text: what is the best over the counter acne medication?   the best otc therapy for acne is a combination of products. go for a facial wash (preferably in gel form) that contains salicylic acid 2%(like l'oreal pure zone gel face wash, or olay clarity daily face wash). use a facial scrub (also containing salicylic acid 2%) 2-3 times a week, or daily if your acne is severe (olay clarity daily facial scrub and st ives medicated scrub for acne-prone skin are good bets). then treat blemishes with a spot medication containing benzoil peroxide 10% (clearasil ultra blemish treatment is a good alternative). if your skin tends to dry out when using any of these products, then an oil-free moisturizer formulated for acne-prone skin is in order (l'oreal pure zone oil-free moisturizer is the best one i have use to date). this regimen of combining products containing salicylic acid with others containing benzoil peroxide is the principle behind the much-advertised proactiv solution (developed by dermatologists rodan & fields). you may also use the proactiv solution regimen if you can afford it (it's somewhat costly; about $50:00 for a month's supply; you have to buy direct from the manufacturers because it's not sold in pharmacies).