FAQs

Face the facts.

There’s a lot of misinformation out there about what causes acne and how to treat it. OXY® is ready to clear up the confusion with real facts and real solutions.

FICTION: Boys get more acne than girls because they’re lazy about caring for their skin.

FACT:Teenage boys tend to get more severe, longer-lasting acne than teenage girls because their bodies produce more androgens, the hormones that stimulate the production of oil in the pores. Although acne is not related to cleanliness, a regular skin care routine that combines gentle cleansing with topical acne medication (like OXY® products) can help keep problem skin in check.

FICTION: Acne is caused by eating too much chocolate or greasy foods.

FACT:Acne is caused by hormonal changes, not by what you eat. There are no conclusive studies that link breakouts to the ingestion of chocolate, pizza or fried chicken. However, eating a balanced diet—one rich in fruits, grains and vegetables—can help to keep the skin healthy, since they provide the body with essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients.

FICTION: Teenagers get “backne” because of bad personal hygiene.

FACT:“Backne” occurs for the same reasons that acne on the face occurs. Only backne is often worsened by a condition known as acne mechanica, which is typically a result of pressure and friction. This form of acne can be caused by pads worn for lacrosse, football, hockey, etc., which is typically why it is more common in boys than girls. However, as more and more girls are active in sports, acne mechanica is increasing in female populations.

FICTION: If a teen was bothered by his acne, he would let a parent know.

FACT: Not too many boys speak openly regarding how their acne is specifically affecting their lives unless asked, so parents should not mistake silence about acne for not caring about it.

FICTION: Spending time in the sun clears up acne.

FACT: Sun exposure can actually make acne problems worse. Ultraviolet waves in sunlight, as well as other sources, have been proven to increase blackheads. Even though a portion of the sun’s radiation may diminish acne-causing bacteria in the pores, this effect is minimal. And, when skin damage and increased risk of skin cancer is considered, treating acne with sunlight is a very bad idea.

Q&A

As a leader in acne care, we get asked all the time about the best ways to cope with and treat problem skin. Here’s a list of our most frequently asked questions and the answers from our experts.

Q. I know that I have acne, but can you tell me what causes it?
Acne is caused by hormonal imbalances that lead to the over activity of oil glands, causing an excess secretion of oil. This oil accumulates below the skin and can lead to the clogging of pores.

Q. I have been really stressed out lately. Is that why my skin is breaking out?
Stress is commonly blamed for acne because it can have many physiologic effects on the body, including changes in hormones. These changes may theoretically cause your acne to worsen but it is not proven to be a direct cause of acne breakouts. Instead, take a look at what you are doing during this stressful time. Are you touching your face more than usual? Is your cell phone or athletic equipment in contact with your skin? Pay attention to the circumstances surrounding your stress to see if you can find answers there.

Q. I’m washing my face a bunch of times every day, but I’m still getting zits. What gives?
Contrary to popular belief, acne is not caused by dirty skin. The truth is, washing alone will not clear up or prevent acne. In fact, many people wash too often or scrub too vigorously-irritating the skin and worsening their acne. Washing your face twice a day and using the proper skin treatments, like OXY® products will help to control outbreaks.

Q. Is it ok to squeeze my pimples?
In general, acne blemishes should not be picked or squeezed. Squeezing can force the pustule contents deeper into the skin, causing additional inflammation and possible scarring.

Q. Why does it seem like some people get acne, but others don’t?
Some experts believe that the tendency to get acne is hereditary. However, you might get breakouts but your brother or sister won’t. The truth is that people of all races and ages get acne-and it’s impossible to tell exactly who will be affected and who won’t. Teenage boys tend to get more severe, long-lasting acne possibly because their bodies produce more of the hormones that cause acne. In general, acne tends to go away by the time a person reaches his twenties or thirties; however, it can continue even longer.

Q. I breakout all the time. Am I normal?
Absolutely. Approximately 17 million people in the U.S. are affected by acne and it can affect all races and ethnicities.

