Types of Skin Products for Blemishes

Types of Skin Products for Blemishes
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You can buy blemish-fighting skin products in any pharmacy or beauty supply store. With regular use, the products can treat blemishes and prevent further breakouts. If these are not effective, you can ask your doctor for a prescription treatment. Prescription treatments are typically topical retinoids and topical antibiotics.

Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is considered one of the most effective skin treatments for acne breakouts, according to the Mayo Clinic. This is because the medication has the ability to kill acne-causing bacteria on the surface of the skin. It also removes excess oil and dead skin cells that may be clogging the pores. Benzoyl peroxide is commonly available in concentrations of 2.5 percent to 10 percent. You may experience redness, dryness and sun sensitivity while using the product. You should apply sunblock while using benzoyl peroxide.

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid helps slow down the shedding of skin cells within the follicles. This prevents blemishes because the pores will not be clogged by the cells. It is also used to get rid of whiteheads and blackheads by exfoliating the top layer of the skin. Over-the-counter acne remedies are likely to contain a concentration of between 0.5 and 2 percent. In addition to acne, salicylic acid also treats warts, corns and calluses. Salicylic acid can irritate your skin.

Sulfur

Sulfur is a blemish remedy that has been used for centuries, according to Acne.org. You may find the ingredient alone or combined with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide in acne-fighting, over-the-counter medication. In addition to removing oil, sulfur promotes peeling to help get rid of blemishes. Some potential side effects associated with the topical application of sulfur are skin discoloration, redness and scaling.

References

Article reviewed by Elizabeth Ahders Last updated on: Mar 22, 2010

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