What Are The Best Ingredients To Fight Acne?
Shopping for acne skincare products is not an easy task! With so many options available, it can be difficult to find the right one. Don’t worry, though – we’ve got you covered! Here’s a quick primer to help guide you through this ocean of treatments and uncover what will work best for your skin:
Benzoyl Peroxide: Dermatologist’s Favorite
What is it?
Benzoyl peroxide is an incredibly powerful ingredient in the prevention of acne-causing bacteria (P. Acnes). When applied, this treatment quickly breaks down into benzoic acid and oxygen – surprisingly destroying white blood cells. The truth is: Oxygen does indeed kill bacteria; however, it’s essential to recognize that not all white blood cells are good for you! While some help fights illness, others can cause a harmful inflammatory response when broken down by benzoyl peroxide treatments.
Without oxygen, bacteria can easily thrive in clogged pores. Fortunately, white blood cells then kick into action to eliminate the invaders and protect your skin – unfortunately, these defensive efforts often lead to an inflammatory response that manifests as acne!
In summary, benzoyl peroxide is an incredibly effective and anti-inflammatory oxidizing agent that eliminates bacteria!
Using it
Benzoyl peroxide is a popular ingredient in many acne treatments, with concentrations ranging from 2.5-10%. We suggest you start off small and build up your tolerance; this product can be quite drying to the skin if used too heavily. It works best on inflammatory acne – keep it focused solely on affected areas!
Salicylic Acid (BHA)
What is it?
Salicylic Acid is a powerful pore cleanser derived from the Willow Bark Tree and created synthetically today. As an oil-soluble exfoliant, this multi-functional product works to break down impurities in your pores while simultaneously reducing inflammation. With Salicylic Acid, you can say goodbye to clogged-up gunk for good!
Salicylic Acid is a powerful keratolytic agent that facilitates the sloughing off of tough, scaly skin plaques. It functions as a chemical exfoliator to increase cell regeneration and emerge fresh, bacteria-free skin with regular usage.
Using it
Have you ever noticed that in regular skincare products, the maximum concentration of Salicylic Acid is only 2%? Even with such a reduced percentage, this ingredient can still be beneficial for those who have oily and clogged skin, as it can help reduce inflammation and redness.
However, this component might make your skin dry if used too frequently, so we recommend being extra cautious when using it. Additionally, individuals with rosacea or allergies to aspirin should avoid its usage altogether and pregnant/breastfeeding women should take precautions before utilizing any product containing Salicylic Acid.
Retinoid
What is it?
Retinoids, which are Vitamin A derivatives, are one of the most powerful and effective active ingredients to revitalize your skin. Tretinoin and Adapalene are two of their more commonly used forms for combatting acne. Retinoids work by regulating cell turnover rate—imagine it as a personal trainer that helps get your skin’s fitness back on track! It keeps clogged pores in check, while also warding off breakouts before they can begin.
Vitamin A not only prevents dead skin cells from adhering to one another, limiting clogged pores and keratinization, but it also helps regulate sebum production in your body. This means that Vitamin A is an excellent way of keeping your pores clear!
Using it
Adapalene, a form of retinoid, is now available without prescription in the United States and tretinoin can be prescribed by your health care provider. When beginning to use it for skin treatment, follow this principle: Start slow and increase gradually, just like you would do with weights at the gym! Retinoids are especially suitable for those suffering from both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne; however, pregnant women as well as mothers who nurse should stay away from using them.
Azelaic Acid
What is it?
Azelaic Acid is an incredible, often forgotten ingredient that can be used to treat fungal acne and rosacea. While the exact process behind its effectiveness has not been extensively studied, certain research indicates it may have a similar impact as retinoids!
Additionally, Azelaic Acid helps normalize skin cell turnover while also providing anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. It can even lead to brighter skin with regular use!
Using it
Azelalic Acid is a superb choice for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers since it can be employed safely at concentrations of 10% or higher. If retinoids, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide are not available as options due to their potential dangers during pregnancy or lactation, then Azelaic Acid could offer an excellent alternative!
Zinc
What is it?
Who could’ve imagined that the element you learned about in chemistry would be so valuable today?! Zinc, a naturally occurring mineral within our bodies, plays an integral role when it comes to acne. Now, I’m sure you’re wondering how this is related?
Numerous research studies have proved that individuals suffering from acne are often lacking in zinc. To address this deficiency, you may take supplemental zinc or use topical skin products containing it. Further scientific data reveals that applying the mineral topically can produce a soothing effect and has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities!
Zinc is renowned for its ability to absorb excess sebum and normalize oil production on the skin.
Using it
If you have an oily or inflamed complexion, the best skincare products to use are those that contain zinc in multiple forms such as zinc oxide, zinc PCA, and zinc acetate. These ingredients can help reduce oiliness and inflammation while keeping your skin looking healthy.
Green Tea: The Ultimate Universal Ingredient
What is it?
It shouldn’t come as a shock, but green tea is an excellent ingredient that helps many skin issues – like acne, inflammation, and bacteria. One study discovered amazing results when using 3% Green Tea cream; it decreased sebum production by 70%, which is incredible! Additionally, another trial tested two different topical formulas with 2.5% and 5% extract respectively. Both creams produced a 30 percent reduction in sebum compared to the placebo!
Packed with Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) as its main antioxidant, green tea is a fantastic resource for acne prevention and treatment. The process of clogged pores – which are caused by the oxidation of bacteria – can be blocked in an instant when antioxidants are present. Studies have shown that EGCG specifically has the ability to suppress the growth of bacteria on skin! Therefore, there’s no question that green tea helps reduce oiliness while keeping your complexion clear and healthy looking.
Using it
Green Tea extract is a powerful ingredient in many skincare products and has been proven to be beneficial for those with oily/combination skin or sensitive, acne-prone skin. 100% PURE has many products with green tea, and one of the favorites of our readers is the Green Tea EGCG Concentrate Cream.
Honey
What is it?
Honey is a wonderful, natural remedy for both preventing and treating acne. It’s renowned for its antibacterial properties, which can help soothe sensitive or scarred skin while hydrating it at the same time – thanks to honey’s humectant property! Honey also works with our skin’s pH level, helping to keep from irritating your face further.
Using it
Give your skin the nourishment it deserves by seeking out products that include honey in their ingredients list. Honey is universal, suiting all skin types and sensitivities – but especially sensitive! 100% PURE has many products with honey in their composition, for your face, body, and even hair. For a more targeted treatment, try medicated honey ointments; they promise to make your skincare experience even sweeter.
Tea Tree
What is it?
Tea Tree is known for its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a promising option in the prevention of acne. Research has demonstrated that Tea Tree oil can be an equally effective alternative to traditional treatments like benzoyl peroxide and prescription topical antibiotics. However, it’s important to note that due to its sensitivity to environmental changes, Tea Tree may cause irritation or even worsen skin conditions when used on sensitive individuals – so caution must always be taken when using this powerful ingredient!
Clearly, if you’re confident that tea tree works for your skin, use it!
Using it
To utilize tea tree, you can find a product already including it in its formulation. The Tea Tree Kit from 100% PURE is a good choice to try this ingredient. Though, be conscious not to use pure tea tree oil! As this is best for those with inflamed acne and oily skin types; however, if your complexion is sensitive, we’d advise against using this all together.
We bet you didn’t realize there were so many components specifically meant to help with acne breakouts. We hope that this article has been able to give you a better understanding of the kinds of treatments available for pimples and what ingredients are most useful in treating your skin concerns.