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Buying Topical Acne Products? Special Ingredients to Look Out For!
Acne is a well-known skin disorder, and is suffered by millions of people world-wide. There are many different reasons that acne can develop, including genetics, hormonal sensitivities, vitamin deficiencies, and more. Since there are so many factors causing acne, there are also many ways to address this skin problem. More serious cases of acne may be treated with oral antibiotics or even Isotretinoin, which can have serious health consequences. Fortunately, for most acne problems, topical treatments and a good skin care regimen may be enough. Topical acne treatments come in a variety of forms, and some of the most popular ingredients are described below.
Benzoyl peroxide appears in more than one hundred acne products in Canada and the United States. It appears in lotions, gels, washes, bars, and creams, and has one of the best reputations amongst topical ingredients in terms of its effectiveness with comedonal acne. Benzoyl peroxide is thought to limit bacterial action within pores, preventing the immune system's overreaction to the bacteria and the consequent inflammation that usually follows. One of the drawbacks to this chemical is the potential for irritated skin; however, by using a low concentration (2.5%) of benzoyl peroxide in small amounts, the skin can usually adapt until it no longer poses a problem.
Salicylic acid shares benzyol peroxide's reputation for highly effective acne treatment. Appearing in lotions, creams, or as a liquid, this agent exfoliates the skin, removing dead skin cells that could clog pores and create comedones if left behind. As with many topical treatments, salicylic acid can cause some skin irritation and dryness, so the amount and concentration may need to be varied.
Azelaic acid is a keratolytic, comedolytic, and antibacterial agent that is frequently used in topical acne treatments. Through helping dead skin cells slough off, keeping pores open, and limiting bacterial growth within skin follicles, azaleic acid stops acne and inflammation before they even begin. Irritation is less common with this ingredient than the previous two, however it is known to have a lightening effect on skin which can be problematic to those with darker skin tones.
Oral antibiotics are often prescribed for more severe acne problems, but antibiotics can also be used in topical form. Clindamycin is one of the most frequently used antibiotics, available as a gel, lotion, or in a solution. Erythromycin is the next most popular topical antibiotic, with Tetracycline used only occasionally in topical form. All these antibiotics are available only by prescription, and should not be used in combination with other acne products without first consulting a doctor to check their compatibility.
Not all the responsibility of helping an acne problem should go to the products used to treat it. Good skin care habits can go a long way to helping your skin clear up, or at least helping the products in their function. Some skin care specialists suggest a multi-step regime, but in the very least, the face should be clean before applying a topical acne treatment. Cleansers with alcohol should generally be avoided do to their drying effects, and those with fragrance or color additives may irritate the skin--which could make using medicated topical treatments afterwards a less-than-comfortable experience! There are many acne products available, so don't be afraid to experiment.
About the Author: Author C. L. Jackson wishes the topic of acne was simply an academic interest ... but unfortunately that’s not the case! You'll find much more information on this topic at the author's website http://www.ipro8.com/acnemedication-9
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