Acne Creams
(Topical Acne Treatment)

Most people initially seek over-the-counter medications of some sort, usually an acne cream,  when acne pimples become a problem. They look to the advice of family or friends or maiybe even an advertisement seen on television.

Even though acne is not a life-threatening condition, a doctor or, in some cases, a pharmacist are best qualified to recommend the best course of treatment you should follow for your type of acne. An acne cream that works for one person is not guaranteed to work for another.

Over-the-counter acne creams are the most popular topical medicines for treating mild cases of acne.  The acne creams commonly used contain benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol or salicylic acid as the active ingredient. They are sold as lotions, ointments, liquids and gels.

Benzoyol peroxide is the most versatile and widely used ingredient in topical acne medications. It is a safe and effective medicine for these skin lesions. The water-based gel form is thought to be less likely to irritate the skin. This medicine works by drying up the oils in your skin and promoting peeling.

• be extremely careful not to get benzoyl peroxide in your eyes, mouth or nose as it will cause irritation and/or inflammation
• after thorough, gentle cleansing, spread a thin layer of benzoyl peroxide over the area
• use it once a day initially, then increase the usage to two or three times daily

Benzoyl peroxide is used in cleansing bars and liquids in addition to lotions, creams and gels mentioned previously.

It may take some time to experience real improvement in your acne condition using this treatment. Once you realize that, you will not be discouraged with the course of action. Drying out of the skin is the most frequent  side effect associated with benzoyl peroxide.

basic steps for treating acne

The basic four steps in treating acne include:

• know everything that aggravates your acne and completely avoid using them
• follow your doctor's advice about removing blackheads and pimples or have this done by professionals
• use a cleansing agen or soap that dries out your skin enough to cause minor shedding so that the follicular plugs flake
• facilitate skin peeling within your follicles by using acne cream medications.

For more information about acne creams and other acne treatment methods, see:

Acne Treatment - The Best Ways To Care For Acne
Prescription Acne Medications - Some Preferred Acne Medicines
Clearlight Acne Treatment
Nlite Laser Acne Treatment
Natural Acne Cures - From Kitchen or Health Store
Severe Acne Treatment - Best Treatment Tips
Helpful Acne Info