Rixis Dermatology OTC Product Recommendations
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Acne
La Roche Posay Effaclar (adapalene 0.1% gel): Topical retinoid for acne. (Sold at Rixis Dermatology - $35.99)
Neutrogena Clear Pore Wash: Benzoyl peroxide + clay cleanser/mask for breakouts.
Glytone Mild Gel Cleanser: Glycolic acid gel cleanser for oil/congestion.
Accutane
Cerave Hydrating Cleanser: Gentle non-foaming face wash great for very dry skin. (Sold at Rixis Dermatology - $16.99)
Cerave Healing Ointment: Occlusive balm for lips/corner cracks and fissures. (Sold at Rixis Dermatology - $9.99)
Dr Dan’s Cortibalm: Low-dose hydrocortisone lip balm for corners of your mouth from severe medication related dryness.
Anti-Aging
La Roche Posay Effaclar (adapalene 0.1% gel): Leave-on retinoid for acne & fine lines. (Sold at Rixis Dermatology - $35.99)
Circulation
Diosmin Hesperidin: A Vitamin C derivative that has some clinical data that may help chronic venous insufficiency.
Futuro Compression stockings, medium strength: Compression for post-operative patients or leg swelling/varicosities.
CO2 Laser/CoolPeel
Eucerin Immersive Hydration Moisture Boost Serum: Hyaluronic acid serum ideal treatment ideal after CO2 laser.
Dandruff
Neutrogena T Sal: Salicylic acid shampoo for very dry scalp build-up.
Nizoral Ketoconazole 1% Shampoo: Excellent antifungal shampoo for mild cases seborrheic dermatitis.
Dry Skin/Eczema
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream: One of the best moisturizers for dry skin on the body. (Sold at Rixis Dermatology - $18.99)
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream: Lightweight hyaluronic gel for combination skin.
La Roche Posay Cicaplast B5 Baum: Irritated facial skin: perioral dermatitis, retinoids, rosacea, etc. (Sold at Rixis Dermatology - $16.99)
Urea 20% Cream: For cracked and chapped skin on the bottom of the feet or thickened toenails.
Hand Dermatitis/Eczema
3M Cavilon Durable Barrier Repair Cream: Hand barrier repair for frequent hand washing.
Neutrogena Norwegian Hand Cream: Small, portable tube that is helpful for extremely dry skin on the palms and fingers.
Eye Cream
Caffeine solution 5% + EGCG: Reduces puffiness and hyperpigmentation in undereye area
Fragile Skin
Arnicare Cream: Arnica extract cream to help bruises heal faster.
Cetaphil Hydrating and Firming Body Cream: Clinically proven to help improve “crepey” skin appearance.
Rutin 500 mg tablet: Supplement that may reduce easy bruising on arms and legs.
Hair Loss
Viviscal PRO: Marine complex supplement to promote hair growth.
Minoxidil 5% Foam (Rogaine): One of the best topicals for androgenic hair loss (it says men but also works for women).
Toppik: Keratin hair fibers adhere to your own hair to make the area look thicker and fuller.
Nioxin Density Defend Diamax Serum: Leave-in thickening treatment with caffeine/niacinamide to boost strand thickness.
Keranique Follicle Booster: Keratin Amino Complex + hydrolyzed keratin to fortify thinning hair.
Pura D’or Shampoo: Biotin + DHT-blocker botanicals (e.g., saw palmetto) to reduce breakage.
Hair Surge: Caffeine + saw palmetto shampoo for thinning hair.
Pantene Age-Defying Shampoo: Fortifying shampoo from the Age-Defy line for aging hair.
Hyperpigmentation
Eucerin Radiant Tone Product Line: Formulated with thiamidol, a unique ingredient to safely treat dark spots.
Azelaic Acid 10% suspension: Improves dark spots as well as inflammation due to acne or rosacea.
Ingrown Hairs
Anthony Ingrown Hair Treatment: Gel complex of glycolic, salicylic and phytic acids to treat ingrown hairs.