Q. What are the most common kinds of acne?
There are three common types of acne:

• Whiteheads occur when skin cells and oil plug the upper portion of the sebaceous follicle (pore), but remain below the level of the skin surface.

• Blackheads occur when skin cells and oil plug the upper portion of the sebaceous follicle (pore) and are exposed to the surface of the skin. The surface of the plug darkens because of brown melanin pigment in the skin cells and the reaction of the oil in the plug with air.

• Inflammatory acne occurs when white blood cells enter the follicle. This can occur spontaneously (usually due to the bacteria in the follicles) or be worsened by picking or squeezing at an existing pimple

Q. How do OXY® products work?
OXY® Maximum Action products contain Benzoyl Peroxide, which kills acne-causing bacteria. OXY® Daily Defense products contain Salicylic Acid, which exfoliates and helps clear pores. The anti-acne activity of both Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid has been clinically proven and are approved by the FDA as over-the-counter acne treatments. All of our products have been tested to show they deliver the labeled level of active ingredients and they are clinically tested to show that they are safe.

Q. How are the new OXY® Daily Defense Cleansing Pads different from what I purchased in the past?
Nothing has changed. It has the same strong & effective active ingredient, 2% Salicylic Acid, in an updated package.

Q. I’ve noticed that several of the OXY® products are different. How is the OXY® Maximum Action Advanced Face Wash different from the OXY® Maximum Face Wash?
The new face wash is a thicker formula made with a unique mild cleanser that produces a creamy lather. It’s also formulated with a skin soothing agent and a special ingredient to help boost cell renewal for fresher, brighter skin.

Q. How has the new OXY® Maximum Action Spot Treatment been improved?
The new formula is clinically proven to visibly reduce redness in just 4 hours. This product also kills 99% of the acne bacteria in 8 hours due to a new penetrating, enhancing ingredient. The old formula killed 99% of bacteria in 24 hours.

Q. How has the new OXY® Daily Defense Exfoliating Scrub been improved?
The new formula was updated to enhance the effectiveness of the active ingredient, Salicylic Acid. The new formula now contains a patented ingredient that helps retain the Salicylic Acid on the skin after rinsing, giving the consumer long lasting action.

Q. There are lots of different OXY® products with the same active ingredient. Which should I choose?
Choose the active ingredient that will treat your acne in the form you like best. Consumers like having many options to treat their acne because there isn’t just one way or time to treat acne outbreaks. If you want to prevent future breakouts use OXY Daily Defense products containing Salicylic Acid, and for killing the acne-causing bacteria use OXY Maximum Action products which contain Benzoyl Peroxide. After playing a sport or working out, it’s convenient to use a cleansing pad with Salicylic Acid to clean and wipe away dirt and oils that have accumulated when washing at a sink isn’t an option. A Benzoyl Peroxide face wash is great for killing acne bacteria and cleansing the entire face, but for a more lasting effect on specific breakouts, a spot treatment is the answer.

Q. How are your products different from others? I have tried Proactiv, Clearasil, etc.
Most acne products have Benzoyl Peroxide or Salicylic Acid to treat and prevent acne. All OXY® products contain either of one of these active ingredients and are also specially formulated to provide added benefits such as ingredients that promote healthy skin or continuous action technology that allows the active ingredient to work longer over time.

Q. I have a few pimples on my face/ just had a breakout this morning, how should I get rid of them?
One of the most effective ways to treat an “active” case of acne is with products containing Benzoyl Peroxide which kill the acne-causing bacteria. Wash your face with OXY® Maximum Action Advanced Face Wash and then apply OXY® Maximum Action Spot Treatment, a leave-on treatment.

Q. How do I get rid of blackheads?
Blackheads are caused by blocked pores and the accumulation of sebum and dead skin cells. Use OXY® Daily Defense Face Wash or Cleansing Pads with Salicylic Acid to cleanse the skin and remove pore-clogging dirt, oil and bacteria. Daily use of Salicylic Acid helps keep pores clear and prevents blackheads from forming.

