The type of treatment people with
acne get depends on the severity of
the outbreak. “There are OTC products
for mild cases, while a visit to
a health care professional such as a
dermatologist may be in order for the
more stubborn cases,” says Liedtka.
Acne treatments are regulated by
FDA under the same provisions of the
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic
Act covering prescription and nonprescription
(or OTC) products.
Topical OTC medicines are applied
to the skin and come in many forms,
including gels, lotions, creams, soaps,
and pads. Typical OTC treatments for
mild acne include benzoyl peroxide,
resorcinol, salicylic acid, and sulfur.