Facts About Effective Acne Treatments

One of the most traumatic times in a teenager's life is when they wake up to find their clear and smooth complexion has been stricken with an acne breakout. Acne can range from mild (a few whiteheads and blackheads) to severe (red, inflamed pustules). Acne can make even the most outgoing, popular teenager lose their confidence and self esteem.

It has now believed that rising hormone levels is one of the leading causes of acne production. During puberty hormone levels begin to rise in both boys and girls. This rise in hormones causes an increase in sebaceous gland size, as well as, an increase in sebum production. Sebum is an oily substance that is one of the root causes of acne. Bacteria is the other cause of acne. Acne forms when the pores get clogged and sebum is not cleared out from the pore. When pores are blocked with sebum, it gives bacteria a prime location for growing. The pore collapses and a pimple is formed. The pore can become red and inflamed causing the pustules associated with severe acne.

There are many effective over the counter acne treatments available that can help eliminate and reduce the incidence of acne breakouts.

Cleansing

One of the most important things to remember is that you MUST cleanse your skin daily (preferably twice daily). The key to reducing or eliminating acne is clearing out sebum and bacteria from clogged pores.

Benzoyl Peroxide

Many cleansing products use benzoyl peroxide as the main active ingredient. Benzoyl peroxide introduces oxygen into the pore to kill the bacteria. Benzoyl peroxide also clears out any dead cells that may clog the pore. However, benzoyl peroxide can be very drying and irritating to skin. Many people find it may be too harsh for their skin.

Salicylic Acid

Another key ingredient used in many cleansers is salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is effective in clearing clogged pores of sebum and dead cell build up. Salicylic acid penetrates deeply into the pore to clear out any debris and reduces the number of clogged pores. This eliminates pimples and reduce future breakouts. Many times salicylic acid is also used in a "scrub" to help maintain a clean and clear complexion. Continued use of salicylic acid is necessary to keep pores clear and unclogged.

The sooner you start taking care of your skin, the clearer and smoother your complexion will be. There are many different over the counter treatments available on the market. You should look for those products that contain a cleanser containing quality ingredients that target acne prone areas. ClearaDerma is a product manufactured by DermPura Labs that contains a gentle cleanser, exfoliant and spot treat solution.

You can learn more about ClearaDerma - 3 Simple Steps at www.ClearaDerma.com