Acne medication products contain different ingredients that can help treat acne. The most common active ingredients in over-the-counter (OTC) acne products are salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide is a widely used acne treatment that reduces the amount of oil the body produces and fights inflammation. It is available in different forms and strengths, such as creams, gels, lotions, and washes. Benzoyl peroxide can cause allergic reactions or other problems, so it is important to check if you are allergic to it before using it for the first time. Some OTC acne products may contain inactive ingredients, such as perfumes, that can cause allergic reactions.
Prescription topical medications can help when OTC products aren’t strong enough. These acne gels or creams may contain tretinoin, a stronger version of benzoyl peroxide, or an antibiotic called clindamycin. Oral medications for acne are also called systemic treatments because they are absorbed throughout the entire body. They’re only available with a prescription from a doctor. These drugs are commonly used to treat moderate to severe acne that doesn’t respond to topical agents. The three types of systemic drugs used to treat acne include antibiotics, birth control pills, and isotretinoin.
Here are some details about the ingredients mentioned above:
Benzoyl peroxide
- Positive: reduces the amount of oil the body produces, fights inflammation, and effectively treats cutaneous ulcers through stimulation of healthy production of granulation tissue and rapid ingrowth of epithelium
- Negative: can cause allergic reactions or other problems
Salicylic acid
- Positive: helps prevent plugged hair follicles
- Negative: studies showing its effectiveness are limited, and side effects include skin discoloration and minor skin irritation
Tretinoin
- Positive: useful for moderate acne, and comes as creams, gels, and lotions
- Negative: can cause skin irritation and dryness
Clindamycin
- Positive: an antibiotic that can help fight bacteria and infection from the inside out
- Negative: can cause side effects such as redness and dryness
It is important to note that evidence is not strong in support of using zinc, sulfur, nicotinamide, resorcinol, sulfacetamide sodium, or aluminum chloride in topical treatments for acne.
