Effective Acne Treatment Ingredients

With the numerous products out there it is difficult to make the right decision on what to use to treat and control your acne. MD Beauty Secrets is here to help you by providing you with more information on what acne treatment ingredients work and why. In the following article we have included over-the-counter (OTC) and prescriptive products.

 

Over-The-Counter (OTC)

Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is an antibacterial and antiseptic. It is used in both OTC and prescriptive acne products. It works by killing the bacteria that causes acne (also known as Propionibacterium acnes), increasing skin turnover, helping to dry up excess oils, and removing dead skin cells that obstruct your pores.

Benzoyl peroxide is available in strengths from 2% to 10%. Since the ingredient can cause excessive dryness, flaking, redness, and irritation, it is not for everyone. If you have stubborn skin like adolescent skin or oily skin then benzoyl peroxide may be perfect for you. If you have dry skin or sensitive skin you may need to pass on products that contain this ingredient. Individuals with combination skin should only apply this ingredient on the oily areas of your skin (i.e. T-zone area).

At MD Beauty Secrets we provide aBenzoyl Peroxide 10% Washand a Benzoyl Peroxide 5% Gel.The 10% wash thoroughly cleanses acne-prone skin with a special soap-free cleanser and is fortified with benzoyl peroxide for antibacterial protection. The 5% gel is a perfect spot treatment utilizing the antibacterial properties of benzoyl peroxide.

Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid, which acts as a shedding agent. When the ingredient is applied topically it helps shed dead skin cells and reduce excessive oil that would normally clog your pores, thus causing acne.

OTC acne products that contain salicylic acid generally have a low percentage of it, 0.5% to 2% to be exact, to avoid skin irritation and excessive dryness.

Note: If you are allergic to aspirin you should not use salicylic acid, as the chemical compound in salicylic acid is similar to aspirin.

 Alpha-Hydroxy Acids

Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid that is used in OTC acne products.  It is a synthetic version of acids derived from sugar-containing fruits (i.e. cantaloupe, unripe grapes, pineapple, sugarcane, and sugar beets).  Glycolic acid treats acne by ridding your skin of dead skin cells and reducing inflammation.  When used topically, alpha-hydroxy acids also stimulate the growth of younger, healthier, and smoother skin, which can then help diminish the appearance of acne scars.

Note: Glycolic acid improves the effectiveness of other skin care products, making it exceptionally successful in treating acne. What’s more, it helps bring moisture to the skin’s surface, leaving you with a healthy and glowing complexion. Accordingly, our Glycolic Facial Toner is a great addition to your skin care regimen when treating acne or to just maintain a healthy and beautiful complexion.

Salicylic and glycolic acid are among the safest exfoliations and successful methods in increasing skin turnover. They are less harsh on your skin than most acne skin care products.

For more successful results, MD Beauty Secrets has combined glycolic and salicylic acid to treat mild to moderate acne or periodic breakouts. Furthermore, we have lowered the concentration as well for our clients to use the product(s) more regularly to control their acne breakouts without the harsh effects. TheGly/Sal 5-2 Cleanserdelivers ultra pure glycolic acid and 2% salicylic acid for gently cleansing acne prone and oily skin. The Gly/Sal 5-2 Padsare easy-to-use pads that promote exfoliation and control breakouts. The Gly/Sal 2-2 Cleanser andGly/Sal 2-2 Padsare similar but have a lower concentration of glycolic acid for more sensitive skin. The Gly/Sal pads can be used in combination with the Gly/Sal cleansers.

 

Prescriptive

Retinol

Retinol is a Vitamin A derivative that acts as a shedding agent. Used topically, retinol can safely help treat acne by clearing the skin’s pores of excess oil and dead skin cell blockage by stimulating the regeneration of new skin cells. This can also benefit patients with sun damage, scars, as well as aging skin by stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, to uphold skin elasticity.

As with any exfoliating acne treatment, retinol can cause skin irritation, dryness, and redness, especially if you have sensitive skin or use too high of a concentration or too much of the product.

MD Beauty Secrets offers Retinol Plus Smoothing Serumas a dermatological retinol option. It will not only help treat and control your acne but it will also reduce the appearance of redness, fine lines and surface wrinkles, as well as revitalize, firm, smooth and enhance skin tone and texture.

 

Taking The Extra Steps To Ensure Clear & Healthy Skin

1. Do not pick, over scrub, or pop your pimples as it can further aggravate your skin.
2. Wash your face with our mild cleansers twice a day to avoid irritation and dryness. Once in the AM and once in the PM. Don’t overdo it.
3. Don’t use too high of a concentration or too much of the product(s).
4. Acne treatments will cause drying and peeling. Use an oil-free, water-based moisturizer throughout your treatment.
5. Don’t forget to always use sunscreen.
6. If you have acne prone skin always use oil free and noncomedogenic products especially when it comes to moisturizers, makeup, sunscreens, and hair products.
7. Remember touching your face and cell phones can cause further breakouts. Be cognizant of what touches your face to avoid excess dirt, oil, and bacteria.