If you want clearer skin, buy products that contain acne fighting ingredients. Over-the-counter and prescription creams, gel, and washes can be applied topically to treat acne and prevent future breakouts. Look for specific ingredients in the products you select to achieve clearer skin.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is one of the most widely used ingredients in over-the-counter acne fighting products. Its antibacterial qualities can help control the spread of pimples on the surface of the skin. The ingredient can reduce inflammation as well to give skin a clearer appearance. Product lines that contain benzoyl peroxide include Clearisil, Stiefel PanOxyl, Neutrogena and Zap Zyt.
Salicyclic Acid
Salicyclic acid also is found in a number of over-the-counter acne treatment products at concentrations of .5 percent or 2 percent. These products are applied topically twice a day to eliminate pimples by causing shedding of the top layers of the skin. Salicyclic acid can cause dryness and skin irritation for some users. Product contain salicyclic acid include StriDex Pads, Clearisil Maximum Strength Cleansing Pads and Fostex Acne Cleansing Cream.
Retinoids
Tretinoin is a commonly recommended retinoid used to achieve clearer skin. It is derived from vitamin A and helps relieve mild to moderate cases of acne. Cream formulas have the lowest concentrated amounts of tretinoin, while the lotions have the highest amounts. Brand names with tretinoin include Retin-A and Avita. Stronger concentrations are available on a prescription-only basis, but lower concentrations can be purchased over-the-counter. During initial application, the skin might experience more breakouts. However, this is actually a sign that the treatment is effective. Newer types of retinoids used for clearer skin include the drugs tazarotene and adapalene.
Member Comments