Acne is a common skin condition that causes spots and pimples to break out on the face, shoulders back and chest. Mild symptoms of acne respond well to over the counter (OTC) treatments, and these can be bought from pharmacies, supermarkets and online stores.Lotions, Gels and CreamsMost OTC treatments are topical (used externally) and usually combine antibacterial and skin drying ingredients. These work to treat the bacteria the cause spots to become red and inflamed, and dry the skin and encourage it to shed more quickly, helping to keep pores clear and unblocked.

OTC topical treatments usually contain benzoyl peroxide, which is has both antibacterial and skin drying properties, but it can cause redness and irritation, especially when you first begin to use it on your skin. Here are a few of the other available topical acne treatments:

Azelaic Acid – this has a similar effect to benzoyl peroxide, but can be less drying for sensitive skin.

Salicyclic acid – this is another ingredient that encourages skin shedding to help keep pores clear.

Retinoids – these treatments are based on vitamin A, and work by encouraging the outer layer of skin to shed more quickly.

Clindamycin – this is a strong antibacterial treatment, which can be combined with other acne treatments and is effective in reducing soreness and infection in acne spots.It is important that you follow the instructions for each product and use them for the period advised, as some treatments can take a few weeks, or even months before they show any positive effects.

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