Acne affects close to 80% of the American population at some
point or another. Because of the
wide range of acne products available
in the market, most acne sufferers
have problems deciding which acne
product to use for treatment.
In fact, prior to consulting a
dermatologist, most would first
use over the counter drugs and
medications.
Dermatologists often advise the
use of such acne products (example
Neutragena, Eucerin, Aquanil,
Cetaphil and Extra Gentle Cleanser)
if your case is severe. They will
however, usually discourage the
use of rough cleansers and scrubs.
Also, vigorous rubbing of the
skin is best avoided as these
may create further irritation
and may eventually lead to more
acne.
To be able to select the best
suitable acne product for yourself,
you must learn how to read labels.
That is, you have to acquire an
understanding of the ingredients
of the acne medications. Also,
you have to identify which ingredients
and which acne products work best
for your type of skin.
Benzoyl peroxide, a common ingredient
contained in most acne medications
are effective in reducing the
acne infecting bacteria termed
as the "Propionibacterium
acnes". These are known to
clog the pores while creating
acne lesions. Moderate cases of
acne are usually treated with
such over the counter medications.
Some of these medications also
remove dead skin cells, thus preventing
the appearance of comedones. They
have been highly regarded among
experts for decades now and is
still rising in popularity as
a safe way of clearing acne form
the skin. However, the only serious
side effect from using benzoyl
peroxide is abnormal dry skin.
Another acne product that is noted
to obstruct the quick shedding
of the skin and the clogging of
the skin pores is salicylic acid.
This does not reduce the presence
of the natural oil , but it prevents
the formation of lesions in the
hair follicles.
It is advisable that you continue
using these two acne products
even after the severity of the
skin disease disappears to minimize
the likelihood of future acne
breakouts. However, over time,
it is a good idea to cut down
the usage of these products once
you have no more acne.
The effective ways to determine
which product, from the multitude
of acne products available, is
to distinguish the result of the
active ingredients. Take note
of what they do to your skin.
It is recommended to avoid alcohol
and oil-base products as these
may either dry your skin extremely
or add to the problem of excess
oil. As you experiment with acne
products, take note which leaves
a soft feel and which results
to itchiness and irritation.
Make it a habit to apply only
small amounts at the beginning
of each acne treatment. Also,
pay close attention to the acne
products for which your skin reacts
constructively.
There is really no way round selecting
the best acne product other than
understanding what the ingredients
in each product are for and through
experimenting which works best
for your skin condition. In time,
after due diligence and careful
analysis, you will be able to
determine the best acne product
for yourself.
Kathelene Capelle is a writer
for beauty tips and advice. Her
blog includes useful information
on acne remedy, natural skin care,
natural remedies for skin care
and anti-aging. She also provides
step-by-step recipes for skin
care that you can easily prepare
from ingredients right out from
your kitchen. Get updated on tips
and resources at http://www.acne-and-skin-care.com