Itching
Capsaicin 0.1% Cream: Helps relieve nerve related itch and pain (might burn).
Sarna Calm + Cool Anti-Itch Lotion: With menthol & pramoxine to sooth itchy skin, may be used several times a day.
NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) 600 mg tablet: May reduce urge to itch, scratch or pick if taken 3 times daily.
Intertrigo/Sweaty Skin
Dove Spray-on Antiperspirant: For sweaty areas (under breast, abdomen, etc) to stop chafing. Also, can stop foot fungus.
Zeasorb Powder: Miconazole drying powder to keep folds dry (under breast, abdomen, etc) and prevent fungus.
Dermadry Iontophoresis Device: At-home device for hyperhidrosis (hands/feet/underarms).
Keratosis Pilaris
AmLactin Intensive Healing Body Lotion: For rough, dry skin on the back of arms/legs/elbows/feet.
Glytone Exfoliating Body Wash: Glycolic acid chemically exfoliates the skin to give it a smoother-appearance.
Makeup
Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Powder Foundation: Lightweight formula will not contribute to breakouts.
Westmore Body Coverage Perfector: Body coverage for arms and legs - bruises, dark spots etc.
Nails
Elon Nail Conditioner: Alpha-hydroxy acids help to pull water into brittle nails making them less likely to chip.
Photoprotection
Niacinamide 500 mg: Taken twice daily; may lower non-melanoma skin cancer risk in high-risk adults.
Heliocare: Antioxidant formula designed to help protect your skin from the sun, for people with skin sensitivities to the sun.
Rosacea
Sulfur 10% Bar: Washing with this once daily can improve the amount of facial bumps due to rosacea.
Cetaphil Redness Relieving Daily Moisturizer: Tinted lotion with SPF 40, has caffeine to help improve redness.
Scars
Bio-Oil: Oil for surgical scars, stretch marks, very dry skin.
Scar Away Silicone Sheets: Medical-grade silicone sheets for scars & keloids (very helpful for large scars).
Sunscreen
Cerave AM Facial Lotion: Best for lightweight facial coverage; daily use. SPF 30.
La Roche Posay Anthelios Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen: SPF 50, this is very lightweight zinc formula for the face.
Colorscience Brush-On Sunscreen: SPF 50, tinted mineral powder (helps for reapplying).
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc: SPF 50, for those allergic to synthetic sunscreens.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Stick SPF 60: Facial stick, doesn’t sweat into eyes and burn.
Neutrogena Beach Defense Spray: SPF 70 spray for full body usage on beach days or those who prefer a lightweight feel.
SunBum Scalp and Hair Mist: SPF 30, dry spray-on coverage for your scalp or part.
Warts
Dr Scholl Corn and Callus Remover: Salicylic acid will help to thin the wart out gradually.
Zinc Sulfate: 50 mg once daily may help to enhance your body’s immunity against viruses like warts and molluscum.
Cimetidine: 200 mg twice daily; OTC antacid used off-label for stubborn warts that have failed other treatments.
Wound Care
Band Aid Hydro-Seal Bandage: Can be left on for several days if you don’t have someone to help change the bandage.
Hypafix: For people who are allergic to normal surgical tape.
CNH Pillow: Ear-relief pillow to offload pressure in CNH not responding to typical therapies.
Premium/Luxury Products
La Roche-Posay: Popular picks - Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser & Double Repair Moisturizer, Lipikar AP+M Balm, Hyalu B5 & Retinol B3 serums, Pure Niacinamide 10, Mela B3 serum, Effaclar Duo acne treatment.
We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, but you can buy anywhere you prefer. We only include products we genuinely recommend.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What’s the best over-the-counter treatment for acne?
Benzoyl peroxide (2.5-10%) and adapalene 0.1% are first-line. Many patients do best using a benzoyl peroxide wash in the morning and adapalene at night.
Can I use benzoyl peroxide and a retinoid (like adapalene) together?
Yes, but it can cause irritation. You can use benzoyl peroxide in the morning (or as a wash) and adapalene at night to limit irritation.
How long does adapalene 0.1% take to work?
