5 best ingredients that fight acne
Acne has become a major cause of concern for a lot of people in recent times. It is usually caused by clogged pores and the over-production of sebum. A sedentary lifestyle, irregular sleep routines, and unhealthy food choices can make the skin condition worse. However, you can treat acne by using skincare products with anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. These ingredients can help fight acne.
Benzoyl peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is an effective ingredient for treating acne problems. Many medicines like face creams, cleansers, gels, lotions, etc. are infused with benzoyl peroxide. It kills the skin bacteria and removes dead skin cells by unclogging your pores. It also helps to reduce pimples, breakouts, and whiteheads. Use a benzoyl peroxide-based cleanser once or twice daily for two weeks straight to notice positive results.
Salicylic acid
Salicylic acid is a popular ingredient that is used in various prescription skincare products to treat acne. It is a beta hydroxy acid that deeply penetrates into the pores and unclogs them. This helps to remove the dead skin cells. Unclogging the pores removes blackheads and excess sebum production that reduces the occurrence of pimples. You can use it once or twice daily.
Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs)
Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) are chemical exfoliants that work great for treating acne. You can find three different types of AHAs in skincare products--glycolic acid, lactic acid, and mandelic acid. AHAs help to reduce skin inflammation, eliminate dead skin cells, and reduce breakouts by unclogging pores. You can use an AHA-based cleanser once daily straight for a week to notice quick results.
Retinol
With the power to increase skin-cell turnover rate, retinol is a great ingredient for reducing the frequency of blackheads, whiteheads and shrinking the size of deep painful pimples. It is a type of retinoid that promotes collagen production and improves its tone and texture. Dermatologists recommend using retinol on dry skin before your moisturizer during bedtime to reap maximum benefits.
Tea tree oil
The anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil work best for acne-prone skin. According to a 2017 study, tea tree oil gel reduced mild to moderate acne in 18 participants. However, dermatologists suggest not applying tea tree oil directly to your skin to prevent rashes. Instead, they recommend using a tea tree oil-based cleanser for at least a few weeks to notice results.