If you’re into makeup and skincare, then you probably already know all about the different treatments for acne and breakouts. However, everyone should have a skincare routine, even if you don’t break out, because you can practice it preemptively. Having a good skincare routine is one of the most important things you can do for your skin. There are so many different products that you can use to protect and look after your skin. If you’re not sure where to buy these products, you can get some over the counter and others you can find from an online shop.
Every treatment and product will have pros and cons that you should be aware of, and some are also suited to different skin types, so it helps to know your skin type before deciding which method to try. You also need to be aware that You can combine not all products, so it is better to stick to one at a time to protect your skin.
1. Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is commonly found as a cream that you can get over the counter, but if needed, a doctor can also prescribe a stronger version. If you have sensitive skin, consider using a different product or a lower concentration of benzoyl peroxide, as most products contain between 2.5 and 10%. People who use benzoyl peroxide to treat mild and sometimes even severe acne often start to see results in just 3-5 days. You can combine this product with other acne treatments, such as retinoids, to achieve better and faster results. The one con of using benzoyl peroxide is that it may dry your skin, which is why those with sensitive skin are advised to use a lower concentration.
2. Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is most commonly found in face washes and serums and is used to exfoliate and remove dead cells from your skin while also smoothing the surface. In addition, you can use it to help treat mild acne outbreaks. Most salicylic products have a concentration of between 0.5 and 2% and are available over the counter. One advantage of salicylic acid is that most skin types, even sensitive skin, can handle the concentration, and it can effectively reduce acne for all skin types. There are many pros to using salicylic acid, including its affordability. Still, one of the cons is that some formulas contain witch hazel, which can cause dermatitis for some people.
3. Retinoids
Retinoids are derived from vitamin A and are used to reduce inflammation and prevent pimples from forming. Many studies have looked into retinoids, and while they are effective in treating acne, there are potential side effects. These include dryness, peeling, and irritation. In addition, if you are pregnant, you should speak to your doctor before using vitamin A because it can potentially cause birth abnormalities. Retinoids, because they derive from vitamin A can also be incredibly strong, so it is best to apply at night and to limit your sun exposure in general.
4. Azelaic Acid
Doctors only recommend azelaic acid as an additional or extra treatment because while it does treat acne and is antibacterial, doctors are still determining how it works. This product also helps to remove blemishes from previous acne and is available in a concentration of up to 20%. You can mix azelaic acid with other products, which is an advantage, but it’s not as high as prescription products, so it is not necessarily as effective or takes longer to show results.