Expect gradual results over ~12 weeks. If there’s no benefit by then, reassess the regimen.
Is there anything I should know about benzoyl peroxide and “benzene” headlines?
Most products tested showed undetectable or very low benzene, but a few were recalled. Store products as directed and continue using as advised unless your clinician says otherwise.
What’s the best dandruff shampoo for flaky or itchy scalp?
Ketoconazole 1% or salicylic acid shampoos are solid OTC starts. Lather into the scalp and leave on a few minutes before rinsing, 2-3 times weekly.
I’m on isotretinoin (Accutane). What skin care should I use?
Stick to a gentle non-foaming cleanser, rich moisturizer, and daily SPF 30+. Avoid scrubs and new actives unless your prescriber okays them. If you are a Rixis Dermatology patient, read our isotretinoin instructions for more information.
Is azelaic acid safe during pregnancy?
Topical azelaic acid is generally considered acceptable during pregnancy, but confirm with your clinician.
Mineral vs. chemical sunscreen - what should I pick?
Both protect well when used correctly, and help prevent skin cancer. Mineral (zinc/titanium) is often better tolerated by sensitive skin.
How often should I reapply sunscreen, and does sunscreen expire?
Reapply every 2 hours outdoors (and after swimming/sweating). If there’s no printed expiration date, treat it as expired 3 years after purchase.
How much sunscreen should I use?
About 1 ounce (a shot glass) for full-body coverage. A nickel-sized dollop for the face/neck is a practical start.
Does sunscreen still matter on cloudy days or in winter?
Yes - UV exposure still occurs; apply daily if you’ll be outdoors.
What actually helps dark spots at home?
Daily SPF plus ingredients like niacinamide or azelaic acid can help tone and post-acne marks; consistency matters.
Best over-the-counter options for rosacea-type redness and bumps?
Gentle skincare + mineral SPF; sulfur cleansers/bars can reduce bumps for some patients.
What helps very dry or eczema-prone skin?
Thicker moisturizers with ceramides/niacinamide, applied after bathing while the skin is damp; use fragrance-free products.
What really works for hair loss at home?
Topical minoxidil is evidence-based for androgenetic hair loss in men and women. Give it several months and continue to maintain benefits.
How long does minoxidil take to work?
Early effects may appear around 8-12 weeks, with more visible results by ~4 months; shedding can occur in the first weeks and is usually temporary.
Do thickening leave-ins and hair fibers regrow hair?
No - they improve the look and feel of density and camouflage scalp show-through, but don’t stimulate regrowth.
Best approach if I have dandruff and hair thinning at the same time?
Treat the scalp first (e.g., ketoconazole 1% 2-3x/week), then apply minoxidil on a dry scalp as directed.
What helps ingrown hairs and razor bumps?
Regular gentle chemical exfoliation (glycolic/salicylic acid) plus proper shaving technique; avoid digging at ingrowns.
What’s realistic for at-home wart treatment?
Salicylic-acid pads/liquids can work with daily use for weeks. See a clinician for facial/genital warts or if OTC care fails.
Do zinc or cimetidine pills help with warts?
Evidence for oral zinc and cimetidine is mixed - ask your clinician before trying these.
Is niacinamide 500 mg helpful to reduce skin-cancer risk?
In high-risk adults under dermatology care, 500 mg twice daily reduced new keratinocyte cancers (basal cell carcinoma & squamous cell carcinoma) during a 12-month randomized controlled trial (RCT). Data in transplant recipients doesn’t show benefit.
Is NAC (N-acetylcysteine) useful for skin-picking or itch?
For adults with excoriation (skin-picking) disorder, NAC improved symptoms vs placebo in a randomized trial. Discuss dosing and risks with your clinician.
Can I layer niacinamide with retinoids or exfoliants?
Generally yes, niacinamide pairs well with many actives and can help with tolerance - introduce gradually.
What order should I apply products?
A practical rule: cleanse → treatment (e.g., adapalene at night) → moisturizer → sunscreen (AM). Keep routines simple during irritation flares.