If you are looking for over the counter acne medicines, you have a wide range of choices available. Since acne is a phenomenon which affects a large number of the population, there are literally hundreds of brands and methods of treatments available, as far as acne is concerned. You have everything from natural herbal remedies to acne medicines with all sorts of chemicals as their ingredients.

The leading brands usually have benzoyl peroxide in their products. Benzoyl peroxide is considered to be one of the most effective acne treatments available. Over the counter acne medicines using benzoyl peroxide are known to be pretty effective and can be used for months at a time. These products are not known to cause long term side effects. Needless to say, benzoyl peroxide is the most popular over the counter acne medicine.

One can also find leading brands with salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is an acid and it works as an astringent that removes dead skin cells. This helps to eliminate clogged pores and it heals the skin faster. One can find salicylic acid in various topical creams, cleansers and cleansing pads.

Sulfur is also a well known over the counter acne medication. Sulfur makes the skin dry and peel. Sulfur acts by drying out the sebum and therefore stopping bacterial growth. One can find many soaps and facial cleansers with sulfur in them. It is very effective in removing blackheads and whiteheads. Despite its effectiveness, sulfur has a strong odor and some people's skin may react poorly to it. When using products containing sulfur, it is important to watch closely for excessive redness or peeling, as it may be necessary to discontinue using the product.

Resorcinol is yet another commonly available over the counter acne medicine. Apart from being used in acne treatment, it is also used for treating a variety of skin conditions. Due to its strong chemical nature, you are advised to consult your dermatologist before you start using products that contain resorcinol.

One can get extensive information on the best over the counter acne medicines through online resources. You can get detailed insight into the various products and different kinds of offers at these online resources. It is always recommended to get in touch with your dermatologist to find out more about which over the counter acne medicine is best suited for your needs.