What do the Ingredients in Acne Products Do for You?
Although
studies have shown that laser acne treatments and prescription
pills can be effective in fighting acne, sometimes you just
don’t have the money to spend on these acne products
and procedures. Plus, laser treatments and pills have been
known to have side effects like irritation, burning, and
on the more serious side, depression and even suicidal thoughts.
If you have mild to moderate acne and want to avoid the
serious side effects and budget breaking treatments, maybe
over-the-counter acne products are your best bet. The trick
is figuring out which of these acne products will suit your
skin and your needs the most. Acne occurs when your body
produces too much sebum, an oily substance that lubricates
your hair and skin, and dead skin cells clump up in the
hair follicle and become inflamed. The goal of most acne
products is to kill Propionibacterium acnes, which are the
bacteria that cause acne inflammation. Acne products also
attempt to reduce oil production and speed up the removal
of dead skin cells.
Acne products usually contain the following active ingredients:
- Benzoyl
Peroxide—considered one of the most effective ingredients
in acne products because benzoyl peroxide is believed
to kill Propionibacterium acnes, as well as remove excess
oil and dead skin cells that cause acne. There could be
some mild side effects like dryness and redness.
- Salicylic
Acid—prevents pores from clogging by slowing the
shedding of cells inside hair follicles. It is also thought
to help with whiteheads and blackheads.
- Alcohol
and Acetone—these are usually found in astringents
and work to remove excess oil and dirt from the face.
Acne products that contain alcohol and acetone may sting
when applied if the area has an open wound.
- Sulfur
and Resorcinol—these ingredients usually come packaged
together in some acne products. Like alcohol and acetone,
sulfur and resorcinol help remove excess oil from the
skin.
When visiting
your local pharmacy or big box retail store, be sure to look
at the ingredients in all the available acne products. If
you don’t want to experience side effects like redness
or excessive dryness, try the low strength acne products first.
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