The Best Products for Acne

Acne is characterized by the appearance of inflamed pustules and papules that are often infected and contain pus. In order to clear your skin quickly and efficiently, it is important to apply the best, most effective acne products. After using these products, your skin will be clearer and your pores will be less clogged with impurities.

Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide cream is one of the most effective acne treatments available, and is found at any grocery or drugstore. Benzoyl peroxide works by releasing oxygen on your skin, which kills off acne-causing bacteria before it has a chance to infect your skin. Benzoyl peroxide is also helpful in drying up any active acne pustules or cysts that you may have. You can purchase benzoyl peroxide in 2.5, 5 and 10 percent strengths. When treating acne breakouts, it is important to begin with the lowest strength benzoyl peroxide to clear your skin with the least irritation or inflammation. Apply a pea-sized amount of benzoyl peroxide cream to your skin twice per day after cleansing.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is an antimicrobial and antibacterial oil that kills off microbes and acne-causing bacteria on your skin. Extracted from the tea tree plant, a native of Australia and New Zealand, tea tree oil is more gentle on your skin than benzoyl peroxide. Studies conducted by the Department of Dermatology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital suggest that tea tree oil is just as effective as benzoyl peroxide cream, but without the unwanted side effects, such as peeling or burning. Tea tree oil can be purchased as a pure oil extract in health food stores or through an online merchant. Soak a cotton swab in pure tea tree oil, then dip it into water to dilute it before applying it to your skin. Use tea tree oil twice per day after cleansing.

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is a more gentle topical acne treatment that comes in a gel or lotion form. Salicylic acid works by attacking acne-causing bacteria inside your pores, and prevents the pores from becoming clogged. Salicylic acid is sometimes used in place of benzoyl peroxide cream, because it clears your skin without causing as much dryness or irritation. Salicylic acid takes slightly longer to work than benzoyl peroxide or tea tree oil, but will keep your skin acne-free. Apply a pea-sized amount of salicylic acid gel to your skin twice per day after cleansing.

References

Article reviewed by Libby Swope Wiersema Last updated on: Jan 12, 2010

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