Acne Treatments

Acne Treatments: Face The World Without Pimples

In today’s society, the internet can provide the general public the opportunity to research and gather information regarding effective all natural acne treatments. Consumers can find over the counter and non-prescription acne treatments potentially avoiding expensive visits to the dermatologist. People who suffer with acne will sometimes choose to treat it themselves first before going to see a dermatologist. People must first figure out what type of acne they have and what acne treatment would be ideal for them. Keep in mind that not all over-the-counter products are created equal. Some products are typically weaker in strength than others. Prescription acne medication may contain higher strength ingredients but are not right for everyone.

Sometimes it is hard for patients dealing with acne to understand why, even with ongoing treatment, they cannot get rid of their symptoms forever," Dr. Jenny Kim says. "I explain that it's similar to having any chronic disease, like diabetes -- there is no cure yet, but we can control the symptoms," she says.

Common Causes of Acne

Acne has a few causes associated with it. A teenager's hormonal imbalance is a prevalent one and common in those adolescents experiencing puberty. This hormonal imbalance causes an increase in sebum production. The hair follicles are unable to clear away the excess oil, sebum and dead cells causing the pore to collapse and ultimately creating the pimple. Bacteria are another key cause to acne formation. Propionibacterium acnes gets trapped in the excess sebum and oil also contributing to acne formation. The type of treatment will be determined by severity of acne and what works for the acne sufferer.

Getting rid of pimples and blemishes is as difficult as finding the reason they occurred. A person suffering from acne can use over the counter treatments quite effectively. The proper treatment is dependent upon the type of acne and the individual skin type involved. You should look for products that contain proven ingredients to help eliminate acne and prevent future breakouts. Some products actually use multiple steps that synergistically eliminates pimple and acne while keeping pores clean to prevent excess sebum build up. There are several ingredients that you should look for in any product you use to effectively get rid of pimples, zits, and blemishes. The majority of acne treatments use one or more of the following ingredients:

Benzoyl Peroxide - Benzoyl peroxide is an ingredient that can clear out excess sebum, oil and dead skin cells. It also has properties to kill the bacteria that is sometimes associated with acne. However, it may cause minor skin irritations like scaling, redness and extreme dryness. Benzoyl peroxide is not for everyone.

Salicylic Acid - Salicylic acid can be used as a gentle cleanser and exfoliator. It reduces clogged pores by removing sebum and oil. It also "scrubs" away the dead cells that may contribute to clogging hair follicles. It is a beta hydroxy acid that works by causing the cells of the skin to shed more often, opens clogged pores, kills Propionibacterium acnes,  prevents pores from clogging again, and reduces pore size.

Glycolic Acid - Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that is used mainly as skin peels. It can reduce scarring that sometimes occurs with severe acne. 

Retinols - Reinol is a vitamin A derived ingredient that is seen in many prescription acne medications. Retinol in a lower percentage strength can be found in many skin care products.  Retinoids may cause skin irritation and can make your skin more sensitive to UV radiation. It is extremely important to wear sunscreen if you are living in a sunny climate or if you spend any time outdoors.

Sulfur and Zinc - Sulfur and zinc are quite often used together to remove dead skin cells, reduce oil and break down deposits in black and whiteheads. They are often used as a spot treat method on those areas that are tough to treat.

Alcohol and Acetone - Alcohol and acetone are used as astringents and washes for oily, combination and normal skin, will clean out the dirt and oil.

Acne symptoms are caused by excessive sebum/oil production, clogged pores filled with sebum, dead cells and bacteria and the body's inability to clear out those clogged pores leading to pores that collapse and get inflamed. There are effective acne treatments that are available to eliminate acne and prevent acne flareups. It is important to cleanse your skin twice daily with a gentle cleanser that contains either salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Exfoliating your skin to remove excess sebum, cells and bacteria is essential to maintaining healthy skin and clear pores.  

Acne can be a source of frustration for many. Much can be done, however to minimize the occurrence of breakouts thereby reducing the impact of acne on our lives. Making healthy adjustments to our diet, lifestyle and skin care product choices can lead to clearer, more radiant and healthy skin, free at last from acne.

Our Ranking		Acne Treatment	Ability to Prevent Future Acne Breakouts	Ability to Cleanse Skin Removing Bacteria, Oil and Dirt	Ability to Penetrate Clogged Pores	Ability to Unclog Pores & Eliminate Current Blackheads & Pimples		Learn More
1		ClearaDerma
2		Rodan & Fields Unblemish
3		Yonka Emulsion Pure for Blemishes
4		OligoForce Purifying Serum
5		ClearPores
6		Proactiv
7		Clearogen
8		Neutrogena Skin ID
9		Acjuva
10		Persagel 10

Tips For Preventing Acne

1. Be sure to keep bedding, especially pillowcases clean. Dirty pillowcases can harbor bacteria that can worsen acne.
2. Wash your face prior to going to bed. Leaving makeup on while sleeping can clog pores causing acne breakouts.
3. Throw out old makeup. Makeup can accumulate bacteria and germs making acne flare up.
4. Shower and clean your face right after working out. Sweat combined with sebum can clog pores exacerbating acne.
5. Gently cleanse and exfoliate twice daily to unclog pores will promote healthy and clear skin.