Acne Treatments
What to Look for in Acne Treatments
Acne is a common problem for teens and even some adults. This explains why store shelves are lined with a variety of products that promise to fight pimples and keep future breakouts at bay. With such a large selection, it can be hard to know the most effective methods for treating acne if you are not familiar with the common acne ingredients on the market. This article will explain how to choose acne treatments that will work well with your skin type and the specific ingredients to look for.
What is your Type?
Skin type, that is. Understanding your skin type will help you choose the best acne treatments for your unique complexion. For example, if your breakouts primarily occur on the forehead, nose and chin, and your cheeks tend to dry easily, you probably have combination skin. A harsher product may cause problems for your drier skin patches, so you will want to look for a gentler formula or one that is designed exclusively for combination skin types. If your skin is sensitive, there are acne treatments that can address this type of complexion as well. If you skin is extra oily, you may want a time release formula to reduce oil buildup throughout the day.
Best Ingredients
Once you know what you skin type is, you can begin to read labels to find the most effective acne fighting formulas. The three most common ingredients found in acne treatments include benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and glycolic acid. We will look at each of these substances in more detail.
* Benzoyl peroxide – This substance has been used to fight acne longer than any other, and is still a popular choice in many acne treatments today. Benzoyl peroxide also appears to have an antioxidant effect, which helps keep the skin safe from harmful free radicals in the environment. Unfortunately, it can also have a very drying effect on the skin, making it too harsh for sensitive or combination skin in most cases.
* Salicylic acid – Salicylic acid is considered one of the best ingredients in acne treatments today, due to its ability to reduce the number of primary lesions. This substance is also safe to use on people with darker skin tones that might have trouble finding an acne solution that works well for their skin type.
* Glycolic acid – Glycolic acid is the most common alpha hydroxy acid used in acne treatments, and it can have a positive effect on acne scarring as well as breakouts. Glycolic acid can also improve moisture retention and the overall appearance of the skin. This ingredient can be quite effective in the war on acne, but it rarely stands alone very well. Look for glycolic acid as a part of an overall skin care program for best results.
Acne is a tough condition to fight, but the right ingredients can make a big difference. Choose acne treatments designed for your specific skin type with these ingredients in mind, and you will be on the way to clearer, more beautiful skin.
