Acne Products
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by: Acne
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Acne is a painful, embarrassing and persistent skin condition. Anyone who has suffered from it knows that it is difficult to get relief from acne symptoms, especially for any length of time. There are a variety of acne products that can help to prevent breakouts, and alleviate them when they occur, but these products must be chosen carefully.
Many acne sufferers feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of acne products on the market, and don't know which ones will help their condition, and which will only make it worse. One website dedicated to helping acne sufferers find relief from their condition, Acne.org, has created a checklist of some of the most important factors to look for when trying out different acne products.
Cleansers, benzoyl peroxide treatments, and moisturizers are some of the most popular acne products on the market. When choosing your cleanser, make sure it can remove dirt and oil without stripping your skin of its natural moisture. If this happens, your skin will try to balance itself out by overcompensating and producting even more oil, which you definitely don't want. Look for a cleanser that has words like “gentle,” “won't overdry,” or “for sensitive skin.” Also, try to find a cleanser with glycerin (an effective, non-oily natural moisturizer) in the list of ingredients.
Soap can be harsh on your skin, so try to limit yourself to soap-free acne products. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate are two ingredients to avoid; commonly found in shampoos and body washes, they are known irritants for sensitive or inflamed skin, and may worsen your acne symptoms. Avoid scrubs or exfoliating products if you have inflammatory acne, as they will only irritate your skin further. (Scrubs may be safe if you have only blackheads, or acne that is below your skin and does not cause redness or irritation on the surface.)
One of the most popular over-the-counter acne products is benzoyl peroxide cream or gel, and this too should be chosen with care. Look for a product that is 2.5% strength, as the 5% or 10% varieties are typically too harsh; benzoyl peroxide is a drying and peeling agent, and though it is mild, you don't want to use too much of it. Prescription products are usually best, but if you don't have access to a prescription, or these products are too expensive, an over-the-counter gel is best. Creams tend to be difficult to spread, and can sometimes turn white when you sweat; gels, however, are invisible, and don't dry as quickly. Avoid alcohol and most other moisturizing or other inactive ingredients and fragrances, as these can all irritate skin and make breakouts worse.
The words “non-comedogenic” are what you want to see on the label of any acne product, particularly moisturizers; avoid all oils, except for jojoba, macadamia nut or mineral oil. Oil is obviously something you want to avoid putting on your skin if you have acne, but these three will actually help your skin heal itself. Avoid moisturizers with SPF, as well as those that are too thick or pasty, as they may clog pores and worsen breakouts.
About the Author
Information on acne, acne treatment reviews, and treatment of scars. Includes a regimen to help clear your acne.
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