Q. How can I keep pimples from coming back?
Treat current breakouts with OXY® Maximum Action Advanced Face Wash and OXY® Maximum Action Spot Treatment. For prevention, use OXY® Daily Defense Face Wash and OXY® Daily Defense Pads to prevent pores from clogging and new pimples from forming.

Q. I have tried many different acne products but none work for me. What should I do?
Consistency is the key here. Use OXY® Maximum Action products with Benzoyl Peroxide to treat current breakouts then switch to OXY® Daily Defense products with Salicylic Acid to maintain clear skin and prevent new breakouts.

Q. Are there any new or improved products?

• The new OXY® Maximum Action Face Wash is a thicker formula made with a unique mild cleanser that produces a creamy lather. It’s also formulated with a skin soothing agent and a special ingredient to help boost cell renewal.
• OXY® Maximum Action Treatment Pads are a unique delivery system for a Benzoyl Peroxide lotion. The product consists of a stack of pads containing 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide encapsulated in a microsponge that has a dual purpose. First it encapsulates the Benzoyl Peroxide for a gentle release over time and secondly the microsponge helps to absorb oil to minimize shine.
• We’ve also improved our OXY® Maximum Action Spot Treatment, which has been shown to kill 99% of acne bacteria in just 8 hours, promoting visibly clearer skin and reducing the appearance of redness in 4 hours.

Q. Should I use one or multiple products for my acne?
This is determined by your acne. If you have frequent breakouts you should use a wash and treatment product such as OXY® Maximum Action Advanced Face Wash and OXY® Maximum Action Spot Treatment with Benzoyl Peroxide. Once your blemishes have cleared, continue using OXY® Daily Defense products with Salicylic Acid for everyday healthy skin. It is important to wash your face with an anti-acne wash, and use a leave-on treatment product as needed.

Q. I have very sensitive skin. What should I use?
If you have sensitive skin, try treating your acne with OXY® Maximum Action Sensitive products or OXY® Daily Defense Sensitive products. These products are specially formulated for sensitive skin and have lower levels of the active ingredients to minimize irritation. Also, start with one application a day, and then increase only if needed to treat your acne.

Q. I have had many instances of irritated skin from using acne products. Do you have any recommendations?
Always begin your regimen slowly, using only one acne product at a time once a day, and then increase to up to 3 times daily only if needed. People who are allergic to Benzoyl Peroxide should only use OXY® Daily Defense products with Salicylic Acid.

Q. When should I use one product vs. another? Morning vs. evening? When should I use OXY® Maximum Action with Benzoyl Peroxide and when should I use OXY® Daily Defense products with Salicylic Acid?
This is a complicated set of questions but let us try to simplify it. If your routine currently involves morning and evening, we recommend that you use a Benzoyl Peroxide product in the morning such as OXY® Maximum Action Face Wash, and a Salicylic Acid product such as OXY® Daily Defense Face Wash or Cleansing Pad in the evening.
OXY® Maximum Action Benzoyl peroxide products kill acne bacteria and are a good choice for an “active” breakout. Using a Salicylic Acid product at night will help keep pores clear and prevent new acne from forming. Continue to use the OXY® Daily Defense products between breakouts to prevent reoccurrence of your acne. Experiment and adjust your routine for what works best for you.

Q. Should I cleanse first, and then apply a spot treatment?
Yes, always cleanse your face first before applying a leave-on spot treatment on a breakout.

Q. I only had a few pimples, and now it has spread to my entire face. What should I do?
We recommend that you treat the breakout first by washing with OXY® Maximum Action Advanced Face Wash and then apply OXY® Maximum Action Spot Treatment or Treatment Pads to the affected area. Start with one application daily and then increase to 2 or 3 times daily as needed.

Q. My son / daughter is very active and this often causes him/her to have pimples. What should I do?
In addition to using OXY® Maximum Action Advanced Face Wash with Benzoyl Peroxide at home to kill the acne-causing bacteria, have him/her pack OXY® Daily Defense Cleansing Pads with Salicylic Acid in their gym bag. OXY® Daily Defense Pads are a convenient way to help clear pores and wipe away dirt and sweat while on the go.