Are Over-the-counter Acne Treatments Preferred Over Prescription Drugs?

Almost 80 percent of individuals between the ages of 11 and 30 have some degree of acne. While some of these people have acne that is severe enough to require prescription medications, the majority of people can effectively treat their acne with over-the-counter acne medicines.

There are several benefits of over-the-counter acne drugs when compared to prescription acne medications. One of the most obvious benefits of using over-the-counter acne drugs is simply that there is a vast selection to choose from. Any neighborhood drugstore or grocery store will carry numerous options for acne treatment. If one chooses to shop on line for acne medicines the number of products to choose from can be almost overwhelming.

Over-the-counter acne medications include topical treatments as well as oral medications. Most topical acne products contain one of three active ingredients: benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, or salicylic acid. These ingredients may be available as soaps, cleansers, washes, toners, lotions, gels, spot treatments and masks.

The oral over-the-counter options for treating acne consist mainly of nutritional and herbal supplements. Many of these products claim to improve the health of the skin and/or alter factors that predispose individuals to acne. The vitamin, mineral and nutritional factor products are most often available as capsules or tablets. The herbal medicines for acne may also be available in capsules or as liquid tinctures.

In addition to the incredible selection available for over-the-counter acne treatment, these acne medicines are easily accessible. It is significantly easier to walk in a store, grab an acne product and purchase it, as compared to prescription acne drugs which require an appointment with a physician and then the hassle of getting the prescription filled.

Another benefit of over-the-counter acne drugs is the potential to return the product if needed. Some individuals may purchase an over-the-counter medication to find that it doesn't work as expected. Other individuals may discover that their skin reacts to a topical product, becoming dry and/or irritated. Additionally, some products may have a strong fragrance, cause skin discoloration, have an intolerable taste, or cause stomach upset. Many stores will allow an individual to return a product within a specified period of time following the purchase.

Lastly, some people may find that over-the-counter acne drugs are significantly cheaper than those available by prescription. For example, a 2% benzoyl peroxide wash called Benzac AC Wash is available by prescription for about $36. A similar over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide wash is available for $11. Depending on one's insurance status, over-the-counter medications for the treatment of acne can be much less expensive.

Over-the-counter acne drugs have many benefits as compared to prescription acne medications. The ability to choose the product one wishes, to easily purchase it, return it for a refund if necessary, and potentially save money at the initial purchase are only some of the benefits of topical and oral over-the-counter acne treatments.