Acne breakouts occur in most people at some time in their lives, and can be treated with a variety of treatments and over-the-counter products. Some products are formulated from chemical ingredients, while other treatments can be found right in the kitchen. Whatever treatment you use to clear your skin, it is helpful to know how these treatments work to eliminate acne.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide creams can be purchased in three different concentrations: 2.5 percent, 5 percent and 10 percent. Benzoyl peroxide creams work to eliminate acne by releasing oxygen into the pores, which kills off acne-causing bacteria.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid can be purchased in gel form, in toners or in make-up designed to cover acne blemishes. Salicylic acid works to clear skin by balancing out the rate at which the skin cells are turned over, allowing the pores to remain clearer and acne-free.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an antibacterial and antimicrobial oil that kills off acne causing bacteria and microbes. In a study conducted by the Department of Dermatology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital demonstrated that tea tree oil can be just as effective in eliminating acne as benzoyl peroxide creams. (Reference 2.)
Calamine Lotion
Calamine lotion is a mineral lotion that not only helps reduce puss and fluid build-up in acne breakouts, but can reduce redness and inflammation as well. Calamine lotion can be applied multiple times per day, or applied overnight and rinsed off in the morning.
French Green Clay
French green clay, also known as Montmorillonite clay, helps pull impurities out of the skin to allow the pores to become clear and free of blockages. The clay is spread onto the skin and allowed to dry then rinsed off with water.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is an acidic substance that is also high in vitamin C. Applying lemon juice to the skin helps slough away dead skin cells that can clog the pores and cause acne breakouts.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is used as a facial scrub to remove dead skin cells, dirt, oils and other impurities that can clog pores. Baking soda should be combined with water, then massaged onto the skin to remove impurities.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is helpful on acne-prone skin by reducing inflammation and irritation, and by gently exfoliating the skin to keep the pores clear. It is important to only use raw, unsweetened oats and to massage the oats onto the skin using small, circular motions.
Castor Oil
Castor oil is a highly purgative oil that can be used on the skin to flush out the pores. The oil is massaged into the skin, where it combines with oils and impurities inside the pores. Steam is then applied to open the pores and to allow the oils to be flushed out.
Egg Whites
Egg whites can be whipped and applied to the skin to tighten the pores. Once applied, the egg whites should be allowed to stay there until they dry, then rinsed off with water.
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