Acne - What it is and What Ingredients can Help

Acne is a common inflammatory skin condition consisting of whiteheads, blackheads, inflammatory lesions and spots. It includes increased sebum, irregular skin shedding, inflammation and an increase in propinobacterium. Successful treatment will aim to reduce oil production, speed up skin cell turnover, reduce inflammation and fight the bacterial infection. Reducing inflammation is particularly important in reducing the occurrence of scarring.

Initial treatment plans include topical application of products such as benzoyl peroxide, retinoids or antibiotics. Next there will be systemic treatments such as oral antibiotics, hormonal treatments (such as the contraceptive pill) or isotretinon.

If you suffer from acne it's always a good idea to go and see your GP and/or a dermatologist but if you are looking for products to help then these are some ingredients to look for. I know it's tempting to go from a strong cleanser and having clean skin is incredibly important, however, over stripping the skin is going to cause increased sebum production and more problems.

🎈 Salicylic Acid
This softens keratin, removes whiteheads and blackheads, is mildly anti-inflammatory and works as an exfoliant, encourages and regulates skin shedding and therefore prevents the clogging of pores and hair follicles. It also decreases the secretion of sebum.
Garden of Wisdom Salicylic Acid 
Mario Badescu Anti-Acne Treatment
Inkey List Beta Hydroxy Acid Exfoliant

🎈 Benzoyl Peroxide 
Reduces sebum, inhibits the growth of acne bacteria and gets rid of blackheads and spots. It takes around 4 weeks to start working and because it can cause skin irritation so it's best to build up your usage of it.
Acnecide 5% 

🎈 Sulphur 
This is used to treat various skin conditions as it's anti-inflammatory and it's antibacterial properties properties stops the growth of some bacteria. It also absorbs excess sebum. You don't want to overdo this as it can increase sebum production and can change the skin barrier.causes mild shedding of the top layer of skin. Helps clear away dead skin. It's a natural occurring mineral found in hot springs, clay and volcanic ash. Can soothe rosacea by reducing inflammation and killing bacteria. Its an essential part of collagen production.
Kate Somerville EradiKate Cleanser
Dr Dennis Gross Clarifying Collodial Sulphur Mask
Indie Lee Clearing Mask

🎈 AHAs 
Glycolic acid is the most frequently used as it induces desquamation and exfoliation of keratin. They also have antimicrobial properties and uses often see significant improvement by 45 days.
Superdrug Glycolic Toner
Garden of Wisdom Glycolic Toner 

🎈 Retinoids 
Dermatologists have agreed that these are essential in the treatment of acne. They regulate skin shedding, help reduce the amount of blackheads and whiteheads and are anti-inflammatory.
Garden of Wisdom 5% Retinoid 
Skinceuticals 0.3 Retinoid 

🎈 Niacinamide 
Helps keep your skin hydrated and firm. Soothes acne and rosacea as it's a great anti-inflammatory. Encourages the production of ceramides which for a protective barrier. Works best at a concentration of 5%. Helps prevent trans-epidermal water loss. Helps slow the transfer of melanin so helps with pigmentation.
Garden of Wisdom Niacinamide Serum

Recently for the Facebook group I did a chart of my favourite products for oily skin which might be helpful for you.

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