It is a fact of life that eventually everyone has to deal with an acne breakout, and finding the best acne treatment or an acne solution will take some time. It could be just one pimple that bedevils us, or as in the case of most teenagers, an ongoing outbreak that makes their lives miserable. There are several over-the-counter acne products that are successful in controlling acne and reducing the damage that acne can cause to the skin. The active ingredients in the products are different and should be applied in different situations, according to the cause of the acne.
The Cause of Acne
Acne is basically caused by the pores of the skin becoming blocked with hardened oils and dead skin cells. Removing the excess oils and the dead skin cells helps clear the acne problem up in most cases, but with teens there can be a further problem of diet, continued use of oil based make ups and constant picking at their face that adds to the problems. Finding the best acne treatment to give the result of an acne solution or resolution starts with finding out what type of acne is present, what lifestyle changes can be made to help control the acne, and then professional advice as to the best product to use to treat and control the acne.
Research for Finding the Best Acne Treatment
Much research has been done to find just the right treatments for all the various types of acne and skin conditions that result in outbreaks. Here is a list of the active ingredients that have been found to work in the treatment of acne:
- Benzoyl peroxide
Almost certainly this is the most effectual and active ingredient in acne treatment products. This compound kills Propionibacterium acnes, and helps to unblock the pores that have excessive oils.
- Salicylic acid
Salicylic acid slows the shedding of cells inside the hair follicles. This will prevent the pores from clogging.
- Alpha hydroxyl acids
Glycolic and lactic acid are two of the types of the alpha hydroxyl acids that have been shown to help control acne. An interesting note here is that women from the south in the US use buttermilk to bathe their face or soak a cloth in buttermilk and lay it on their face to help keep their skin clear. The lactic acid in the buttermilk works, so not all old home remedies are myths.
- Sulfur
Sulfur removes dead skin cells that clog pores and helps eliminate excess oil. Sulfur is one of nature’s helpers to help heal wounds of any kind; this includes the wounds caused by acne.
Finding the best acne treatment for an acne solution is dependent upon the skin type, the variety of acne being experienced, and your skin care habits.
Dermatologists Recommendations for Finding the Best Acne Treatment for an Acne Solution
Dermatologists recommend starting acne treatments with the mildest of the OTC treatments. If that does not work, then step up the treatment to a higher level of chemicals. Many times simply stepping up the amount of facial cleansing that is done during the day can help reduce the incidence of acne. In very severe cases of acne, the dermatologist will work at finding the best acne treatment for an acne solution.
