Over The Counter Acne Products Must Contain The Following ingredients
INGREDIENTS THAT HELP FIGHT ACNE.
There are those of us who have had acne for as long as we can remember and those who woke up one day in their adult lives to find acne now lives here Pensive face. Whichever category you fall into, these are the “acne management ingredients”.
1. Salicylic Acid: This is the Beyonce of the acne fighting gang. Salicylic Acid is a Beta hydroxy Acid that works by penetrating your skin and dissolves the dead skin cells clogging your pores. Salicylic Acid treats acne by exfoliating the skin and helping to dislodge dead skin cells that can clog pores and lead to breakouts.
***You shouldn’t use salicylic acid if you are allergic to aspirin or other products with salicylates. Also, if you’re pregnant or nursing, speak to your doctor before using a product with SA.***
2. Benzoyl Peroxide: Should we call this the Nicki of the acne fighting gang?
Benzoyl Peroxide is a VIP ingredient in this war against acne. Benzoyl Peroxide (BPO) is bactericidal: it works by destroying the acne-causing bacteria. BPO comes in various forms: cleanser, gel, etc.
***BPO can be very drying so you better hydrate/moisturize properly while using it***
3. SULFUR: This is the Sia of the acne fighting gang (been around for a while but an unsung hero).
I’ve been tweeting about this ingredient alot this year because it’s that good if you’re dealing with mild to moderate acne.
Sulfur helps to clear excess sebum that mixes with dead skin cells which can clog your pores and cause breakouts. Sulfur also works by reducing the growth of P.acne; the bacteria that grows inside a clogged pore and leads to pimples and blackheads.
Personally, sulfur as a mask is my go to route. Is there even any other way?
***If you’ve got sensitive skin and everyother acne fighting ingredient irritates you, you might want to give sulfur a chance***
4. Vitamin A (Retinol in OTC products and Retinoid in Rx forms)
This is my Rihanna idc idc.
Tretinoin, Adapalene, Retinol and co are famous for boosting collagen production, smoothing fine lines and wrinkles also exfoliate the deaf skin cells that clog pores.
Vitamin A also boosts the production of new skin cells. This is the single most powerful ingredient in skincare (see why it’s my Rihanna now?).
Retinoids can cause skin irritation, dryness, redness but here’s how to manage that on this link.
5. Azelaic Acid
Definitely my Pink.
Azelaic Acid is a naturally occurring acid found in graind and a part of the dicarboxylic acid family (haven’t heard about that, yeah?Face savouring food)
Azelaic Acid has been shown to be bactericidal against P.acne and also has anti-inflammatory effects.
6. AlphaHydroxy Acids: This is a girl band, I don’t know which.
AHAs like glycolic acid, mandelic and lactic acid (mentioning the famous ones please) are chemical exfoliants which work by exfoliating the skin and clearing clogged pores which can lead to breakouts.
7. Zinc Oxide
Although not as efficient as Salicylic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide, Zinc has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that can help manage acne.
There are also studies going on to show zinc’s potential to reduce sebum production.
So, in the next couple of years get ready to see more, read more and hear more about this girl.
Zinc is my Cardi Party popperParty popperParty popperParty popperParty popper
If you’ve got acne and have none of these ingredients in your routine, are you really involved in this War Against Acne (W.A.A.)??????
Credit: Skin Pieces
Featured Image: Teen Vogue
