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Over-the-Counter Cosmetics for Adult Acne

According to the Mayo Clinic, acne is an inflammatory skin condition caused by the oil glands producing too much oil; the excess oil clogs the pores, which results in various forms of blemishes. Acne can also occur from too much bacteria called P. acnes. Adult women are more prone to acne than men, due to hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy and menopause. Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, sulfur and alpha hydroxy acids are the four main ingredients in acne medications, and are often put in cosmetics to help fight acne.

  1. Benzoyl Peroxide

    • Benzoyl peroxide clears acne by eliminating acne causing dead skin cells, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. It also reduces bacteria that can clog pores when in excess. Benzoyl peroxide is available in a cream as an acne treatment, and is also available in some facial cosmetics such as foundation and powder cosmetics. Benzoyl peroxide will cause your skin to dry out, and can irritate the skin. Therefore, facial lotion should be applied several times a day according to the facial lotion directions.

    Salicylic Acid

    • Salicylic acid helps break down whiteheads and blackheads, according to the Women's Health website. Salicylic acid is used to treat minor skin acne such as pustules, whiteheads or blackheads. The medicine comes in a cream or gel, and is sometimes added to cosmetic cream foundation. Salicylic acid works well to clear acne, but once you stop using it the acne will immediately return. Salicylic acid is not usually irritating to the skin, and therefore should not dry it out.

    Sulfur

    • Sulfur is often added to over the counter medications to work in combination with other ingredients to fight acne. Sulfur clears acne quickly when used regularly, though according to the American Academy of Dermatology, scientists have not yet discovered why this treatment works. Sulfur is typically added to products containing benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol and salicylic acid. Dry skin is a side effect of using sulfur, but can be remedied by properly moisturizing the skin.

    Alpha Hydroxy Acids

    • Lactic acid and glycolic acid are the two main alpha hydroxy acids used in over-the-counter products. Lactic and glycolic acids are a synthetic version of a natural acid that form in the body. According to the Mayo Clinic, alpha hydroxy acids treat acne by removing dead skin cells, and by reducing harmful bacteria that causes skin to become inflamed. Alpha hydroxy acids are also thought to help in the production of new skin cells, and reduce the appearance of scarring.

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