Which Acne Treatment Is The Best Pick For You Lets Find Out
Acne is one of the topmost causes of low confidence in many men and women. In the age of social media, where everyone is showing off their perfect features, a visible condition like acne can lead to an individual feeling under confident. Naturally, the market is brimming with a myriad of acne treatments. From acne scar treatments to acne spot treatments, to blemish fading creams to drying solutions, we have it all. The downside of this smorgasbord of options is the confusion it brings with it. Acne is a complicated skin condition, which if not treated correctly can worsen your skin. And while all of these many acne treatments sound promising, finding out the one that is suitable for you is crucial.
In order to find the best treatment for your acne, you need to find three things out – your skin type, your acne type, and the cause of your acne. While smaller acne occurrences like period acne or sparse whiteheads can be handled well by your average anti-acne skincare, persistent or flared up acne conditions require an expert opinion. This can help your skin receive targeted treatment, and you can say goodbye to acne woes quickly and safely.
Layer On Your Essences And Serums
Next, apply your daily treatmentsessences, serums, and the like. If youre prone to blemishes, we recommend seeking out lightweight formulas that hydrate your skin without leaving behind an oily residue. Formulas that help reduce the appearance of large pores can also be beneficial for those with blemish-prone skin. Ultimately, though, its a matter of personal preference. Whichever products you choose, remember to layer them in order of weight: Your lighter products should be applied first, followed by your richer, more hydrating formulas. For more details on how to layer skincare products, check out our article Your Skincare Routine Order: A Step-By-Step Guide.
Step 3:
Acne Treatment With Hydrocolloid Patches
Another form of acne treatment is with hydrocolloid bandages or patches. Hydrocolloid bandages are used to help reduce the size of zits and minimize the appearacne of acne by absorbing the oils and pus from your pimple. While there are pimple patches, sheets of hydrocolloid bandages have proven to work just as well. You are able to apply the whole sheet to the desired area or cut out a piece to fit comfortably on your pimple, this also helps keep you from picking at your zit causing it to become inflammed. Wear it overnight or just for a couple of hours, and you’ll be able to see the bandage go from clear to white spots from all it’s absorbed. Once removed, you’ll notice the pimple has now been flattened out and even reduced in size.
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Apply Green Tea To Your Skin
Green tea is very high in antioxidants, and drinking it can promote good health.
It may also help reduce acne. This is likely because the polyphenols in green tea help fight bacteria and reduce inflammation, which are two main causes of acne .
There isnt much research exploring the benefits of drinking green tea when it comes to acne, and more studies are needed.
In one small study with 80 women, participants took 1,500 mg of green tea extract daily for 4 weeks. By the end of the study, women who took the extract had less acne on their noses, chins, and around their mouths .
Research has also found that drinking green tea may lower blood sugar and insulin levels, which are factors that can contribute to the development of acne .
Many studies also indicate that applying green tea directly to the skin may help with acne.
Research shows that the main antioxidant in green tea epigallocatechin-3-gallate reduces sebum production, fights inflammation, and inhibits the growth of P. acnes in individuals with acne-prone skin .
Multiple studies have found that applying green tea extract to the skin significantly reduces sebum production and pimples in those with acne .
You can buy creams and lotions that contain green tea, but its just as easy to make your own mixture at home.
Peter Thomas Roth Acne Spot And Area Treatment
This is one of the best acne treatments for those whose acne is best vanquished with sulfur. It includes 5% colloidal sulfur to fight the acne bacteria and 4% glycolic acid to speed up recovery through exfoliation. It comes as a thin cream that doesnt irritate the skin. You can find it at .
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Kiehls Since 1851 Blue Herbal Spot Treatment
A mixture of natural ingredients like frankincense oil, witch hazel and ginger root extract works to calm down active breakouts, while salicylic acid penetrates the skin to exfoliate and help get rid of pimples. This clear gel is ideal for most, except those who have sensitive skin. Buy it at !
Panoxyl 4 Acne Creamy Wash
Benzoyl Peroxide is a very well-known acne treating ingredient. In fact, most dermatologists recommend products that contain benzoyl peroxide for anyone battling acne. This creamy wash comes infused with 4% benzoyl peroxide, which makes it a good choice for novices who are considering OTC treatment.
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Acnefree Terminator Spot Treatment
It is a product worthy of note, thanks to its effect on oily skins that are prone to acne. It is one of the products because it also works on combination skin.
