Cream for acne

Cream for acne

When skin pores become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, acne appears in the form of blackheads, whiteheads and pimples or, in severe cases, becomes inflammatory, resulting in deep scars and disfiguring cysts.

Acne can be treated with over-the-counter medications such as acne cream, apart from of course drinking plenty of fluids and eating a balanced diet. Acne cream usually contains the following ingredients: benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, sulfur, resorcinol. It is important to use acne-fighting products that target existing acne and control the outbreak of potential acne. The ingredient benzoyl peroxide is highly effective and helps reduce acne by removing dead skin cells.

However, one notable side effect that has been observed due to its use is excessive dryness of the skin. It is therefore important not to apply acne creams more frequently than directed or if otherwise recommended by your dermatologist/doctor.

Another prominent ingredient is salicylic acid. This component is often used in the treatment of non-inflammatory or mild acne and essentially helps in unclogging pores by treating the problem of abnormal skin cell shedding. However, one of the most highlighted side effects of salicylic acid is that it irritates the skin.

Other common ingredients in acne cream are a mixture of alcohol, which has a mild antimicrobial property, and acetone, which is a degreasing component when used with alcohol, although using acetone itself without alcohol has no effect on the skin. Another commonly used ingredient in acne medications is resorcinol, which helps prevent further acne breakouts.

Resorcinol is often used with sulfur, another popular ingredient that is also used with alcohol and salicylic acid. However, sulfur is not used as widely as other ingredients due to its unpleasant smell.

Acne cream therefore usually contains these ingredients or a mixture of some of these ingredients. However, if certain over-the-counter medications cause skin irritation or abnormalities, it is advisable to immediately stop using these medications and, if necessary, see a dermatologist for further consultation to avoid skin scarring and future acne breakouts.

For women, one way to control scarring due to acne is to use oily makeup and wash the face with warm water at least twice a day. Many of us love to pick or squeeze the rashes on our skin, which unfortunately leads to infection, inflammation and scarring of the skin. Any form of dealing with acne, be it through applying make-up or simply touching or scrubbing the skin, would lead to scarring. Also, a potential, although rare, risk identified by doctors is that squeezing acne, such as a pimple, can lead to infection and even infect the brain, causing unforeseen complications.

As with other diseases, acne is best controlled when treated early and carefully, and mild acne can be controlled with appropriate medication such as an acne cream. Persistent use of medication, a healthy lifestyle, especially a definition of a balanced diet, sufficient water and a stress-free environment work wonders for the entire body system including the skin.

Inspired by Jen Carter