Choosing the right acne treatment can be tricky with so many acne treatment ingredients and products on offer. However, it may become a lot easier once you understand how these skin care incredients for acne work and which acne active ingredients are best in targeting your type of acne.
Acne Treatment Ingredients: Over-the-Counter Acne Treatments
1. Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
AHAs are acne treatment ingredients which help exfoliate dead skin cells, preventing clogged pores and leaving your skin smoother. They can be applied all over the face.
2. Benzoyl Peroxide
In some dermatologists’ view, benzoyl peroxyde is the most effective of acne treatment ingredients, providing a triple action: killing bacteria, remving excess oil and sloughing off dead skin cells.
3. Clay
If you’re looking for soothing acne treatment ingredients, clay is an ideal choice, generally used in face masks. It helps calm the skin and temporarily inhibits sebum production.
4. Salicylic Acid
Another great choice among acne treatment ingredients, salicylic acid is a powerful exfoliant, preventing the clogging of pores, and has anti-inflammatory properties. You can find it in facial cleansers, exfoliating lotions, creams and gels.
5. Sulfur
When considering acne treatment ingredients, many people tend to avoid sulfur because of its distinctive smell, but some products containing it somewhat manage to disguise the odor. Sulfur helps reduce excess oil production and inflammation.
6. Tea-tree Oil
A popular choice among acne treatment ingredients, tea-tree oil was proved to be as effective as benzoyl peroxyde and has antibacterial and soothing properties.
Prescription Acne Treatments
1. Antibiotics
In more serious forms of acne, you may need to take prescription antibiotics, which target the acne-causing bacteria. The doctor may prescribe an oral or a topical form. They are often used alongside other acne treatment ingredients, such as salicylic acid and tea-tree oil.
This type of acne active ingredient is recommended for mild to moderate acne and works by killing bacteria and exfoliating dead skin cells.
3. Birth-Control Pills
The doctor may also prescribe combination birth-control pills to help regulate hormone swings which cause cyclical acne. They are usually paired with another acne treatment, such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
See also:5 Homemade Facial Masks for AcneFight Acne with Exercise
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