Acne.
When you hear about acne, you’ll instantly know it’s those pesky and sometimes painful bumps on your skin that are caused by one or two of the many of its causes — dirt, hormones, stress, diet, bacteria, and many other possible causes of perhaps another category.
Acne is one of the most common skin problems in men, women, teenagers, and adults. It’s a skin condition that occurs when your hair follicles become blocked with oil, dead skin cells, and other impurities. Since acne is a skin condition, it has symptoms such as the occurrence of blackheads, whiteheads, or pimples. The effects of acne can go from mild to severe.
Since acne is common, there are a lot and various treatments that you can find and use, but acne can be persistent. They can heal over time but sometimes they may leave marks that can be really annoying. It can even cause emotional distress which can lower self-esteem.
The earlier you take care of it, the lower your risk of getting such problems.
When it comes to finding the right treatments for acne, there are thousands of products that promise to combat the problem with acne. From anti-acne facial wash to creams and spot treatments. The options can be quite overwhelming which makes it confusing as to which are the right skincare products that you should choose to treat your acne before it gets even worse.
While treatment is available, what’s frustrating about this is that we’re still dealing with acne and it can come back.
If you are looking for anti-acne products to try to get rid of your acne or to keep your pimples at bay, here are the best acne treatments and acne medications worth spending your money on.
1. Salicylic acid
When it comes to treating pimples, Salicylic acid is the instant go-to fix. You can easily find this in drugstores or as an active ingredient of many anti-acne products such as on facial wash and spot treatments. It works by dissolving excess oil and gets rid of dead skin cells gently. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that heal and deal with cystic breakouts.
Salicylic acid can cause dryness to the skin in excessive amounts which is why it is advised to use it along with your other skin care products such as toner, moisturizer, and spot-treatment.
For products with Salicylic acid, you can try:
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash, Aivee Skin Acne Clear Toner, CosRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid, Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
2. Lactic Acid
AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) like Lactic Acid works as a chemical exfoliant that can be used by those with dry and sensitive skin. Due to its humectant effect, it draws water to the skin which is hydrating and non-irritating to the skin.
Products to try:
Aivee Skin GPO Serum, The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2%, Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment
3. Retinol
Retinols are usually added to skin care creams and are known for their anti-aging properties. It boosts the collagen production of the skin to help plump out the skin and get rid of fine lines and wrinkles. Retinoids also decrease oil production, exfoliate the skin, and improve skin turn over. Aside from its anti-aging properties, it’s also a good anti-inflammatory agent that helps alleviate acne inflammation.
However, one thing you should bear in mind that for those with sensitive skin or with a skin condition such as eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea, retinoids can be irritating especially when over-applied. If you have sensitive skin, start with a low concentration of retinol to test how your skin reacts. The effect of Retinol is not instant so you have to use it continuously to maintain its benefits.
Here are some products with Retinol that you can try:
Aivee Skin Ultra Spot Corrector, CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum, Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream, Aivee Skin Age Defiance Cream
4. Retinal
Another over-the-counter retinoid that you may consider using especially if you have sensitive skin is Retinal (also called retinaldehyde). It is as effective as retinol and other retinoids for anti-aging and acne with fewer side effects.
Products containing Retinal that you can try:
MyChelle Dermaceuticals Remarkable Retinal Serum, Avene Retrinal .1 Intensive Cream
5. Cortisone shot
Cortisone is a quick fix for large cystic acne bumps. Cortisone shots should be only administered by dermatologists due to their side effects such as depression which can last for weeks if injected into the body incorrectly. As an emergency procedure for acne, your pimples will dramatically lessen in a day or two. It helps restrain inflammation which is best for combating cystic breakouts and hormonal flare-ups.
If you have severe acne, it’s best to consult your dermatologists to know which treatments or products will suit your skin needs best. One thing you can do not to aggravate your acne is to not touch it and apply products with ingredients that may cause more irritation.
Visit Aivee Clinic for more skin and body treatments for all of your skin needs.