Anyone who's ever suffered from acne - whether mild or cystic - will know it's enough to knock your confidence big time, and that there's no such thing as a quick fix.
Until now, people blighted with mild acne have only been able to get hold of a key ingredient used to fight it, benzoyl peroxide, through pharmacies with a prescription. But that's all about to change...
This week (Monday 23rd September to be precise), the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) ruled to let two products containing the miracle ingredient be released on general sale, meaning it can be bought over the counter in your local health stores like Boots and Superdrug.
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The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) announced that the two products - Acnecide Face Gel and Acnecide Face Wash Gel - will be formally reclassified from pharmacy to general sale list medicines.
This is a big win for sufferers, who are now able to get hold of the product without a pharmacist's advice, allowing people to treat mild acne more widely.
The ingredient has helped acnes sufferers across the globe with many posting their results on forums such as SkincareAddiction on Reddit.
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However, be warned, benzoyl peroxide can cause dryness, itching and redness, so it's best to consult the packet on how often you should use it depending on your skin.
The decision was made following a thorough assessment of Acnecide products, consideration by Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) and a public consultation earlier this year.
Jan MacDonald, MHRA's Group Manager for Access and Information for Medicines and Standards (AIMS) in Vigilance and Risk Management of Medicines, said: "The move to make Acnecide Face Gel and Acnecide Face Wash Gel more widely accessible will make it easier for people to treat mild acne on the face.
"Wider availability of medicinal products and improved patient access and choice remain high on the health agenda. The MHRA is committed to improving access to medicinal products for self-care where it is safe to do so."
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You can purchase both the Acnecide Face Gel (30g) and Acnecide Face Wash Gel (50g) online at Superdrug for £9.49. At Boots the Acnecide Face Gel (30g) is slightly more expensive at £10.49 and the store isn't currently stocking the face wash with gel online.
While the new ruling is a win for those with mild acne, it should be noted the 5 per cent potency may not have such good affects as those with more severe acne. In this case, you should see your doctor for stronger solutions.
Featured Image Credit: RedditTopics: acne, Life News, Beauty, advice