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Acne Treatments
Having blemishes on the one part of your body that is constantly in the limelight can be embarrassing to say the least. For those with severe acne, it can take a huge toll on self esteem. Rather than let acne run your life, take control and learn how to deal treat your skin properly by getting the right acne treatment products
Treating Acne
There are different stages of acne ranging from mild noninflammatory acne to severe inflammatory acne. Depending on the severity of the acne, different products should be used to treat the problem. In most cases, over-the-counter products in the right combination can be effective and not too expensive. There are also prepackaged kits that contain everything you need to develop a healthy skin care program, although these may cost more in the long run.
Which products do you need?
- Mild Acne
- Mild acne includes whiteheads and blackheads that are not inflamed. You may get them frequently or just have a breakout or two a month.
- Occasional breakouts can usually be treated quickly and efficiently with a spot-treatment.
- Those who experience a steady series of breakouts may want both an acne treatment cleanser and a spot treatment ( to use in addition to your other skin care products).
- Depending on your skin type you may want to include an astringent in your program (recommended for those with oily skin).
- Moderate Acne
- Moderate acne consists of inflamed whiteheads, usually referred to as papules, postules and nodules. You'll know they are worse than a typical whitehead because they'll be swollen or inflamed, red and often painful to the touch.
- Depending on the frequency of the breakouts you may need a skin care program that treats acne every step of the way. This includes an acne cleanser, astringent and moisturizing treatment. You may also use a spot treatment and a weekly treatment depending on the severity of the problem.
- Severe Acne
- Severe acne is always inflamed and may include cysts and lesions. Usually it affects a large portion of the face and the breakouts are frequent. Scarring may also occur.
- In addition to over-the-counter topical acne treatments used for mild to moderate acne, you may also need prescriptive medications, such as retinoids or antibiotics. Talk to a dermatologist or health care professional about possible treatments such as Tretinoin (Retin-A, Renova, Ativa), Isotretinoin (Accutane) or oral contraceptives.
Quick Tips
- Stick to a program to see it work. In the beginning stages it's not uncommon to experience dry skin, flaking, redness, inflammation or even an increase in breakouts. Usually this is temporary and will subside within a week. If the problems persist or last longer than a week, it may be a sign that you should look for a different product or reduce usage.
- Scrubbing and/or excessive washing can actually worsen acne. Wash gently twice a day and if needed, use a scrub once a week to slough off dead skin.
- If you wear cosmetics, be sure to look for those that are non-comodegenic or water-based. They are less likely to clog pores.
- Keep your hands away from your face. You pick up germs from everything you touch and the last thing you want on your face is more bacteria. This leads to the next point.
- Leave blemishes alone! People have a tendency to want to pick and squeeze pimples because sometimes it makes a pimple go away faster, but really this can make them worse unless you know what you're doing. Check out the following Web sites for instructions on how to nab a zit safely: Acne.org (quick and concise) and WikiHow (a good, clean method).
- Acne is not contagious, but it can spread on your own face if it is not treated properly.
Important Ingredients
When shopping for drugstore variety acne products the best thing you can do for yourself is to take the time to read the ingredient and know what it is the product can do for you. It's also important to understand the side effects of each drug so that you can properly counteract them.
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Alcohol and Acetone: These are commonly found in astringents |
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): Glycolic and lactic acid (less irritating) are commonly found in chemical peels |
Organics: Tea tree oil |
Sulfur: This is often found in masks |
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Benzoyl Peroxide: This is the most common acne fighting ingredient found in most products, from washes, to lotions, to treatments. It is best to use as soon as you see a breakout. Follow through with the product until the blemish has subsided to help reduce scarring. Typically face wash and cleansing pads will have about 2.5% benzoyl peroxide, whereas some stronger products have up to 10%. This is a strong chemical, so you should start slowly, follow instructions and always use a moisturizer with an SPF in it afterwards because it will increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun. Remember that it is also a bleaching agent. It may cause redness and flaking or peeling when you first start using it, but that should go away after a week or so. If it doesn't, buy a product with a lower percentage benzoyl peroxide. If you have dry or sensitive skin, go with a lower percentage to start and work up as needed. |
Salicylic Acid: This BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid) is another very common ingredient found in acne products such as astringents, cleansers and sometimes lotions. It does not reduce sebum, but it does help unclog pores. Use it to help heal blemishes and to help reduce the possibility of scarring. It can irritate and dry the skin so start a salicylic acid treatment carefully and remember to moisturize. Use it in conjunction with a benzoyl peroxide product for the best results. |
Triclosan: Many face washes include this antibacterial ingredient, which when used alone, is perfect for keeping acne at bay if you have the occasional bout of pimples. As an antimicrobial, it helps eliminate the bacteria that causes acne so it's perfect for mild acne. It can also be used as an alternative to harsher products if you have dry or sensitive skin and need to give it a rest for a day. |
Product Quick Picks
The following are suggestions for products that when combined (one from each section), may be effective on mild to moderate acne. Remember that this is a rough guide and is not a sure fire prescription to solve every individual's problem. Like with all skin care products remember that it takes time to find what works best for you. The products that have been chosen here were selected from the reviews found at CosmeticsCop.com, Acne.org and MakeupAlley. The last series of listings are finalists for the CEW, Cosmetic Executive Women Beauty Awards. All the products listed here, with the exception of the DDF toner and the Bliss spot treatment, cost less than $20.
Cleansing
So fresh and so clean! The first step towards a fresher more confident you is to simply wash your face! You may not be able to rid yourself from all the residual grime of life's trials and tribulations, but that's no reason your face should have to wear it! Choose any one of these products to bring that fresh and clean look to your face.
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Toning
Eww, yuck! Oh the honest cruelty of natural light. It shows no ounce of remorse as it highlights wrinkles, pores, and skin discoloration. Don't hide away in embarrassment, flght back! Give your skin the even tone you desire with these pore mininmizing and refining products. Go ahead, embrace that natural light. You have nothing to hide.
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Moisturizing
Dry, rough, and itchy skin. It can be as frustrating and embarrassing as acne. With all the difficult decisions we have to make in life, choosing a good mositurizer should not be one of them. Give your skin the care and nourishment it needs with any of these mositurizing products.
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Eucerin Clear Skin Formula Daily Control & Care Moisture Creme |
Treatments Less Than $10
Zap 'em dead! Who says you have to spend a lot to have great looking skin! Beautiful, blemish-free, skin is in your reach. Whether your face is harvesting pimples like it is its job or just allows for the occasional pimple or two, these acne treatments are ready to take on those nasty critters, one breakout at a time.
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Treatments More Than $10
For those of us with a bit more pocket change. Oooo, fancy!
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Related Buying Guides
External Links
- SkinCarePhysicians.com: A comprehensive and easy-to-read guide that is great if you have severe acne and are looking to get professional treatment.
- StopSpots.org: Great visual and interactive guide to acne and how to tend to it. Great for teens.
- Acne.org: An acne sufferer gives suggestions, advice and tips.
- BUPA.co.uk: A fact sheet that is short, sweet and simple.