Natural Acne Treatment

When it comes to treating seasonal acne, many people wonder whether they can get the fastest results from over-the-counter medicines or a natural acne treatment. There isn’t always a straightforward answer to this question because the effectiveness of acne treatments can vary from product to product. There are, however, some general rules that you can use to decide whether you want to use an OTC acne treatment or a natural acne treatment.

Can a Natural Acne Treatment Work?

In theory, a natural acne treatment could work. Even the most effective OTC products are based on “natural” treatments. For instance, people have used sulfur for thousands of years to eliminate acne and other blemishes. Today, you can find sulfur as an active ingredient in numerous acne products.

Most home remedies, however, will do little for your complexion. For instance, some people try using honey masks to keep their skin clear. This natural acne treatment, however, will not have the effects that you want. In fact, most people find that it just creates a sticky mess that can actually cause more problems than it solves.

Some people also try using alcohol as a natural acne treatment. This is usually a big mistake. Alcohol will dry out your pimples, but it tends to cause a lot of irritation. Over time, you will find that this so-called natural acne treatment has caused more serious skin problems such as excessive dryness. You might think that anything is better than pimples, but an ashy, itchy face really isn’t an improvement.

The Advantages of OTC Acne Treatments

The advantage of using an OTC product instead of a natural acne treatment is that you can choose options that have been specially formulated for your skin. OTC acne products have been formulated to provide seasonal acne sufferers with the specific types of treatments that they need to eliminate pimples quickly. If you have oily skin, then you can choose a product that reduces oil and shine. If you have dry skin, then you can choose an option that moisturizes without clogging pores.

It is, however, important to remember that not all OTC acne treatments are effective. Some of them will not work any faster than your grandmother’s natural acne treatment of lemon juice and alcohol. When choosing effective OTC treatments, look for products that contain either benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. These two substances have remarkable acne fighting properties because they can clean out pores and kill bacteria.

Most people see the best results when they use mild concentrations of benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. A 2.5 percent concentration of benzoyl peroxide, for instance, should work well without causing side effects. You might be tempted to use the stronger medication that you can find, but then you run the risk of experience significant side effects. In some cases, side effects such as dry skin and flaking skin can look worse than your seasonal acne. If you choose a product with a low concentration of these active ingredients, though, you should be able to clear your face quickly without turning to natural acne treatment options that will have you raiding your kitchen cupboard and bathroom closet for odd substances.