When you’re battling blemishes, the first line of defense is usually found at the drugstore or department store. The shelves are lined with products promising to banish blemishes (in some drugstores, there are entire aisles dedicated to anti-blemish products). But which ones truly work?
No doubt you’ve tried a few (perhaps a lot) that haven’t made any difference, or that even made things worse. So, how do you know, before you’ve spent time and money on a product, if it’s going to be effective? Will anything work to keep your blemishes away?
The key is to look for ingredients that are proven to combat blemishes effectively, yet gently. In that regard, there are two “superstar” ingredients that stand out above the rest: beta hydroxy acid (BHA) and benzoyl peroxide. Below we describe them and their effects so you’re armed with the knowledge you need to make the best choice for your skin.
Over-the-Counter Blemish-Fighting Superstars
Now that we’ve introduced the two proven blemish-buster ingredients that you’ll find in over-the-counter products, here’s how each one treats blemishes.
Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA): Also known as salicylic acid, BHA is an amazing multifunctional ingredient that treats blemishes in several ways. It not only has potent anti-inflammatory properties, but also exfoliates to remove built-up dead skin cells on the surface of the skin as well as inside the pore. Salicylic acid also has mild antibacterial properties.
Because salicylic acid is a derivative of aspirin (both are salicylates; aspirin's technical name is acetylsalicylic acid), it also has some of aspirin's anti-inflammatory properties. That means it reduces inflammation, redness, and swelling, helping the skin heal. This in turn helps prevent scarring, while also decreasing the chance of further blemishes.
Salicylic acid's antimicrobial properties help kill the bacteria that cause blemishes. Together, all of these properties make salicylic acid an MVP in the game of you versus your blemishes.
For salicylic acid formulas to be effective, it must have a concentration of at least 0.5%, although 1% to 2% is far more effective; plus, the formula's pH is a critical factor, with a pH of 3 to 4 being optimal. Surprisingly, many salicylic acid products don’t meet these requirements, so they don’t work well, if at all, on blemishes.
In addition, the product must not contain any irritating ingredients, because such ingredients cause inflammation, which delays the healing of blemishes and can increase oil production deep within the pore.
: Considered the most effective over-the-counter choice for a topical antibacterial agent in the treatment of blemishes, benzoyl peroxide penetrates into the pore and kills blemish-causing bacteria, preventing inflammation. It also has a low risk of irritation and unlike antibiotics used to treat blemishes, it does not have the potential to create bacterial resistance.
The concentration of benzoyl peroxide in products usually ranges from 2.5% to 10%. A 2.5% benzoyl peroxide concentration is far less irritating than a 10% concentration (not irritating the skin is always a goal), and it can be just as effective. If your skin doesn't respond to the 2.5% concentration, then try a 5% concentration. Generally speaking, if your blemishes don't respond to a 5% concentration of benzoyl peroxide, it may be best to consider topical prescription options (such as a topical antibiotic mixed with benzoyl peroxide) before using a product with 10% benzoyl peroxide. Higher concentrations of benzoyl peroxide can cause irritation that results in dry, flaky skin, so start with lower concentrations first.
Note: shows that combining benzoyl peroxide with topical antibiotics reduces the risk of bacteria developing resistance to the antibiotic, so the antibiotic will be effective longer!
What You Don’t Want In Over-the-Counter Blemish Treatments
So, now you know the two ingredients in over-the-counter treatments that can help fight your blemishes. Almost as important, though, is what’s not included in the over-the-counter products you choose. Avoid any formula that contains because it can lead to dryness, which can actually cause your oil glands to produce more oil - the last thing you want! Also steer clear of any that cause irritation, as irritation leads to inflammation, and inflammation makes blemishes worse.
The best anti-blemish medications are built on a foundation of salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide and a blend of gentle, skin-soothing ingredients in a fragrance-free formula that helps calm your skin while healing blemishes.
The Bottom Line
We admit that it might be tricky at first to find a good over-the-counter blemish product that meets all the criteria to effectively treat your blemishes without irritating your skin. We also must add, however, that over-the-counter products are not the solution for everyone with blemishes. Some blemishes are tougher than others, and might require other treatments. We invite you to read our articles on prescription treatments and alternative treatments for additional options that could lead to clearer skin.