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If you’re struggling with acne, you’re not alone. Acne is one of the most common skin conditions that affect Americans. In fact, as many as 80% of Americans will have to deal with acne at some point in their lives. Many of these people will end up speaking with a dermatologist about their problem. Skincare treatments that can get rid of acne can be rather expensive.
There are a plethora of over-the-counter anti-acne products out there. However, some of these products are using buzzwords to attract attention. They don’t actually include any active ingredients that can help reduce acne and acne scars. Before investing a lot of money on skincare products, you should always take some time to learn about the active ingredients that can help with acne. If you are unsure of which ingredients will help, speak with a dermatologist.
This article will look at 5 the most common active ingredients that dermatologists in Southlake, TX recommend.
#1. Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is perhaps one of the most common active ingredients that doctors look for in anti-acne products. This ingredient will help prevent pores from getting clogged or plugged, and is one of the main ingredients present in most over-the-counter anti-acne products. You’ll usually want to look for a product that contains anywhere from 0.5 to 5% salicylic acid for best results.
It’s important to note that there are some possible side effects with using salicylic acid. Some consumers have reported mild stinging and skin irritation; however, these side effects are not permanent.
#2. Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is another common ingredient that you’ll find in over-the-counter anti-acne products. This ingredient does a great job at killing bacteria that causes acne. In a way, it prevents acne from forming at all. Benzoyl peroxide can also help remove excess oil and dead skin cells. This clears up the skin and prevents your pores from clogging. In general, you’ll want to look for products that contain anywhere from 2.5 to 10% of this ingredient.
Like with salicylic acid, there are some side effects that you should be wary of. Benzoyl peroxide has been known to cause dry skin, scaling and redness. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to stray away from this ingredient. You should also speak to a dermatologist before using this active ingredient, as it may end up irritating your skin. There may be better alternatives out there.
#3. Clay
That’s right. Clay is not only for pottery. It’s also a great ingredient for those who are struggling with acne, and can help unclog pores and soothe skin. Clay has anti-inflammatory properties that will prevent inflammation and also temporarily reduce oil production, which will also help reduce acne. It’s one of the best calming ingredients out there, and it’s always easy to find an effective mask to put on after a long day. The clay may also brighten your skin and give it a beautiful glow!
#4. Sulfur
This may sound like a weird ingredient, but it’s actually very effective at fighting acne. Sulfur does a great job at removing and getting rid of dead skin cells on your face. It’ll also remove any excess oil that’s present. These two abilities will allow sulfur to help unclog your pores. In many cases, sulfur will be found in over-the-counter anti-acne products that contain other ingredients in our list, like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide.
With that said, you should consult with a dermatologist before using any products that contain sulfur, as sulfur can be drying on the skin. It may actually irritate those who already have dry skin. This ingredient is also often associated with an unpleasant odor.
#5. Alpha Hydroxy Acids
There are many different types of alpha hydroxy acids that can be found in over-the-counter anti-acne products. Two of the most popular types include glycolic acid and lactic acid. Both are loved by dermatologists, as they can do a great job at reducing acne.
These acids work by removing dead skin cells and reducing inflammation. They’ll often soothe skin as well, so it feels more relaxed. Some alpha hydroxy acids stimulate the growth of new skin, which will reduce pores and give you a more balanced tone and complexion. These active ingredients can improve the appearance of acne scars if used for long periods of time.
As there are many different types of alpha hydroxy acids, it can be difficult to discern which one may be most beneficial for your skin. Fortunately, our dermatologists can take a look at your skin and give you a more in-depth analysis of the type of acids that will be more effective for your skin, so you only purchase products that work for you! Keep in mind that different ingredients are more effective for different skin types and tones.
Compassion Dermatology Can Help!
There are actually a lot of over the counter anti acne products out there that can make a huge difference to your skin. They can unclog your pores and get rid of acne. Some of these products may even prevent acne scars from forming. The only issue is that it is often difficult for consumers to find the right product for their skin. Without the help of a dermatologist in Southlake, TX, many consumers fall into the Trap of purchasing products based on the buzzwords that are on the packaging. They actually have no idea whether the ingredients in the products are effective at all.
If you want to have clear, beautiful skin, give Compassion Dermatology a call at 817-380-5911. Or, you can even request an appointment online! We can help you find the products that you need. Or, we can even recommend certain skin care treatments that can help you get flawless skin. Together, we can build a plan for you that will help you achieve the skin goals that you may have with ease. Everyone has different skin and our dermatologists can tailor our program to your needs. We can help you find both over-the-counter anti-acne products or write you a prescription!
