Resorcinol

What it is: Resorcinol is used to treat acne, but also eczema and psoriasis among other skin conditions. It is sometimes combined with other acne medications, usually sulfur, and rarely stands alone.

What it does: Resorcinol helps breakdown hard, rough skin, which means it is good at breaking down existing blackheads and whiteheads.

Things to be aware of while using it:
(see full story for details)		 Because it is already potentially irritating, sometimes causing redness or peeling of the skin, it is good to avoid other irritating soaps and cleansers, astringents or alcohol products, and also other medications.

Return to over-the-counter medications

References

Fry, Lionel. The Encyclopedia of Visual Medicine Series: An Atlas of Dermatology. New York: The Parthenon Publishing Group, 1997.

"Questions and Answers About Acne." National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Jan. 2006. National Institutes of Health. 2001. link.

"Resorcinol." MedlinePlus. 2006. Thomson Healthcare. 2000 link.