne can cause both physical and psychological problems including permanent scarring of the skin, poor self-image and low self-esteem, and depression and anxiety.

There are treatments available both over-the-counter (OTC) or through prescription. Some work better than others, some have more side effects than others, and some cost more than others. It’s important to discuss your options with your doctor so you can make an informed decision about the best treatment for you.

Acne is a common skin condition that causes spots and pimples, especially on the face, shoulders, back, neck, chest, and upper arms. It can occur at any age but is most common in teenagers and young adults.

Acne affects most teenagers to some extent. For many, it clears up after a few years. But for about 1 in 10 people with acne, it persists into adulthood and can have long-term effects on self-esteem and confidence.

You can usually treat mild acne with over-the-counter gels or creams (topical treatments) that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.

More severe acne is usually treated with topical antibiotics or oral antibiotics such as tetracycline. You may also be treated with hormonal treatments if you have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Sometimes your doctor may prescribe a combination of drugs to treat severe acne. If this doesn’t help your acne after several months, they may suggest isotretinoin tablets. These are very effective in treating the most severe cases of acne but cannot be prescribed by GPs because of their potential side effects (isotretinoin tablets are only available on prescription from dermatologists).

How do I treat

Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting up to 50 million Americans annually. And acne is more than an inconvenience. It can cause both physical and psychological problems including permanent scarring of the skin, poor self-image and low self-esteem, and depression and anxiety. Here you’ll learn how to prevent acne, the best acne treatment for your skin, the best acne products, home remedies for acne and so much more. Let’s start by having a look at what causes acne and how the many different types of acne affect your skin in different ways.

Types of Acne

There are several types of acne and they include blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules as well as cysts. These types of acne can be distinguished by their appearance as well as the location on which they appear. What makes them similar is that they are all brought about by clogged hair follicles. In fact, it is this aspect that leads to all types of pimples appearing on the surface of the skin. This article will provide information on how you can handle different types of pimple problems effectively using simple home remedies for pimples


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *