Q. What products do you use to treat acne?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
When it comes to treating acne, there are a plethora of products available in the market today. The first and most important step is to identify your skin type since different types of skin require different treatments for acne. Here is a list of some of the top products that I have used personally for my own acne treatment:
1) Benzoyl Peroxide: This is an antibacterial medication which helps reduce inflammation and kills off the bacteria that cause breakouts. It also helps unclog pores and can be found in many over-the-counter medications such as PanOxyl, Oxy Balance and Brevoxyl.
2) Retinoids: Topical retinoids like tretinoin help unclog pores by removing dead skin cells from the surface, allowing other topical medications like benzoyl peroxide to penetrate deeper into the skin's layers. Retinoids come in various forms such as creams, gels or lotions - popular brands include Differin Gel, Tazorac Cream or Avage Cream among others.
3) Salicylic Acid: Another effective anti-acne ingredient is salicylic acid which exfoliates away dead cells from within clogged pores thereby reducing their size and eliminating blackheads/whiteheads caused due to them. Salicylic acid can be found in products like Stridex pads or Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash among others.
4) Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): These ingredients help increase cell turnover rate so as to get rid of old cells on the surface which can clog up pores preventing further breakouts from happening again; AHAs such as glycolic acid are found in chemical exfoliants like SkinCeuticals LHA Cleansing Gel or Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser respectively .
5) Sulfur based cleansers : Some mild sulfur based cleansers also help treat mild forms of acne due to its antiseptic properties; these include items such as Mario Badescu Drying Mask, Clean & Clear Persa-gel 10 etc
6 ) Tea tree oil : Last but not least , Tea Tree Oil has anti bacterial properties and hence it helps reduce inflammation caused due high levels of bacteria on the skin , making it ideal for spot treatments ; popular brands offering this ingredient includes Desert Essence Natural Tea Tree Oil , Thursday Plantation’s 100% pure Australian tea tree oil etc .
Apart from using topical solutions , one should follow basic hygiene practices such drinking plenty water throughout day ; eating healthy foods with vitamins A & E along with fatty acids ; sleeping regularly at fixed times everyday along with good amount exercise should all become part daily routine when trying treat acne problem . Additionally use gentle skincare products while avoiding harsh ones which might irritate your complexion even further .