The other features that make it one of the best over the counter acne spot treatment are highlighted below:
Pros:
- Its 10% benzoyl peroxide content get rid of acne from the skin
- The result is fast
- It leaves no residue on the sin
- It is relatively affordable
- You need to use it continuously
- Its gel-like texture is not admirable to many
Innbeauty Project Pimple Paste
- Price: $
- Prescription: No
- Type of acne: Inflammatory acne
This spot treatment for acne comes recommended by Zeichner, who emphasizes the effectiveness of sulfur in acne products: Sulfur-based products are available both over the counter and by prescription. They have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties to help lower inflammation in the skin.
Instead of drying out acne with toothpaste, which can contain ingredients that are too harsh for skin, this paste contains active ingredients proven to combat breakouts, including sulfur, azelaic acid, and tea tree oil.
It also contains witch hazel, which is commonly used in home remedies for acne.
Apply overnight as a spot treatment and rinse away in the morning. This paste should not be used as an all-over treatment, but it can be applied in a thin layer to larger clusters of lesions.
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Kate Somerville Eradikate Acne Treatment
This little liquid is an unusual yet very well reviewed acne spot treatment. It is two-layered, with a sulfur and zinc oxide powder at the bottom and alcohol at the top. It kills bacteria and creates a protective layer over the pimple, allowing it to disappear more quickly. Pick it up from Ulta!
Formula 1006 On Your Mark Blemish Mark Fader
If you like roller-ball applicators, then youll definitely enjoy this fun spot treatment! It helps get rid of pimples with the exfoliating, antibacterial powers of salicylic acid. It also contains some essential oils that might not work with certain skin types. It is available for purchase through Ulta.
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How To Make A Scrub At Home
Summary
Exfoliation is the process of removing the top layer of dead skin cells. It may reduce the appearance of scars and discoloration, but more research needs to be done on its ability to treat acne.
The relationship between diet and acne has been debated for years.
Research suggests that dietary factors, such as insulin and glycemic index, may be associated with acne .
A foods glycemic index is a measure of how quickly it raises your blood sugar.
Eating high GI foods causes a spike in insulin, which likely increases sebum production. As a result, high GI foods may directly affect the development and severity of acne.
Foods with a high glycemic index include processed foods, such as:
- white bread
- nuts
- whole or minimally processed grains
In one study, 66 people followed either a normal or low glycemic diet. After 2 weeks, the individuals consuming a low glycemic diet had lower levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 , a hormone involved in acne development .
Another study in 64 people found that those with moderate or severe acne ate diets with more carbohydrates and a higher glycemic load than those without acne .
These small studies suggest that a low glycemic diet may help those with acne-prone skin. Additional larger, longer studies are needed.
The relationship between dairy and acne is highly controversial.
General Tips For Getting The Most Out Of Your Acne Spot Treatments
Less is more. I know you want that zit gone now but dabbing at it with a spot treatment every few hours will only dry out your skin and make it feel and look worse. Stick to the instructions and start slow.
Don’t double up spot treatments with harsh cleansers and retinol. You’re more likely to irritate and dry out your skin. It can also make you extra sun-sensitive and end up with a nasty sunburn.
For deep nodule acne, spot treatments probably aren’t going to be much help. Spot treatments are great for acne at the surface of the skin, but for nodules, you’re best off seeing a dermatologist or trying a chemical peel.
And lastly, seriously, don’t touch it. I know, I know. You want to. It’s right there and, in your mind, flashing like a big red sign to everyone you pass. It’s not. I know it seems impossible, but try to leave it alone. Let the spot treatment do its thing.
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Best Acne Spot Treatments
The following sections look at some of the best acne treatments and how they work. Some are available without a prescription, while others require a professional diagnosis.
It is important to note that several acne treatments increase sensitivity to sunlight. A person should wear a non-irritating sunscreen while using acne treatment.
Best For Sensitive Skin: Kiehl’s Breakout Control Targeted Acne Spot Treatment
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Pricier than other options
Key Ingredients
Sulfur is a natural element that is an essential component for all living cells. Sulfur-based products can help reduce acne due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties.
If you have sensitive skin that gets irritated by benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, you may want to try a sulfur-based acne treatment like this one from Kiehl’ssulfur has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, and it helps to soften and exfoliate dead skin. Plus, this formula contains niacinamide to help brighten the skin. Translation: your pimple will be a thing of the past before you know it.
Type: Lotion | Active Ingredients: Sulfur, vitamin B3 | Size: 0.68 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | No
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Apply Your Spot Treatment
After giving your skincare treatments time to absorb, you can go ahead and apply your spot treatment. If youre using a spot treatment for acne , dispense a small amount of the product onto clean fingertips, then dab the formula directly onto your skin. For individual blemishes, you dont need much product at all: A dot the size of a sunflower seed should be plenty . To treat larger areasfor example, a patch of pimples on your foreheadstart with a pea-sized amount of product. Gently smooth the spot treatment over the entire affected area to blend the product into your skin.
