How To Get Rid Of Acne

There are so many over the counter products available that claim to fight acne, it is worth looking at the active ingredients they contain and how they work to get rid of acne. First we will take another look at what causes acne to help you to understand how to get rid of it.

Formation of Acne Lesions

An oily substance called sebum is produced in the sebaceous glands to keep the skin lubricated. It usually travels into the hair follicle, and along the hair shaft onto the skin’s surface. However when too much sebum is produced, it can pool in the hair follicle along with dead skin cells, forming a plug and possibly rupturing the walls of the follicle. When bacteria combine with the sebum and skin cells, inflammation and an acne pimple is usually the result.

How to get rid of Acne Lesions

Products used to treat acne work in various ways. Some kill the specific bacteria which trigger acne, while others take away excess sebum from the skin. There are further products that promote the production of new skin cells and the removal of dead skin cells. Some products have a combination of these properties, making them really effective at getting rid of acne.

The way in which these over the counter products work to get rid of acne depends on their active ingredients. Here are a few of the common active ingredients in acne treatments and the way that they work to get rid of acne.

How does Benzoyl Peroxide get rid of Acne?

Benzoyl Peroxide is possibly the most effective ingredient when it comes to getting rid of acne. As well as killing the bacteria that can cause a flare up, it assists in removing sebum from the skin and gets rid of dead skin cells that can block follicles.

However, care should be taken with the use of benzoyl peroxide as it can make the skin very red and dry, with some scaling or minor swelling. Some people find they are more prone to sunburn when they are using benzoyl peroxide.

Benzoyl peroxide is available in different strengths from 2.5% to 10% and it is a good idea to begin with a lower strength and work up until you find a product that is effective for your particular acne.

How does Salicylic Acid get rid of Acne?

Products with salicylic acid as an active ingredient work by reducing amount of skin cells that are shed inside the hair follicles, preventing clogging and the formation of an acne lesion. They may also clear spots with white heads (blocked follicles with no opening) and spots with black heads (open blocked follicles with a dark surface).

Again, over the counter salicylic acid products come in different strengths, from 0.5% to 2%, and it is recommended that you start with a low strength as salicylic acid can irritate the skin.

How do Sulphur and Resorcinol get rid of Acne?

Some acne products contain a mixture of sulphur and resorcinol, which work to remove dead skin cells and excess sebum from the skin. These active ingredients help to break down whiteheads and blackheads in the same way as salicylic acid.

Side effects of sulphur and resorcinol include redness and peeling of the skin. Often these side effects do not appear immediately, but only several days after using the product.

How do Alcohol and Acetone get rid of Acne?

Over the counter products that contain alcohol or acetone usually come in the form cleansing washes or astringents. They work by removing dirt, sebum and some dead skin cells from the face.

Side effects of alcohol or acetone are usually mild, but these products can cause a slight burning or stinging sensation on the skin.

How to get rid of Acne as part of your everyday routine

There are many things you can do to control your acne instead of, or as well as using over the counter products.

Here are some examples:

· Avoid oily cosmetics, sun creams and hair greases. Look for products labelled ‘ oil free’ or ‘non comedogenic’

· Wash the affected are twice daily with a non medicated cleanser or soap, but don’t overdo it as excessive scrubbing can cause acne to flare up.