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Acne Care - Topical Acne Treatments That Work!

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Acne Care - Topical Acne Treatments That Work!

Article by Ingrid Lihan

There are many products available on the market for acne care. So many, that it can be confusing as to what works and what doesn't. Here is a quick guide to help you make better decisions about your skin care treatment.

Benzoyl Peroxide Products

There are many over the counter acne creams containing benzoyl peroxide that may be used in mild to moderate acne care. Commonly found in the form of a gel or cream, this is applied two to three times daily to the affected area for best effect. The key is consistent use, as it can take up to six weeks before full effects are seen.

In addition to dissolving the keratin that clogs the pores, benzoyl peroxide in a 10% solution also prevents new acne from forming. This makes lotions and soaps containing this chemical one of the most popular acne care products on the market.

Things To Consider About Benzoyl Peroxide

Because benzoyl peroxide is not an antibiotic, it can be used indefinitely, as the body will not form any bacterial resistance to it. However, caution has to be used in the strength of this chemical, as it is considered a strong oxidizer (a weak form of bleach), and it will dry the skin out over time. This can cause skin irritation and redness.

To avoid this and continue with an acne care regimen, it is advised to use a lower concentration of benzoyl peroxide, (2.5%) and a daily moisturizer to offset any skin irritation. Used in the right combination, benzoyl peroxide and a good quality skin moisturizer can be a great start towards taking control of a mild to moderate acne problem.

Tretinoin (Retin-A)

Another popular acne treatment is Retin-A. Tretinoin, or Retin-A, first became popular in the 1980's. This topical treatment is a derivative of vitamin A and is best used to treat blackheads and whitehead type acne. Retin-A works to remove whatever is clogging the pore and then also will prevent new whiteheads or blackheads from forming. In recent years, this chemical has also been found to improve wrinkles and is being used by those who wish to look younger.

Things To Consider About Retin-A

Whether it's prescription Retin-A or any number of over the counter acne care treatments containing retinol, the biggest effect of this treatment is it's ability to irritate the skin and cause flaking. For this reason many people give up on Retin-A before it has a chance to work. To help avoid some of the skin irritation that is common with this treatment, it is best to use a good quality moisturizer throughout the day. If skin flaking occurs, use a wash cloth to remove the flaking and reapply some moisturizer.

The key with any topical acne treatment is patience. Many advertisers claim that their product will cure your acne condition in mere days. This is typically just hype. Have patience and be consistent, and the rewards of clearer more beautiful skin will come.

About the Author

Sorting through the myriad of Acne Care treatments can be a real pain. What works? What's junk? http://skinacneremedytreatmentproduct.com has the answers you're looking for without all the hype.

Related Topical Acne Treatment Articles Question by Julie: I am 18 weeks pregnant and have used a topical acne treatment about 3 times and it contains 2% salicylic acid? I just read about the dangers of salicylic acid when pregnant and so far I have used this topical acne treatment only 3 times during my pregnancy and am hoping I didn't do anything to hurt the baby? Is this ok? I am definitely not using it anymore but am wondering if I could have already caused some damage to my baby? Best answer:

Answer by Braddon's mommySalicylic acid is a no-no for pregnant women. High doses of the acid in its oral form have been shown in studies to cause birth defects and various pregnancy complications. Again, doctors are being cautious by recommending that pregnant women avoid the topical use of salicylic acid. Small amounts applied to the skin — such as a salicylic acid-containing toner used once or twice a day — are considered safe.

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