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Acne is a problem that primarily affects adolescents and young people, although sometimes older people also have to deal with this unbearable ailment. There are many different products on the cosmetics market that are designed to soothe acne lesions and improve the appearance of the skin. One of the basic preparations for this ailment is acne cream. How to choose an acne cream? What should a good acne cream look like and what should you pay attention to when buying? We answer these and other questions in the article below.
Cosmetics for acne-prone skin
Before we talk about the acne creams themselves, it is worth telling a bit about the basic principles of caring for acne skin. As acne-prone skin is characterized by increased sebum production, it is first of all necessary to cleanse the skin regularly and carefully. It is best to use special antibacterial preparations for this purpose, which have been created especially for this type of skin.
It is also worth taking care to regulate the work of the sebaceous glands. This can also be dealt with by special preparations, especially those for night use. It should be remembered that, like many other skin problems, acne is also most effectively treated when the treatments are applied regularly until the ailments are completely removed.
Cream for acne – composition
Acne creams work in different ways, depending on the active ingredients. Some acne creams work by killing the bacteria that cause acne inflammation. Others remove excess sebum from the skin or accelerate the growth of new skin cells and the removal of dead skin cells. Some acne creams show a triple action at the same time.
Here are the typical active ingredients found in acne creams and how they work:
- benzoyl peroxide This ingredient kills acne-causing bacteria, helps remove excess sebum from the skin, and removes dead skin cells that can clog pores. Benzoyl peroxide products are available in capacities ranging from 2,5 to 10 percent. Possible side effects include dry skin, peeling, redness, burning, especially if you have sensitive skin. Be careful when using benzoyl peroxide as it can lighten your hair and clothing.
- salicylic acid – this ingredient helps to prevent clogging of the pores. Salicylic acid products are available in strengths of 0,5 to 5 percent. Possible side effects include mild burning and skin irritation,
- alpha hydroxy acids – The two types of alpha-hydroxy acids that are used in acne creams are glycolic acid and lactic acid. Alpha hydroxy acids are synthetic versions of the acids derived from sugar-containing fruits. They treat acne by helping to remove dead skin cells and reduce inflammation. Alpha-hydroxy acids also stimulate the growth of new, smoother skin. This helps to improve the appearance of acne scars and gives the impression of smaller pores,
- sulfur – sulfur removes dead skin cells that clog pores and helps remove excess sebum. It is often combined with other ingredients, such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide or resorcinol. Sulfur-containing products can make the skin dry, and some products have an unpleasant odor.
Acne cream – which one to choose?
Choosing an acne cream can be a daunting task. There are many different products on the cosmetics market that differ in composition, brand, method of application and many other elements. Before buying an acne cream, it is worth visiting a dermatologistto determine whether the ailments that accompany us are actually acne.
This is especially important for adults. Finding out the causes of acne will help you choose the most appropriate preparation. For acne problems, it is best to reach for several different creams. A regenerating night cream, an antibacterial day cream, and a matting cream that will help cover skin imperfections will be good. When faced with the dilemma of choosing an acne cream, it is also worth paying attention to the fact that the product we choose is composed only of natural ingredients and is not tested on animals.
See:: CC cream – how to choose the best one? What is the difference between CC cream and BB cream and fluid?
Therefore, choosing the best acne cream depends on many factors (skin type, acne type and severity, and skin care preferences). Here are some general tips for choosing and using acne creams:
- start with benzoyl peroxide – if you’re not sure which acne cream to buy, start with one that contains benzoyl peroxide. It is effective and well tolerated by most people. Remember, however, that a few have to pass before you see the first results of its use. Check the labels of acne creams for the amount of this active ingredient. Stronger is not always better
- start with lower strength acne creams – this can help minimize redness, dry skin, and other skin problems. If necessary, slowly – over several weeks – increase the strength of the cream used and the frequency of its application. As a result, your skin gradually adjusts to the cream,
- use acne creams with different active ingredients Anti-acne ingredients work in different ways, so it can be helpful to use different products and ingredients to treat persistent acne. Use one acne cream in the morning and one in the evening to prevent skin irritation.
- be patient – acne treatment with creams takes time and patience. It may take two or three months of using acne cream every day to see the first effects.
- experiment with what works – you may have to try different acne creams with different active ingredients before finding the right one for you.
What are the best home remedies to fight acne?
Acne cream is not the only method worth using when struggling with this ailment. In addition to ready-made preparations that can be purchased at drugstores or pharmacies, you can also use some home methods. Some of them have been known for many years and were willingly used by our grandmothers and great-grandmothers. Some home masks work especially well for acne prone skin. They can be made from oatmeal, yeast or honey.
It is also good to use self-made face wash tonics. For example, fresh cucumber in the right proportions combined with water is perfect for this. Such a tonic not only helps to narrow the pores, but also brightens the skin.
Acne products that you can buy at Medonet Market include: a mask for couperose and acne skin or an oil that soothes the symptoms of acne.