How To Treat Acne

I have suffered from acne for many years now, suffered being the key word here. Many people will experience this at some point in their life as just a phase. But for some unlucky people like myself acne keeps coming back with a vengeance. I have tried many products and there are lots of things out there that work. So here are some things I hope will help.

When you are out searching for products keep an eye out for products that contain: Salicylic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide, these are 2 of the most popular treatments to help reduce Acne.

Salicylic Acid is a chemical exfoliant that treats pimples, whiteheads and blackheads by absorbing into the pores to clean dirt and oil.

Benzoyl Peroxide works by destroying the bacteria that causes acne in the first place
                                                 CLEANSERS

Neutrogena Deep Clean $6.99, Neutrogena Oil Free Pink Grapefruit $7.99, Neutrogena Redness Soothing $7.99

It's important to have a good skin routine and use products that are suitable for your skin type, one of my favourite brands is Neutrogena, I always keep coming back to their face washes because I think they are really good.  Neutrogena has a great range of cleansers, I have been using the Deep Clean for years. It cleans the skin and doesn't irritate. I also really really like the new range of Oil Free cleansers they have brought out containing Salicylic Acid, there are formulations for every skin type such as foam cleansers and soap bars.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash $6.49, Neutrogena Oil Free Foaming Cleanser $6.49, Neutrogena Acne Prone Soap Bar  $2.99

MOISTURIZERS

Oilatum $12, Cetaphil $11, Dermalogica Active Moist $50

If you have acne it is recommended to use an oil-free moisturizer. Personally I think it's up to you I don't follow this because my skin is even more dry due to using medicated creams so an oil-free moisturizer doesn't do much to hydrate my skin. I like to use a thicker cream on my face like E45 and it does not break me out.

TREATMENTS

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion $17, Avene Triacneal $22, Origins Spot Remover $16

Using treatments like these once in a while can also be very helpful in combating acne. These are a couple of the most popular out there. The Mario Badescu Drying Lotion and the Origins Spot remover both contain Salicylic Acid  and are applied to individual spots at night to "shrink" them. The Avene Triacneal contains Gycolic Acid and has a mini peeling effect on the surface of the skin to eliminate imperfections. 

NIGHT TIME CARE

Afirm 1X $39

The Vitamin A family are know to have great effects on the skin, fighting acne and preventing wrinkles. For me this the crucial step of my skin care routine, this the only product that has made noticable difference to my skin. Retinol and it's cousin Retin-A work by increasing cell turnover shedding dead skin and increasing collagen production to give beautiful smooth skin.

GADGETS

Zeno Hotspot $39, Zeno $160, Lumie Clear $239

I have to say I really want the Zeno, I love gadgets and really want to give this a try! The Zeno works by delivering a low level of heat to the skin follicle destroying bacteria and reducing inflammation. The Zeno should be used as soon as you feel a spot coming on, it can also help lighten blemishes. The Zeno Hotspot is a smaller and cheaper version of the original. And the Lumie Clear is a handheld device that delivers blue light therapy to kill bacteria and red light therapy to reduce inflammation. It is recommended to use for 15 mins a day to treat mild to moderate acne, users can notice a difference in just 4 weeks.

                                                     SUPPLEMENTS

Lastly there is one last thing that does work, Taking Zinc is also great for reducing acne and helps the skin heal faster but it shouldn't be taken at the same time as other acne medications as it may interfere. I have also tried Evening Primrose Oil as it is good for regulating hormonal balance. You have to use these things continuously to see a difference.