What ingredients help fight acne?





Ingredients that help clear acne work in a number of ways to keep skin blemish-free. There are many products on the market to combat acne in all its forms—from cleansers, gels, foams, leave-ons, masks, to serums—the list goes on, but which ones are the best? What ingredients need attention? Let's find out more. 

Best ingredients for acne-prone skin? 

There are a variety of ways to treat and prevent acne with over-the-counter (OTC) products. Some kill blemish-causing bacteria by clogging pores, while others remove excess oil from the skin and help skin cell renewal by accelerating the removal of layers of dead skin cells. No matter which product you choose, it's the active ingredients that provide the results, and we'll examine their benefits in more detail. 

Salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that penetrates the lower layers of the skin to unclog pores of dirt, bacteria and excess sebum buildup that, if left behind, can cause inflammation like blemishes or blackheads. Salicylic acid is found in skin care products like cleansers, serums, oils and moisturizers, all of which must contain active amounts of salicylic acid to provide the blemish-fighting benefits you need. 

You can verify the potency of the ingredients in a product by looking carefully at the ink list on the packaging. If the acid is lower than number 6 on the list, the percentage is too weak to have any effect on your skin or acne - high. Benzoyl peroxide. This ingredient helps kill all the bacteria that cause acne and other blemishes, removes excess oil that can clog pores, and removes dead skin cells that can form spots and blemishes. 

You can find concentrations of benzoyl peroxide in over-the-counter products ranging from 2.5% to 10%, and are most effective when used regularly. Some side effects to be aware of include skin redness, flaking, itching, and dry patches. Alpha Hydroxy Acids. Also known as AHAs, these acids belong to a large family of chemical peels and are commonly used in products like cleansers, toners, serums, and moisturizers. 

They work on the outer layer of the skin to loosen dead skin cells by breaking the bonds between them, making it easier to reveal radiant, vibrant new skin cells. If you're trying to fight acne, the best AHAs for your skin are glycolic and lactic acids. Both are suitable for all skin types and cleanse without over-drying. 

There are also options for prescription treatments and medicines to help with severe cases of acne, as detailed on the NHS website, including the following: Topical retinoids. Topical antibiotics. Azelaic acid. Antibiotic Tablets. For women, combined oral contraceptives. If you're concerned about acne or how to treat it, talk to your GP or dermatologist for a clearer picture of next steps in treating blemishes. 

Best Natural Ingredients for Acne? 

Certain cases of acne are often related to lifestyle and acne breakouts. When treating problem skin, your first priority is to simplify your skincare routine and take the time to watch your diet. To improve your skin and treat acne, you can try the following: 

Cut down on dairy products like cheese and milk as they can have a dramatic effect on skin clarity. Try going dairy-free for two weeks and pay attention to how your skin reacts and feels. This can be a good indicator of how your diet is affecting your skin. 

Regular exercise also helps keep your skin clear, as it promotes healthy blood flow, nourishes the skin, and prevents acne and the damage it previously caused. Exercise also reduces stress and anxiety, both of which are major causes of acne breakouts. 

Exfoliating regularly will keep your skin healthy and fight acne and blackheads. Depending on your skin type, exfoliating 2-3 times a week can remove dead skin cells and bacterial buildup, which are the main causes of acne. 

There are also some other great natural ingredients that can be used to treat acne. You can use them straight or mix them into products that help treat and prevent breakouts. 

Witch hazel. Extracted from the bark of the witch hazel shrub, witch hazel contains tannins, which have powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. While there is no scientific evidence that witch hazel is an ingredient that specifically treats acne, many studies have shown that the benefits of using witch hazel on inflamed areas are diminished by the ingredient's antibacterial abilities. Reduces inflammation and supports skin healing. 

Tea tree oil. Derived from the leaves of the Australian native Melaleuca alternifolia tree, this potent extract has become a proven anti-acne ingredient with impressive ability to reduce skin inflammation and fight bacteria. Many studies have shown that adding 5% tea tree to a formula can effectively treat acne without causing excessive dryness or irritation compared to other irritating ingredients. 

It is always recommended to dilute tea tree oil before applying it to the skin. Mix 1 part tea tree oil to 9 parts water to avoid skin reactions. Which acids are good for acne? Acids are the perfect addition to your skincare routine when you want to target problem skin. Both alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids help keep your skin looking and feeling good and, when used properly, can give your complexion a radiant glow. Here are some facial acids that are good for the skin and treat acne easily. 

Glycolic Acid - If you've never used it, this is a great starting acid. It effectively removes dead skin cells, but is gentle enough not to cause skin irritation or redness. Known as the most popular acid, glycolic acid's smaller molecular size allows it to penetrate deeper into the skin and help address a range of issues, from boosting collagen production to reducing fine lines and wrinkles, to preventing the buildup of dead skin cells that commonly occur on the skin. lead to an outbreak. 

Salicylic Acid – As the only BHA available, Salicylic Acid has a huge following due to its ability to penetrate deeper into the skin and pores than other AHAs to remove bacteria, dirt, excess oil and debris - Great for when you notice if your pores are getting enlarged, this can help reduce the appearance of pores. It's also a good idea to do a patch test before using this acid, as its strength may irritate the skin if overused or used incorrectly. 

Lactic Acid – The beauty of lactic acid is that it provides the same benefits as glycolic acid, but with moisturizing properties, making it an acid that benefits all skin types with any form of acne. Often added to personal care products due to its excellent skin-smoothing effects, lactic acid is great for fighting acne breakouts in areas like the back and chest. 


If you want to learn more about AHAs and BHAs, you can check out our blog post on their benefits. Here you will find the most important ingredients for optimal acne treatment. Ensuring that your skincare routine is tailored to your skin's needs is key to maintaining healthy, clear, and smooth skin. 

Overuse of these acids or over-exfoliation can strip the skin of all the essential water and oils it needs to keep the skin balanced and protect its barrier. Be sure to hydrate your skin with a serum rich in hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, and make sure to wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily to protect against sun damage. 




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