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Over-the-Counter vs. Prescription Acne Treatments

J Laasritha Naidu

6 Min Read

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Acne is a common skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide, regardless of age or gender. While some individuals may experience mild breakouts that can be managed with over-the-counter (OTC) treatments, others may require prescription medications for more severe or persistent acne. In this blog post, we’ll explore the differences between OTC and prescription acne treatments, their effectiveness, and factors to consider when choosing the right acne treatment for your skin.

Understanding Acne

Before diving into the specifics of acne treatments, it’s essential to understand the underlying causes of acne. Acne occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, forming pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. Hormonal changes, genetics, and lifestyle factors can all contribute to the development of acne.

Read a detailed guide on acne.

Over-the-counter (OTC) Acne Treatment

Many people have this question, does over-the-counter acne treatment actually work?

Over-the-counter (OTC) acne treatments have become a staple in the skincare routines of many individuals seeking relief from mild to moderate acne. Check out the best skincare routine for acne-prone skin.

These products are easily accessible without the need for a prescription and offer a range of formulations to address various acne concerns. Let’s delve deeper into the types of OTC acne treatments and their key ingredients:

Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is a potent acne-fighting ingredient commonly found in OTC products. It works by killing acne-causing bacteria, reducing inflammation, and unclogging pores. Benzoyl peroxide is available in various strengths, typically ranging from 2.5% to 10%. It is commonly found in cleansers, spot treatments, and leave-on gels or creams.

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) known for its exfoliating properties. It helps to dissolve the buildup of dead skin cells, unclog pores, and prevent new breakouts. Salicylic acid is often found in cleansers, toners, spot treatments, and acne pads. It is suitable for oily and acne-prone skin types.

Check out MFine 1% Salicylic Acid Foaming Cleanser. Salicylic acid is very good for acne.

This cleanser is used to treat acne.
It deeply cleanses and purifies skin pores
Offers gentle exfoliation for a smoother texture
Targets blackheads and whiteheads for improved skin clarity
Manages excess oil production for balanced and healthier skin

You must try out MFine 0.5% Salicylic Acid Gel Moisturizer if you have oily and combination skin type. This moisturizer clears and prevents acne breakouts for healthier skin.

Also, check out MFine 2% Salicylic Acid Serum. This serum is suitable for all skin types. It helps to reduce acne and breakouts, unclog pores, prevent comedones and reduces excessive oil secretion.

Sulfur

Sulfur has been used for centuries to treat various skin conditions, including acne. It works by absorbing excess oil, reducing inflammation, and promoting the shedding of dead skin cells. Sulfur is commonly found in spot treatments, masks, and cleansers targeted towards acne-prone skin.

Retinoids

Over-the-counter retinoids, such as adapalene, are a milder form of prescription-strength retinoids. They work by increasing cell turnover, unclogging pores, and reducing the formation of comedones (clogged pores). OTC retinoids are available in various formulations, including gels and creams, and are often used to treat acne and improve skin texture.

Check out:

MFine 1% Retinol Night Serum: This night serum can be used by any skin type to treat acne, pigmentation and and fine lines.

MFine 0.05% Retinol Night Serum: This night serum can be used by any skin type to treat acne, and dark circles.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent that can help reduce acne lesions and inflammation. It possesses antimicrobial properties, making it effective against acne-causing bacteria. Tea tree oil is commonly found in spot treatments, cleansers, and diluted forms for direct application to blemishes.

Types of OTC Acne Treatments

What is the best acne medication over-the-counter?

Cleansers

Acne-fighting cleansers are formulated to remove excess oil, dirt, and impurities from the skin while treating acne. They often contain active ingredients such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to target breakouts and prevent new ones from forming.

Try out

MFine 1% Lactic Acid Foaming Cleanser: With key ingredients like lactic acid, vitamin E, chameleon plant extracts and glycine soja oil, this cleanser is perfect for sensitive, dry and normal skin type to treat acne, pigmentation and wrinkles.

MFine 1% Salicylic Acid Foaming Cleanser: This cleanser is used to treat acne.

Read more about the benefits of salicylic acid.

Spot Treatments

Spot treatments are designed to target individual blemishes directly. They typically contain higher concentrations of active ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to speed up the healing process and reduce inflammation.

Gels and Creams

These formulations are applied to the entire face or affected areas to treat acne and prevent new breakouts. They may contain a combination of active ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinoids to address multiple acne concerns.

When using OTC acne treatments, it’s essential to follow the instructions provided on the product packaging and gradually introduce new products into your skincare routine to avoid irritation.

Prescription Acne Treatments

Do you need a prescription for acne treatment? Well, If your acne is severe, then you might have to go for the treatments mentioned below that require a prescription from the doctor.

Prescription acne treatments are medications that require a prescription from a dermatologist. These treatments are typically recommended for individuals with moderate to severe acne that has not responded well to OTC products. Prescription acne medications may contain stronger concentrations of active ingredients or different formulations that are not available over-the-counter.

Pros of Prescription Acne Treatments

Higher Potency

Prescription acne medications often contain higher concentrations of active ingredients, making them more effective at treating moderate to severe acne.

Targeted Therapy

Prescription acne treatments may target specific underlying causes of acne, such as hormonal imbalances or bacterial overgrowth, for more comprehensive treatment.

Cons of Prescription Acne Treatments

Side Effects

Some prescription acne medications may cause side effects such as dryness, peeling, redness, or increased sensitivity to sunlight.

Popular Prescription Acne Treatments

Topical Retinoids (e.g., Tretinoin, Tazarotene)
Oral Antibiotics (e.g., Doxycycline, Minocycline)
Oral Contraceptives (for hormonal acne)
Isotretinoin (Accutane) for severe cystic acne

What Is The Most Powerful Acne Treatment?

Well, this depends on your skin and the severity of your skin issue. You can do one thing. Take a FREE skin assessment or consult a dermatologist for free on MFine. Answer a few questions and get a personalized anti-acne kit according to your skin type. Isn’t that amazing?

Choosing the Right Treatment For Acne

When deciding between OTC and prescription acne treatments, it’s essential to consider the severity of your acne, your skin type and sensitivity, previous treatment experiences, and any underlying health conditions. Mild acne may respond well to OTC products, while moderate to severe acne may require prescription medications for optimal results. Consulting with a dermatologist can help determine the most appropriate treatment plan tailored to your needs.

MFine brings you the best acne treatment from the top dermatologists. You can now consult a dermatologist for FREE and get a personalized anti-acne kit for your best skin.