A Trip Down the Clear Skin Path
Jun 22 '01
The Bottom Line Once you have the right cleanser, a leave-on treatment might be just what you need to get back on your way to clear skin.
Before I get into a lengthy report on how to treat your skin for acne, I have to tell you to choose a cleanser first (see my essay). The right cleanser will make all the difference in your quest for clear skin. So now on to the topic of finding the right treatment for your skin to clear up your acne and keep it from coming back. Let's go over a few different choices and which one is best for you.
Salicylic Acid
As with cleansers, the highest concentration you can get in a product is 2% and the lowest is .5%. Salicylic acid is often found as a gel or liquid. Many medicated concealers contain salicylic acid. The main purpose of the ingredient is to unclog pores and keep them from clogging, so it is best for preventing acne. It can also be good at reducing swelling and redness. I recommend using salicylic acid on large zits that are "under" the skin. Salicylic acid doesn't work for everyone though, so you will need to try it for a while. It is often best for more sensitive skins because it is gentler than some of the other options. Salicylic acid treatments to try: Jane Goodskin Peelout Acne Treatment, Clarins Stop Imperfections Locales, Clear Logix Acne Serum, Clean and Clear Overnight Acne Patches, Revlon New Complexion Correct and Conceal Blemish Stick
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
AHAs come in many forms, the most common being glycolic and lactic acids. They are meant to chemically exfoliate your skins dead cells before they have a chance to clog pores and cause breakouts. They also lighten up acne scars and dark spots left over from recent acne. If you have sensitive skin be very cautious about using these and no matter what your skin type, it is best to use AHAs only once a day to prevent overirritating your skin. It is often found in concentrations of 6%, 8%, or 10%. AHA treatments to try: Sears Circle of Beauty Skinplicity AHA Serum, Clear Logix Acne Serum, Proactiv Refreshing Toner, Alpha Hydrox Extra Strength AHA Oil-free Treatment
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl Peroxide is most effective at drying out acne. Your skin will most likely become flaky in areas where you put this, so don't smear it all over your face. This is best used as a spot treatment. The highest concentration of this ingredient you can get is 10%, but if you have sensitive or dry skin then you should try the lowest- 2.5%. Try benzoyl peroxide on zits that have popped or are not "beneath" your skin's surface. You may want to try a 2.5% acne lotion or cream all over your face once or twice a week to prevent zits. Benzoyl peroxide treatments to try: Clean and Clear Persagel, Clearasil Vanishing Cream, Proactiv Repairing Lotion
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an antifungal treatment. You may be thinking one of two things: why would I use a foot (antifungal) treatment on my face or why would I put more oil on my face? Unlike other oils this won't cause breakouts and its antifungal properties can kill bacteria on your skin. This is a fairly new treatment and it doesn't dry out skin so bad since it's an oil. Tea tree oil can be helpful, but I don't suggest using it as your only acne treatment. It works best used once or twice a week. Tea Tree Oil treatments to try: Desert Essence Tea Tree Oil (found in health stores like GNC), The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil Line
The "Weird" Treatments
There are numerous "urban legends" that many strange treatments will clear acne. Toothpaste, Neosporin, and hydrocortisone cream are among these. Please don't experiment with these. I've tried all of them and they've caused nothing but more problems. It is best to stick with store products. But if your acne is really bad and no treatments will help, you should see a dermatologist.
I hope this helps! Remember: don't pick (or be gentle), drink lots of water, definitely don't smoke, and don't overirritate your skin.
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
kookygirl
|
|
Reviews written: 25
Trusted by: 5 members
|
|
|
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.