Wednesday, August 3, 2011

MYTH 12 - OTC TREATMENTS ARE EQUIVALENT TO PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS

Proactiv is the number-one selling acne medication in the United States, but is not the most effective.  Benzoyl peroxide (BPO) is an excellent topical acne treatment, but it is not more effective than isotretinoin.  If fact, studies of combination drugs utilizing BPO and clindmycin or adapalene all show superiority over BPO alone.  Evidence-based clinical studies back prescription medications.  Clearly, patients vote for Proactiv, but this dynamic is driven by hype, promotion, and, of course, the fact that BPO is an effective treatment for acne.

*I would like to add here, that I have found some over the counter products to be effective for some people.  Everyone one is different and you will find that different treatments work for different people.  If you're having problems with acne and have been using over the counter products that don't seem to be working anymore, then it's time to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist to discuss whether or not prescription acne medication is an option for you.

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