Best Over-the-Counter Acne Treatments in Las Vegas Dr. Kendall Egan, MD | Las Vegas Integrative Dermatology ✨ Acne: More Than a Cosmetic Concern

Acne is not simply a cosmetic issue — it is a chronic medical condition influenced by hormones, inflammation, diet, stress, sleep, skin-barrier health, the microbiome, and overall internal balance.

Many patients are surprised to learn that not all bumps are acne. Common acne mimickers include keratosis pilaris and pityrosporum folliculitis (“fungal acne”), which require very different treatment strategies and are often misdiagnosed.

At Las Vegas Integrative Dermatology, we combine evidence-based dermatology with advanced integrative testing — including GI-MAP stool testing, food-sensitivity testing, and SIBO testing — to uncover the root causes of persistent acne and rosacea-associated breakouts.

Over-the-Counter Acne Treatment Options 

Smart choices. Correct use. Long-term skin health.

When used correctly, OTC products can be powerful tools in acne control. Our goals: calm inflammation, protect the skin barrier, and prevent permanent scarring.

🧼 Cleansers & Washes

Choose gentle, non-stripping formulas. If a product burns, stings persistently, or causes itching — discontinue it.

Gentle Daily Cleansers

• Non-foaming, fragrance-free

• Excellent to alternate with medicated washes

Targeted Medicated Washes: Pick one and alternate with a gentle skin cleanser

• Benzoyl peroxide 2.5–5% – Reduces acne bacteria; higher strengths increase irritation without better results

• Salicylic acid 0.5–2% – Clears clogged pores

• Alpha Hydroxy Acids – Exfoliate, smooth scars, improve texture

• Sulfur washes or sulfur bar soap – Excellent for inflammatory acne and rosacea

• Tea tree oil cleansers – Helpful for some; may cause allergic rashes in sensitive skin

⚠️ FDA note: Rare allergic reactions can occur with OTC acne products. Stop use and seek urgent care for severe swelling, itching, or breathing difficulty.

Topical Treatments — Less Is More

Topical Retinoid:

• Adapalene 0.1% (topical retinoid) — helps treat blackheads & whiteheads

Other Topical Medications: Most patients do best using one or the other, not both at the same time. A cleanser may be enough, and topicals may not be necessary.

• Low-strength benzoyl peroxide — inflammatory acne + comedones

• Low-strength salicylic acid — inflammatory acne + comedones

• Low Strength alpha hydroxy Acids - inflammatory acne + comedones

For sensitive skin and/or to improve skin discoloration:

• Azelaic acid 10% — reduces inflammation, redness, and post-acne discoloration

Barrier Protection

Healthy skin heals better.

• Non-comedogenic moisturizer with ceramides & hyaluronic acid

• Daily mineral sunscreen ☀️ — essential to prevent pigment and scarring

🧖‍♀️ Skin-Care Rules That Make or Break Results

• Wash gently twice daily

• Use a thin layer of treatment — more is not better

• Choose non-comedogenic makeup & moisturizers

• Avoid heavy oils, greasy sunscreens, thick hair products

• Don’t pick or squeeze

• Shower after sweating

• Protect skin from the sun

🥗😴🧠 Lifestyle & Internal Drivers of Acne

Diet: High-glycemic foods, sugar, and dairy fuel inflammation. Sleep: Aim for 7–9 hours nightly. Stress: Increases oil production and inflammatory hormones.

🌿 The Integrative Layer

For stubborn or treatment-resistant acne — especially with rosacea, bloating, reflux, flushing, or hormonal imbalance — we investigate deeper drivers:

• GI-MAP stool testing

• Food-sensitivity testing

• SIBO testing (strong rosacea connection)

• Hormone analysis

• Nutrient & metabolic testing

⚠️ Acne Scarring: Why Early Care Matters

Uncontrolled acne destroys collagen and alters healing, leading to:

• Scars

• Texture changes

• Long-term pigment problems

Early, personalized treatment is the best way to protect your skin for life.

Common Acne Mimickers - Treatment is a different

Keratosis Pilaris – Rough follicular bumps on arms, thighs, cheeks, buttocks

Pityrosporum Folliculitis (“Fungal Acne”) – Itchy bumps on chest, back, shoulders, face

When to See a Dermatologist

If acne:

• Isn’t improving after 8–12 weeks

• Is painful, cystic, recurring

• Is leaving dark marks or scars

• Includes rosacea-type flushing

• Any concerns

…it’s time for an evaluation by a dermatologist

📍 Las Vegas Integrative Dermatology

8660 W Spring Mountain Rd, Ste 101Las Vegas, NV 89117

📲 702-930-6441 or schedule online 🌐 www.lasvegasintegrativedermatology.com

🩺 About Dr. Kendall Egan

Dr. Kendall Egan, MD, FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in acne, hormonal skin disease, rosacea, acne-scarring prevention, and integrative dermatology.

📄 Disclaimer

This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.Always consult a qualified medical professional for diagnosis and treatment.

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