4 Most Important Acne-Fighting Ingredients

Persistent acne outbreaks are both annoying and embarrassing skin conditions that sap confidence quickly. With the abundance of confusing treatments and active ingredients that line skin care aisle shelves, it is easy to give up in exasperation. To help ease your confusion, here are four most important acne-fighting ingredients that help prevent pimples and make skin clearer.

Salicylic Acid
When shopping for an acne medication the major blemish fighter is listed on the package. Salicylic acid is quite common in over-the-counter acne skin treatments. This exfoliant related to aspirin gently counters acne by keeping the inside of hair follicles clean Salicylic acid is best used in quantities of two percent (as marked on packaging). This beta hydroxy acid and anti-inflammatory is also quite effective at preventing pimple scars by working within the skin to fight bacteria and other dirt that cause infection. Although salicylic acid is harmless, skin irritations such as stinging, burning, redness and dryness can occur.

Benzoyl Peroxide
Sometimes preventing an acne flair-up is impossible, which can lead to picking at pimples. Benzoyl peroxide works on pimples by exposing acne bacteria to oxygen, which kills them, thereby reducing the number of pimples that are produced. Just as common as salicylic acid in skincare products, benzoyl peroxide performs a number of tasks, such as bacteria killing, skin exfoliation and subduing excess oils. It can be found in many acne medications and washes, and is available in strengths from two to ten percent. However, its strength can upset sensitive skin. Burning, redness, dryness and flaking are some common side effects.

Tea-Tree Oil
Fighting acne with an oil may seem counterproductive, but not so with tea-tree oil. This natural oil has been show to reduce acne outbreaks by drying out pimples. Tea-tree oil is found in many natural skincare products on the market, or can be purchased and used on its own. However, it is not as effective on larger breakouts and cystic acne blisters, and works well in conjunction with a skincare routine that includes salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Although tea-tree oil is natural, it can still have some negative side effects, such as dryness, redness, burning and itchiness.

Sulfur
Sulfur's acne-fighting properties have been known for a long time, all the way back to ancient Greece. While this substance may smell of rotten eggs, it packs quite a punch in the fight against pimples. Usually applied as a mask or spot treatment, sulfur fights acne by drying out blisters and the skin, which sucks acne-causing bacteria out of the skin. Although most skin-drying products are discouraged, sulfur dries out skin in a good way. Oil is reduced and pores won't be clogged. Sulfur side effects are minimal, and many sulfur products on the market contain items to cover the smell.

All skin care routines with these products will be enhanced with the use of a good, oil-free moisturizer. If no improvement is made against acne, or if it gets worse, a specialist skin clinic is recommended. Use discretion when choosing a new skin care product that contains these active ingredients.

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