Answers for acne, dry skin, and UV protection

Acne, a common condition that causes pimples on the face and upper torso, usually affects teens, but can continue into the 20s and even later in life. To tackle mild acne, defined as less than 20 noninflamed blackheads and whiteheads, consumers can turn to a number of OTC products to reduce the look of the blemishes, redness, and pores.

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For acne sufferers 

Olay Fresh Effects Clear Skin 1-2-3 Acne Solution System (Procter and Gamble) penetrates the pores and helps clear blemishes and blackheads. The Acne Hater Deep Scrub! contains the active ingredient salicylic acid 2.0% to provide a deep clean. Spot Zinger! also contains salicylic acid 2.0% for reducing facial blackheads and blemishes. The Swirled Mattifier provides instant coverage and helps control redness and a shiny appearance. Each of these products is also sold separately. (olay.com)

Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. offers several products for acne sufferers.

Neutrogena Rapid Clear Foaming Scrub uses maximum-strength salicylic acid with MicroClear technology to reach the source of the acne blemishes and reduce the area and redness of the infected skin. According to the manufacturer, its skin-conditioning beads also help to soothe the skin and prevent dryness.

Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Daily Leave-On Mask can be used to treat the entire face and keeps working over four hours. The 2.5% benzoyl peroxide acne medicine can be used twice daily, in the morning and evening, and does not have to be washed off. It dries clear and can be used before the application of lotion or makeup.

For patients seeking a product created according to the idea of a more natural approach, Neutrogena Naturals Acne Cream Cleanser uses natural salicylic acid 1% to penetrate pores to treat blemishes and help prevent others from forming.

To cover acne-prone skin, patients can try Neutrogena SkinClearing Complexion Perfector with salicylic acid 0.5%, suitable for everyday use. This tinted moisturizer can help "blur the look of acne and minimize the appearance of pores," the manufacturer states. (www.jnj.com)

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Creams and lotions for dry skin

Dry skin can be problematic for your patients. For those who want a light, hydrating lotion for dry skin, Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Sheer Hydration Lotion (Johnson & Johnson Family of Consumer Companies) offers a unique formula with colloidal oatmeal to keep skin soft and to prevent drying.

Nivea In-Shower Hydrating Body Lotion (Beiersdorf) provides 24-hour moisturizing protection by working like a conditioner for dry skin. Its ingredients include water, petrolatum, glycerin, and cetearyl alcohol. Consumers can wash with their usual product, rinse, and then apply the body lotion in the shower, rinsing off the residue before drying. (beiersdorfusa.com)

Eucerin In-Shower Moisturizer (Beiersdorf) offers fragrance-free moisture that can be used daily even on sensitive skin. Its ingredients include water, petrolatum, provitamin B₅ (panthenol), cetearyl alcohol, glycerin, and more. (eucerinus.com)

For UV protection

Now that it is summer, consumers will be looking for protection from damaging ultraviolet (UV) light. Here are some products for them to consider.

Jergens BB Protect Perfecting Body Cream with Sunscreen (Kao USA Inc.) is a body cream that offers UV protection with broad spectrum SPF 15 in two shades, for light skin tones and medium skin tones. The cream, which contains the active ingredients avobenzone 1.25%, octisalate 5%, and octocrylene 1.1%, can be applied to the entire body and dries quickly. The manufacturer warns that the cream should not be used on the face. (jergens.com)

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face + Body Stick Sunscreen, Broad Spectrum SPF 70 (Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc.) is another product for sun protection, but delivered by a hands-free, no-mess application. It protects users from UVA and UVB rays, and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. (www.jnj.com)