Prescription acne treatments are not only harmful, they can oftentimes cause birth defects, acne scars, chapped skin, and bloody lips.
Gross! Unfortunately, there is not always a good over-the-counter acne treatment that seems to work quite as effectively in many respects as their prescription counterparts.
However, I've found three of the best over the counter acne treatments are ones that I can order online for cheap, or get at places like Wal-Mart or Target.
Here's some of the best over the counter acne treatment options that I always stock in my acne cabinet.
1.
Proactiv: Yes, Proactiv really does work as well as they say it does.
Mind you, everyone is different, so it's not a guarantee it will work for you, but I've used it for over a year, and that's a record for me.
Right now, I wouldn't use any other cleansing system.
2.
Benzoyl peroxide: Almost any acne product with benzoyl peroxide in it is bound to work in some fashion.
Some products begin with a 2.
5% solution and then steadily increase to a 10% concentration of benzoyl peroxide.
For spot treatments, I'm usually happy with 5%-10% concentrate.
3.
Salicylic acid: Products with salicylic acid, such as the sprays you can buy at the Clinique counter or at Walmart and Target.
Salicylic acid, unlike benzoyl peroxide, does not stain clothing, towels, skin, or sheets, but it's not often used in high quantities on the face.
Use it on places like your back, chest, and arms.