For dark spot treatments like Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Corrector, youll want to apply a thin, even layer of the serum to the affected area and lightly tap the product in. Again, allow the formula to absorb before continuing to the next step in your routine.
Kiehls Tip: Generally speaking, you should apply spot treatments to freshly washed skin. Spot-clean individual blemishes with a wet cotton swab before applying your spot treatment to help get the most out of your chosen formula.
Step 4:
What Products Clear Up Acne Fast
Two kinds of skincare products can help in getting rid of acne fast – soothing and drying. Soothing products like aloe vera gel, chamomile solution, and peppermint oil can help in bringing inflammation down, and hence reducing the appearance of acne. Drying skincare products like tea tree oil, azelaic acid acne spot treatment and acne drying solutions can help in eradicating bacteria from the infected spot.
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Belli Beauty Acne Control Spot Treatment
Some pregnant women prefer to stay away from the more common anti-acne ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, but the sulfur and tea tree oil can work almost as well to help get rid of pimples. You dont have to be pregnant to give this spot treatment a try! You can find it online through Dermstore.
Tula Acne Go Away Spot Treatment
If youre looking for a product thatll not only treat existing acne, but will also fade and brighten dark spots, the Acne Go Away Spot Treatment from Tula is just what you need.
Suitable for all skin tones, it contains a number of interesting ingredients, including benzoyl peroxide to clear pimples and reduce inflammation, probiotic extracts and tea tree oil to soothe the skin and increase smoothness, and a potent combo of niacinamide, retinol, and azelaic acid to brighten hyperpigmentation.
The clinical studies that have featured this product back up its efficacy. After just 24 hours of use, 90% of participants noticed a reduction in inflamed pimples, with this figure increasing to 93% after the acne treatment was used for just a week.
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How Spot Treatments Work
Spot treatments work by delivering acne-fighting ingredients directly to the offending blemish. Spot treatments can help reduce redness, swelling, and pain. They can also help loosen or dissolve the blockage within the pore that created the blemish in the first place.
Spot treatments only work for minor, surface-level papules and pustules. They won’t treat deeper, more severe blemishes like acne nodules or acne cysts. These blemishes form much deeper within the skin, where the spot treatments can’t reach.
Spot treatments are most helpful if you only succumb to the occasional zit here and there. If you battle more frequent breakouts or break out regularly, spot treatments arent going to be quite as beneficial.
Peace Out Acne Healing Dots $19
Pimple patches are awesome spot treatments because theyre super convenient, contain blemish-fighting ingredients and will help prevent you from picking or popping your pimples.
I love these specifically for a pimple because they are not only made of the healing hydro-colloidal material but it also contains Salicylic Acid , master esthetician Nicole Caroline told The Post.
Aloe Vera for its soothing properties, and Retinyl acetate which a version of Retinol to get down a little deeper and kill the bacteria at its source, Caroline added. I like to couple these patches with different spot treatments, using them in combination depending upon the severity .
Board-certified dermatologist raved about this spot treatment from Humane.
This 5% benzoyl peroxide acne spot treatment is a great option for breakouts as it helps to reduce acne-causing bacteria, while also incorporating aloe vera and cucumber extract to soothe the skin and licorice root extract to reduce inflammation and hyperpigmentation, Garshick said.
Its a great option for sensitive skin as it is free of alcohol, parabens, phthalates, fragrance, sulfates and more.
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Murad Rapid Relief Acne Spot Treatment
Salicylic acid is a proven ingredient, which is why its showing up in so many of the best acne spot treatments. It penetrates the skin to exfoliate within the pore and eliminate build-up. In this creamy formula, it is paired with skin soothers like horse chestnut extract and witch hazel. Find it at !
The Best Treatments For Teen Acne According To Dermatologists
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If you made it through your teens without a breakout, consider yourself something of a unicorn. Acne, a skin disorder that primarily affects the face, shoulders, chest and back, plagues an estimated 80 percent of people between ages 11 and 30 at some point, according to The National Institutes for Health.
Fueled by fluctuating hormones that increase oil production , breakouts happen when that oil combines with dead skin cells, trapping bacteria, causing inflammation and clogging pores, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
To keep the skin from getting dry, the skin makes oil in little wells called sebaceous glands that are found in the deeper layers of the skin. Whiteheads or blackheads are clogged sebaceous glands. Blackheads are not caused by dirt blocking the pores, but rather by oxidation . People with acne have glands that make more oil and are more easily plugged, causing the glands to swell, explains Adnan Mir, MD, Committee Chair for the Society for Pediatric Dermatology, Assistant Professor at New York Medical College, and dermatopathologist at Dermpath Diagnostics in Port Chester, New York.
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