The Best Acne Creams: Know What To Look For
There are literally hundreds of over the counter acne cream products in just about every mom-and-pop’s drug store and pharmacies around the world. However, what most of these brands never acknowledge—at least publically—is that, in one way or another, they almost have all of the same components and ingredients. Whether this is in a cream, ointment, or gel form, these are just but different variations of the same things. But we are not dissuading you from buying your tried and trusted brand; on contrast, they also have some “unique” elements, whether it is in the uses of natural extracts or in the concentration of its chemicals, that only those particular brands can boast of.
So how can we know what the “essential” ingredients are in acne creams? As you will soon read below, one of these compounds, at the very least, are what makes a part of your favourite acne cream. Read on below to find out.
Benzoyl Peroxide (BP) is, without a doubt, one of the most common compounds utilized in over the counter acne cream products. It has been proven to help clear moderate to severe cases of acne. It also has the necessary capability to enter the deep layers of the skin to exterminate the infestation of P. Acnes bacteria. Very effective, don’t you think? Well, it should be, since—before it had been “processed” to treat acne—it had been initially intended as a bleach for fabrics a long time ago. Talk about strong!
Other benefits of benzoyl peroxide include decreased irritation and redness at the affected areas, helps release the clogging up of pores through the lessening of whiteheads and blackheads, and is also a good exfoliating agent. Just apply benzoyl peroxide on the affected area two times a day in a span of five days, and soon you will notice that the acne on your skin is already clearing up.
Another acne cream that you should look out for is one where it contains the compound known as salicylic acid. It has obvious advantages over benzoyl peroxide, namely that it can be mainly used for sensitive skin whereas benzoyl peroxide has a great risk of greatly irritating it. Salicylic acid is indicated for the cases of mild acne. It can also make the shedding of dead skin cells much faster than it was before, and is also a “preparatory” medication for other more stronger and more potent acne treatments.
Originally used for fever and the relief of body pains, it also is a close “cousin” to the medication that we all know as aspirin. Since salicylic acid is “gentler” than other acne creams in the market, it can only affect the outer surface of the skin and is unable to reach the dermis or the layer of the skin, in which case benzoyl peroxide can be able to do. While it can be just as effective as benzoyl peroxide, the treatment is “gradual” in nature, with some lasting up to three months.
These are only two of the more common materials used for acne creams everywhere. It should be noted, though, that you have to consult your dermatologist as to what acne cream you should purchase.
If you enjoyed this post, please consider to leave a comment or subscribe to the feed and get future articles delivered to your feed reader.
