You can’t help but squint at the hundreds of products lining your local store shelf promising to cure acne. New products are churned out by the skin care companies on a regular basis. The sad fact to this phenomenon is that consumers continue to buy the latest acne cure, believing that this one will be hordes more effective than the last. The next time you jump on the miracle acne treatment bandwagon, you should take a closer look at the product label of the supposed “new and innovative” treatment. You are sure to find the same ingredients listed on your new treatment that were also found on your last product. Is there much sense in repurchasing the same thing because it has a different logo plastered on it? Not so much. Most over-the-counter products consist of the exact same ingredients. Hence, it is quite difficult to see what motivates people to spend exorbitant amounts of money, aside from assuming a herd-like mentality.

Benzoyl peroxide is found in most acne products and for the sole reason that it is extremely effective at treating a slew of acne-related factors. It works by eliminating p. acnes bacteria, as well as speeding up the skin’s shedding cycle. Abnormal shedding of the outer layers of the skin is what causes acne. The dead skin becomes trapped in pores, along with sebum and acne bacteria. Few over the counter medications address multiple acne risk factors as well as benzoyl peroxide does.

Acne treatment products most often feature a multi-stage process. First comes cleansing, followed by toning and finally application of topical medications. Cleansers and topical creams often feature benzoyl peroxide as their main ingredient. It can be extremely effective on its own, however, some treatments also employ the use of natural ingredients like witch hazel.

In most cases, a plain tube of benzoyl peroxide will be just as good as any other OTC product. Don’t be lured in by clever marketing ruses such as the fancy graphs depicted on the back of acne products. These usually don’t hold much water. A gentle cleanser and benzoyl peroxide is all you need.

Be sure to purchase only the low concentration form of the topical, which should be 2.5%. You can find it in 5% and 10% variations, however, these only produce more irritation without any further improvement. Use a moisturizer if the low concentration proves to irritating as well.

Educate yourself on how to get rid of pimples fast and taking care of acne prone skin