Many different application methods and base solutions can be used to deliver one of the few FDA approved ingredients for over-the-count acne treatments. Acne creams, soaps, lotions and foams are all possible options in the battle for clear skin. So, what over the counter acne products work and what effects can they have?

The use of acne creams may have the additional benefit of fighting dry skin. It is also true that in general creams are able to penetrate into deeper skin layers than soaps can. So cleanser creams actually do remove make-up, dirt, and clear pores better than soap alone.

Medicated acne creams can in some cases serve double duty as an antiseptic for bug bites, rashes and sunburns. This makes them a good purchase for any household decision maker.
The active ingredients that have FDA approval for over-the-counter acne treatment are actually very few.

Benzoyl peroxide is arguably one of the most popular chemicals in use today for the treatment of acne. It is available in solutions which range from very weak to moderate and prescription strength. Very mild formulas for baby acne have some benzoyl peroxide while weak formulas exist for adult patients. Prescription strength acne creams containing benzoyl peroxide are available for cystic acne in thick skinned torsos. It words by drying excess sebum as well as providing a mild antibiotic action to fight the p. acnes bacteria. This kind of solution ranks high among cystic acne treatments.

Resorcinol is an exfoliating ingredient that is used to remove clogs in the tops of pores. It has other properties that make it a commonly used chemical for other kinds of products as well. Here it is held to give an effective clear pore treatment.

Salicylic acid has the ability to exfoliate as well but is typically used in soaps and cleansers. This is one of the ingredients in aspirin and can be found in black willow tree bark. This dermacleanse system can give partiuclarly effective results.

Sulfur is a very old treatment for a variety of problem. It is used in acne medications as an antibiotic with drying properties. Many acne conditions will improve with this kind of treatment.