Acne consists of plugged pores on your skin that occur when dead skin cells combine with the natural oils of your skin called sebum. Acne can vary in types and severity depending on whether bacteria and inflammation are present, with mild acne comedones (whiteheads and blackheads) being the more prevalent type. The acne treatment market is flooded with different products claiming to be able to treat acne, but a few active ingredients stand out above the rest in treatment success.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is one of the most common ingredients found in drugstore acne treatments. Salicylic acid works by breaking down the keratin blocking the affected pore. Keratin is a protein that makes up a large portion of your skin cells. Since acne plugs are also made of skin cells, breaking down the keratin helps free the pore from the plug. Salicylic acid may also reduce the rate in which skin cells turn over in the pores, according to the New Zealand Dermatological Society.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide solutions are another popular drugstore remedy for acne. Benzyol peroxide is an antimicrobial agent that targets the Propionibacterium acnes bacteria (P. acnes). Benzoyl peroxide can be placed directly on acne lesions, soaking through the acne plug and introducing oxygen to the P. acnes bacteria. The bacteria is unable to survive in high oxygen environments, making benzoyl peroxide an effective agent for killing it.
Resorcinol and Sulfur
Sulfur and resorcinol are a common combo in over-the-counter acne products. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, it is unknown how these products work on acne, but they are capable of controlling the progression of small acne lesions into more serious forms of acne. Sulfur is becoming less common in acne treatments due to its strong unpleasant smell.
Alcohol and Acetone
Alcohol and acetone are another common combination in drugstore acne treatment products. The alcohol in this combo works as an antimicrobial agent against the growth of P. acnes bacteria. The acetone of the combo works as a degreasing agent, which helps remove excess sebum oil from the skin.
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