Acne can affect people of all ages, causing skin to appear inflamed and irritated and leading to pus-filled blemishes. Acne occurs when pores become clogged with dead skin cells and oil, which encourages bacteria to move in. To improve or eliminate acne quickly, it is important to know which acne-fighting products are the most effective.
2.5 Percent Benzoyl Peroxide Cream
Most people know benzoyl peroxide is helpful in treating acne but often use a benzoyl peroxide cream that is too concentrated. A high-concentration benzoyl peroxide cream may clear acne in the short term, but often overdries the skin and causes severe irritation and redness. A lower-strength (2.5 percent) benzoyl peroxide cream effectively and quickly clears skin without causing irritation. Compared to the higher concentration, the 2.5 percent product is used in larger amounts, roughly the size of a penny. Users apply the cream gently with their fingers until it has been absorbed into the skin (two applications a day). A 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide cream is available at a dermatologist's office or through a specialty skin care company such as Proactiv.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has become one of the leading acne-fighting treatment products, allowing people to improve acne without causing skin irritation. Tea tree oil works quickly and effectively because it kills off not only acne-causing bacteria but also acne-causing microbes on the skin. Originally discovered in Australia, tea tree oil is extracted from the tea tree plant and bottled in its pure form. To apply tea tree oil to acne breakouts, users dip a cotton swab into the oil, then again into water to dilute the oil, up to three times a day. Tea tree oil can be obtained at health food stores and online.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid, one of the most effective acne fighters found in natural three-step acne systems, works by keeping pores clear and unclogged. Salicylic acid is included in creams and gels but can also be added to toners. This allows salicylic acid to be used in multiple ways to treat acne. Salicylic acid is unlike benzoyl peroxide in that it will not dry out the skin. It can be used up to three times per day and is available in grocery, health food, and drug stores.
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