Five Over the Counter Products for Treating Acne: A Dermatologist's Top Picks

Best over the counter acne products

Many over-the-counter (OTC) acne products are available to treat mild acne or periodic breakouts. It’s important to know which OTC acne products work, what ingredients to look for and when you should seek medical help. You shouldn’t delay seeking medical help if you’re unable to get your breakouts under control or they are affecting you in any way.

Here are my top 5 over the counter acne products:

1) Acnecide (benzoyl peroxide)

The reason I like Acnecide is that it kills bacteria that causes acne and also has an anti-inflammatory effect.

2) La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo + Anti-Blemish Moisturiser

This product contains niacinamide, which helps reduce the appearance of acne as well as marks, and salicylic acid, which unclogs pores.

3) La Roche-Posay Effaclar Micropeeling Gel

The Effaciar Micropeeling Gel is another product that contains salicylic acid, which, as mentioned above, is brilliant for unclogging pores and helps with excess sebum (oil).

4) Malin + Goetz 10% Sulphur Paste

Sulphur is a great ingredient that removes the dead skin cells that clog pores - and it helps remove excess oil.

5) ZitSticka Goo Getter Spot Clarifying Dots

These hydrocolloid patches help skin heal in a moist environment, and this product also contains acne fighting ingredients like niacinamide and salicylic acid.

Dermatologist advice for using acne fighting ingredients

When it comes to benzoyl peroxide/acnecide, you should be aware of it’s possible side effects, which include dry skin, scaling, redness, and burning and stinging - especially if you have sensitive skin. Also, be careful when applying benzoyl peroxide, as it can bleach hair and clothing

With salicylic acid, possible side effects include mild stinging and skin irritation, so start with a lower percentage and gradually build up.

I recommend beginning with lower strength acne products, as this can help minimise redness, dry skin and other skin problems. If needed, introduce slowly over several weeks and then steadily increase the strength of the product you use and how often you use it. This helps your skin adjust to the treatment gradually.

It is also really important to be patient. Treating acne takes time and patience. It may take two or three months of daily use of an acne product to see results. And acne may look worse before it gets better. Do not use several agents at one time as you will increase your chances of side effects and irritation.

Top tips for treating acne at home

If you’re looking to treat your acne at home, my top tips are:

1) Be gentle

Make sure you are gentle with your skin and use a moisturiser suited to your skin type, as acne treatments can often be drying.

2) Keep cleansing to a minimum

Be careful not to overwash! Washing your face twice a day is totally fine.

3) Let your skin heal naturally

If you pick, pop, or squeeze your acne, your skin will take longer to heal and you increase the risk of getting acne scars.

4) Select non-comedogenic products

Make sure the skincare and makeup you are using is labelled non-comedogenic, as these will be less likely to clog your pores

5) Stay out of the sun

Stay out of direct sunlight and off tanning beds. This is because not only does tanning damage your skin, but some acne medications make the skin very sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) light too, which you get from both the sun and indoor tanning devices.

6) Know your OTC options

Do speak to your pharmacist, as they can also help with OTC acne options.

7) Ask for help if you need it

If your acne doesn't improve after two or three months of home treatment, see your GP or a skin specialist (i.e. a dermatologist) for a prescription. I often emphasise the importance of treating acne early and not falling for miracle cures online, as acne can have a significant impact on people’s emotional wellbeing. If acne is affecting a person psychologically, however mild it may be, please see your doctor.

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