{"id":3833,"date":"2017-08-03T19:52:29","date_gmt":"2017-08-03T18:52:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.myhealthspecialist.com\/blog\/?p=3833"},"modified":"2021-04-21T13:37:36","modified_gmt":"2021-04-21T12:37:36","slug":"key-skincare-ingredients-for-acne-what-should-you-look-for","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.myhealthspecialist.com\/blog\/2017\/08\/03\/key-skincare-ingredients-for-acne-what-should-you-look-for\/","title":{"rendered":"Key skincare ingredients for acne: What should you look for?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Key<\/p>\n

Acne<\/strong> is one of the commonest skin disorders, which affects nearly 80% of the population at some point in time. \u00a0Choosing the right products with effective ingredients is vital otherwise you may inadvertently be making the problem worse. \u00a0Information in this day and age is easily accessible and not all of it is accurate or of good quality. \u00a0Beauty fads come and go. \u00a0Care should be taken to seek advice from trusted, reliable sources. \u00a0One should be wary of simply accepting a brand endorsement or product that your favourite influencer is snapped with on social media. \u00a0Facial oils are a good example of this. \u00a0The premise that \u201clike dissolves like\u201d or oil will dissolve oil during cleansing with a facial oil is a flawed argument. \u00a0Indeed, the oils used in cleansers are very different to the natural oils found naturally in your skin. \u00a0Unless you have dry to very dry skin types, I would suggest you stay away from these altogether as many can be \u201ccomedogenic\u201d or have the ability to block pores leading to spots.<\/p>\n

Good-quality skincare need not be expensive or complicated. \u00a0More often than not, it comes down to using products that contain the right ingredients. \u00a0Hefty price tags usually go towards marketing and packaging. \u00a0It is easy to be drawn in by expensive items in attractive bottles with seductive fragrances – the beauty industry is well aware of this – it is how it makes you part with your money. \u00a0However, chances are that these are not any better for your skin than a bland-looking counterpart from your local drugstore at a fraction of the price.<\/p>\n

So with this in mind, what are the top key ingredients you should be looking for when it comes to acne or blemish-prone skin?<\/p>\n

Benzoyl peroxide<\/strong><\/p>\n

This can be found in washes, creams and lotions and has both anti-bacterial effects against the acne causing bacteria, P.acnes<\/em>, as well as an anti-inflammatory effect. \u00a0It is available in strengths of 2.5-10%. \u00a0Even lower percentages of benzoyl peroxide work well and it is not necessary to jump straight for the product that contains 10% active ingredient. \u00a0Skin irritation can be a problem and may manifest as redness, stinging and dryness.<\/p>\n

Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Common AHAs used in acne skincare include glycolic and lactic acid, which can be found in washes and leave-on products such as toners. \u00a0Glycolic acid is derived from sugar cane and lactic acid comes from sour milk. \u00a0Both agents exfoliate the upper layer of dead skin cells known as the stratum corneum. \u00a0Over time and consistent use, these products can help prevent acne formation.<\/p>\n

Salicylic acid<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that is commonly used in skincare. \u00a0It has better effects than glycolic acid in the treatment of acne as it has the ability to penetrate not only the upper layer of skin cells but also the sebaceous or oil producing gland. \u00a0It has both anti-inflammatory and comedolytic effects – this means it will break down blackheads, unblock pores and generally decongest the skin.<\/p>\n

Retinols<\/strong><\/p>\n

These are vitamin A derivatives found easily in over the counter products. \u00a0There are various forms – look for ingredients such as: retinol, retinyl propionate, and retinyl palmitate. \u00a0Retinols have the ability to reduce blackhead formation and help fade red or brown marks or staining left in the skin after acne. \u00a0They can cause irritation and their use should be gradually built up to prevent excessive dryness, redness or peeling.<\/p>\n

Niacinamide<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is otherwise known as vitamin B3. \u00a0In skincare preparations it has been shown to regulate oil production and improve pore size. \u00a0It also has the additional benefit of making skin tone more even so can help fade the marks left behind by previous acne.<\/p>\n

Tea tree oil<\/strong><\/p>\n

Tea tree oil is one of the few essential oils that has scientific evidence base to recommend its use. \u00a0The oil is derived from an Australian tree (Melaleuca alernifolia<\/em>) and contains a number of antimicrobial substances. \u00a0It has a slower onset of action than benzoyl peroxide, but can be less irritating for the skin.<\/p>\n

If you are still having problems with regular breakouts or acne despite regular use (few weeks) of these topical agents then it is time to seek medical attention from either your GP or a consultant dermatologis<\/a>t<\/strong>. \u00a0Acne and acne scarring are both treatable conditions and help is at hand if needed. \u00a0No one should have to feel ashamed or embarrassed about acne in this day and age and finding a sympathetic doctor may be a step in the right direction if other measures fail.<\/p>\n

\n

\"Dr<\/p>\n

Dr Anjali Mahto, Dermatologist<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Book an appointment with Dr Anjali Mahto<\/a><\/p>\n

Read more from Dr Anjali Mahto:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Managing acne-prone skin<\/a>
\n<\/u>Managing rosacea<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Acne is one of the commonest skin disorders, which affects nearly 80% of the population at some point in time. \u00a0Choosing the right products with effective ingredients is vital otherwise you may inadvertently be making the problem worse. \u00a0Information in this day and age is easily accessible and not all of it is accurate or… Continue Reading Key skincare ingredients for acne: What should you look for?<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\nKey Skincare Ingredients for Acne:What Should You Look For -myHealth bytes<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"What are the top key ingredients you should be looking for when it comes to acne or blemish-prone skin? 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