The American Academy of Dermatology reminds us that there is no overnight cure for acne. Treatment takes time and must be ongoing to prevent additional breakouts. There is no one treatment that is right for everyone, as skin types vary from person to person. Even those with the same skin type, will find that an effective product for someone else with oily skin may not work well for you. Considering a few factors will help you determine the best ways to find the right acne product.
Acne Severity
Determining the severity of your acne will help you find the right acne product. Mild acne is defined as blackheads, whiteheads and perhaps a few scattered blemishes. Moderate acne involves more papules and pustules, or pimples without and with pus. Severe acne covers large areas of skin or appears in the form of nodules and cysts.
Mild to moderate acne can often be treated with an over-the-counter topical acne treatment containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid as active ingredients, while severe acne is typically treated with prescription acne products.
Skin Type
According to the Acne Support Team, your skin type is one of the best ways to find the right acne product. For oily skin, acne products with an alcohol solution base are best. For oily to normal skin types, cream-, foam- and gel-based products are best. Normal to dry skin types should look for aqueous solution and ointment-based products. Lotions can be used on any skin type, though you should look for lotions labeled noncomedogenic to prevent it from clogging pores.
Learn Your Ingredients
Learn and understand the active ingredients used in acne products and what they do. Benzoyl peroxide is rated by the Mayo Clinic as the most effective ingredient in acne products, as it helps remove excess oil, kills acne causing bacteria and helps provide a gentle exfoliate to remove dead skin cells that can clog pores.
The Mayo Clinic also reports that tea tree oil is proven as effective as benzoyl peroxide, though it can take longer to work. Salicylic acid is another common acne ingredient that works to slow the shedding of cells inside hair follicles, and can help break down whiteheads and blackheads.
Consult a Dermatologist
If over-the-counter treatments mixed in with a disciplined skin regimen are not effectively preventing acne, or if you suffer from severe forms of acne, consult a dermatologist. Your dermatologist can further assess your skin and select the most appropriate acne product.
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