Finding an acne product is easy. Drugstores are filled with a number of different acne products to choose from. However, finding the best acne treatments for you is another story altogether. Several over-the-counter acne products, are available to treat mild, moderate, or periodic breakouts of acne. But with so many acne products out today, how do you know which one is right for you and your skin?
Acne products work in a variety of ways, depending on the active ingredient. Some over-the-counter acne products work by killing inflammation in acne that is caused by bacteria. Other acne products remove excessive skin oil, accelerate the growth of new skin cells or remove dead skin cells. In some cases, acne products are a mixture of all these. Below are the active ingredients in the most common products against acne and how they work to treat acne.
The first is benzoyl peroxide. Thought of as the most effective active component in acne products, benzoyl peroxide fights against acne-causing bacteria, removes excess oils, and rejuvenates skin cells by removing dead ones that cause clogging of pores. While it is considered one of the best acne treatments in terms of effectiveness, benzoyl peroxide may cause dryness, peeling, redness, burning and tingling sensations, especially for people who have sensitive skin. Caution is also necessary with this acne control since it can possibly bleach clothing and hair.
Next is salicylic acid. The active ingredient, salicylates, reduces the shedding of cells beneath the hair follicles, preventing clogging of pores. Also, it fights the formation of white comedones, which are unopened comedones as well as the black ones which open and cause the surface of the skin to appear dark. This acne cleanser may cause mild irritation and itching of the skin. Product counterfeiting acne is available with certain percentages of salicylic acid and usually ranges from 0.5 to 2 percent.
Third are the alpha-hydroxy acids. The two types of this over-the-counter acne treatment are glycolic acid and lactic acid. They are synthetic versions of acids derived from fruits containing sugar. They are used in the treatment of acne, helping in the removal of skin cells that are dead and damaged through exfoliation, and helps in the reduction of inflammation. Alpha-hydroxy acids promotes the production of new skin cells to form, which helps prevent the development of scabs and scars caused by acne.
Finally there is sulfur. Sulfur is usually used in combination of the best acne treatments mentioned above like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Sulfur, also known as resorcinol, promotes removal and exfoliation of dead skin cells as well as those that promote clogging of skin pores. Sulfur also promotes regulation of oil production of the skin so it is important to be careful when using these acne product options because they may cause dryness. Another negative side effect could also be the smell which is often an unpleasant one.
When first searching for an acne product opt for those that are not as potent and with lesser strength. This will allow gradual skin reaction, instead of abrupt solutions, which could be dangerous as some of these products may not work for you specifically. Also, try using natural exposed acne treatment products, which are sure to have lesser side effects.
Discover how the products differ from each other, what the key ingredients are to find and how to use the best acne treatments for your health plans. Before grabbing the package that is closest, discover the work of the over-the-counter acne ingredients to look for. Then create a skin regimen for treatment and prevention of acne outbreaks, using the best acne treatment, using these acne tips. If over-the-counter methods do not effectively get rid of the acne, talk to your dermatologist about prescription courses of treatment, or laser treatment for acne.
I still care about my skin but young people take it way too far, they are beautiful but sometimes they just need to relax and wait intill the acne goes away.