Acne Treatments Buying Guide
For those of us who have to suffer with it, acne is no laughing matter. But, let's be honest, we can't let acne problems run our lives! Many say that the key to fighting acne is walking with confidence, as if your acne doesn't affect you. While this is definitely true, another key is to use the best products out there to cleanse, tone, and moisturize your skin. Take control and actively treat your blemishes and you'll have better skin in no time. Read this guide for some tips on the best acne treatment products  out there and to learn which ones will work best for you. Remember, acne is only as big of a problem as you make it! Good luck!
Treating Acne
The severity of acne can range from mild noninflammatory to severe inflammatory. Usually, when used in the right combination, over the counter acne products can be effective and less expensive than prescription treatments. Everyone's skin is different, so its important to treat your's with specified products to your skin type. Here are some guidelines- - Mild Acne
- Mild acne includes whiteheads and blackheads that are not inflamed. You can get these frequently or just a few breakouts every now and then.
- A spot treatment will usually take care of these breakouts if treated promptly.
- If you experience frequent breakouts, then an acne cleanser, as well as spot treatment, will help to combat your problem.
- If your skin is on the oily side, you might also want to use an astringent to take away that extra dirt and oil from your skin.
- Moderate Acne
- Moderate acne usually consists of inflamed whiteheads, commonly known as papules, nodules, and postules. These are often red and painful to the touch.
- If your breakouts are frequent, you will need a treatment plan that combats acne at every step-a cleanser, astringent, and a moisturizer. You will also be able to add a spot treatment and maybe an exfoliant.
- Severe Acne
- Acne that is severe is always inflamed. Cysts and lesions are common with severe acne. It usually affects a large portion of the face, mainly the cheeks, and may lead to scarring.
- In addition to over the counter treatment, you will probably want to seek out some dermatological advice, too. A doctor can prescribe antibiotics or retinoids to help tame severe acne problems.
Quick Tips- You need to stick to a program for some time before you will see significant results. If at first you have some dryness or redness, that's not uncommon. Some products actually irritate the skin more before they can make it better.
- Excessive scrubbing or washing can actually make acne worse. Your skin needs some of its natural oils! If you keep on washing away oil, your face will just begin to produce more and more, leading to frustration and probably worse acne.
- If you are going to wear makeup for soem coverage, look for water-based and non-comodgenic products. They won't clog your pores.
- Don't touch your face too much. Your hands pick up bacteria from everything that they touch and you wouldn't want all of that on your skin causing more pimples, now, would you?
- Do not try to squeeze and pop your pimples unless you know what you're doing. This can lead to scarring and to bacteria getting into your pores.
- Acne is not contagious, but it can spread on your own face if you do not treat it properly.
Important Ingredients
There are tons of different products out on the market geared toward treating acne. It is best to have a background of the active ingredients in order to know what will work best for you:
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Alcohol and Acetone: These ingredients are often found in astringents (either liquid or pre-moistened pad form) and can be combined with salycilic acid. Drying agents found in these products can help to reduce oil, but if your skin is already dry, these will cause extreme dryness and flaking. If you have sensitive skin, you should use these products sparingly and always follow up with a moisturizer. |
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): Glycolic and lactic acid are found in chemical peels and other anti-aging treatments. These products will slough off dead skin and release sebum trapped in pores which causes acne. Skin may slightly dry out after continuous use of these products. |
Organics: Tea tree oil is a well respected organic spot treatment. Witch hazel is a similar astringent alternative. |
Sulfur: Sulfur is often found in masks for weekly use and spot treatments for daily use. Sulfur products are great at drying up acne, but the sometimes offensive smell makes these products for night-time use only. |
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Benzoyl Peroxide: This ingredient can be found in a variety of products, including lotions, toners, cleansers, and spot treatments. It is the most common active ingredient found in over the counter treatments and it is best to use as soon as you start to see the signs of a breakout. Typical face washes will have about 2.5% benzoyl peroxide, but stronger products pack up to 10%. You should always follow up use with a moisturizer containing SPF since this chemical increases sun sensitivity. You should also gradually build up your usage, since it takes the skin some time to get used to any hasher products. |
Salicylic Acid: This BHA is another very common ingredient found in all types of acne treatments. This ingredient can dry out the skin, so always use a moisturizer afterwards. For best results, use in conjunction with a benzoyl peroxide product. |
Triclosan: Many products contain this antibacterial ingredient, which can help to keep pimples under control if you have a mild problem. Triclosan will help to kill bacteria that gets into pores, making it a great additional treatment. |
Product Picks
The following are some great products that when used in combination (one from each category) will yield great results for mild to moderate acne. Remember, these are just suggestions and will not work perfectly for everyone.
Cleansing
The most obvious step is often the one that gets most neglected-washing your face. If you suffer from acne, then basic soap and water is just not going to cut it. Try any of these cleansers for a fresh feel
Toning
Toning is the next step to cleaner and clearer skin. These products will minimize the appearance of pores and scars, as well as refine the skin. There will be no more need to hide under the bright lights because you will be squeaky clean!
Moisturizing
Choosing a great moisturizer can be tough, but here are some suggestions to help you find that perfect one. The right moisturizer for you should leave your skin feeling nourished without feeling overly oily.
Treatments Less Than $10.
Why should great skin care products have to cost so much? Below you'll find some of the best products that actually work and are all under ten dollars.
Treatments More Than $10.
For those of us with expensive taste!
Related Buying Guides
Cleansers
Moisturisers
Anti-Ageing Skin Care
Masks
Toners
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