Treatment Options

Treatments for acne tend to be divided into topical products that are applied directly to the skin – many of which are available over the counter (OTC) – and oral treatments, such as antibiotics, which are only available on prescription.

As there is no cure for acne, treatments target some of the main causes of the condition. They may work to reduce the production of sebum in the skin’s glands or they may speed up skin turnover so that pores are less likely to become blocked. Some treatments fight bacterial infection or minimise inflammation. All products take time to have an effect, so advise customers that it may take several months for their skin to noticeably improve.

OTC topical treatments for acne tend to involve one or more of the following active ingredients:

Benzoyl peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide has an antiseptic action, so it fights off the bacteria that can infect the skin’s pores and helps to reduce the formation of whiteheads and blackheads. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory. Benzoyl peroxide should be used sparingly (at most, twice a day). It can have a bleaching effect, so care should be taken when applying it near hair or clothes. Common side effects include dryness, irritation, redness and peeling. These should pass once the treatment has finished.

Benzoyl peroxide usually comes in cream or gel format. Example: Acnecide Gel. It may also be combined with the antimicrobial potassium hydroxyquinoline sulfate. Example: Quinoderm Cream. Products come in different strengths, so customers should start with the lowest strength and work up, if necessary.

Salicylic acid

When applied to the skin, salicylic acid works to promote the shedding of skin cells to help prevent pores from becoming blocked. It may cause mild stinging, irritation or dryness. Examples include: the Clearasil range, the Clean & Clear range, the CeraVe SA Smoothing range, various products from brands such as Eucerin and La Roche-Posay.

Nicotinamide

Also known as niacinamide, this is as an anti-inflammatory ingredient related to vitamin B3. It helps to reduce the redness and inflammation of acne lesions. OTC examples include Freederm Gel, Nicam Gel and CeraVe Foaming Cleanser.

Other ingredients

Other ingredients include antibacterials such as chlorhexidine and cetrimide. These are sometimes included in cleansers as soap substitutes (e.g. Quinoderm Face Wash). Some products also contain sulfur; retinol (vitamin A), or alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid and lactic acid. All of these have exfoliating effects, so they help to remove dead cells from the surface of the skin, thus preventing pores from becoming blocked.