Which Ingredients Help Clear Acne

Which ingredients help fight acne?

Ingredients that help fight acne can work in a variety of ways to keep your skin blemish-free. There are many products on the market that fight all forms of acne, from cleansers, gels, foams, leave-on products, masks, serums – the list is endless, but which ones are the best? What ingredients to look out for? Let’s find out more.

The best ingredients for acne-prone skin?

When it comes to over-the-counter products, there are several ways to treat and prevent acne. Some kill blemish-causing bacteria by clogging pores, while others remove excess oil from the skin and support skin cell turnover by increasing the rate at which dead skin cell layers are removed. Whichever product you choose, it’s the active ingredients that bring the results, and we’ll explore their benefits in more detail.

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that penetrates the lower layers of the skin to remove dirt, bacteria, and excess sebum from pores, which can cause inflammation like pimples or blackheads if not removed. You can find salicylic acid in skin care products like cleansers, serums, essential oils, and moisturizers, all of which must contain an active amount of salicylic acid to achieve the desired blemish-removing effects. You can check the effectiveness of the ingredients in a product by carefully looking at the ingredient list on the packaging. If the acid is below number six on the list, the percentage is too low to have an effect on the skin or acne.

Benzoyl Peroxide

This ingredient helps kill any bacteria that cause acne and other skin blemishes, removes excess oil that can clog pores, and removes dead skin cells that can cause acne and blemishes. You can find benzoyl peroxide in concentrations of 2.5% to 10% in over-the-counter products, and it works best when used regularly. Some side effects to watch out for include redness, flaking, itching, and dry patches on the skin.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids

These acids, also known as AHAs, are a large family of chemical exfoliants that are commonly used in products like cleansers, toners, serums, and moisturizers. They work on the outer layer of the skin, removing dead skin cells by loosening the bonds that hold them together, making it easier for bright, vibrant new skin cells to emerge. If you want to get rid of acne, the best AHAs to use on your skin are glycolic acid and lactic acid, both of which are suitable for all skin types and can cleanse the skin without causing over-drying.

There are also prescription treatments and medications available to help treat severe acne, as detailed on the NHS website, including the following:

Topical retinoids

Topical antibiotics

Azelaic acid

Antibiotic tablets

For women, combined oral contraceptives

If you have concerns about your acne or its treatment, speaking to your primary care doctor or dermatologist can give you a clearer idea of the next steps to treat your blemishes.

The best natural ingredients for treating acne?

Some cases of acne are often linked to lifestyle and breakouts. Your first step when treating problematic skin is to strip your skincare routine down to its bare essentials and take some time to review your diet. To improve your skin and treat acne, you can try the following:

Reduce dairy products like cheese and milk as they can have a significant effect on the clarity of your skin. Try avoiding dairy for two weeks and notice how your skin reacts and feels. This will give you a good indication of your diet and how it affects your skin.

Regular exercise also helps keep your skin clear as it promotes healthy blood circulation, which nourishes the skin and helps prevent acne and previously caused damage. Exercise also reduces stress and anxiety, both of which are culprits in causing acne.

Exfoliating regularly can keep your skin healthy and fight pimples and blackheads. Depending on your skin type, exfoliate 2-3 times a week to remove dead skin cells and bacterial buildup, which is the main cause of acne.

There are some other great natural ingredients that can treat acne. You can use them in their original form or mix them into products that help treat and prevent breakouts.

Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is derived from the bark of the witch hazel tree and contains tannins, which have powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. While there is no scientific evidence that it is an ingredient that can specifically treat acne, there are many studies that show that witch hazel is less effective when applied to inflamed areas and breakouts caused by the ingredient fighting bacteria. It reduces inflammation and supports skin healing.

Tea Tree Oil

Derived from the leaves of the Australian Melaleuca alternifolia, this powerful extract has become an acne-fighting agent due to its impressive ability to reduce skin inflammation and fight bacteria. Many studies have proven that adding 5% tea tree oil to a formula can effectively treat acne without causing excessive drying or irritation compared to other harsh ingredients. It is always recommended to dilute tea tree oil before using it on the skin. Mix 1 part tea tree oil to 9 parts water to avoid skin reactions.

Which acids are good for acne?

Acids are the perfect addition to your skincare routine if you are looking to treat problem skin. Both alpha and beta hydroxy acids can help skin look and feel its best and can give your complexion a radiant effect when used correctly. Here are some facial acids that are good for your skin and can easily treat acne:

Glycolic Acid – This is a great acid to start with if you haven’t used it before. It’s effective at removing dead skin cells but gentle enough not to cause skin irritation or redness.Glycolic acid is the most popular acid because its smaller molecular size allows it to penetrate deeper into the skin and help address a range of issues, from boosting collagen production to reducing fine lines and wrinkles to preventing dead skin cells from forming on the skin, which can often lead to breakouts.

Salicylic acid – As the only BHA available, salicylic acid has a large following because it penetrates deeper into the skin and pores than other AHAs, clearing out bacteria, dirt, excess oil, and debris. It’s great for people with large pores because it can help reduce the appearance of pores. It’s also a good idea to do a patch test before using this acid, as its strength can cause irritation if overused or introduced to the skin incorrectly.

Lactic acid – The great thing about lactic acid is that it has the same effects as glycolic acid, but with moisturizing properties, making it an acid that benefits all skin types that suffer from some form of acne. Because lactic acid has a great smoothing effect on the skin, it’s often used in personal care products and is great for treating acne on areas of the body like the back and chest.

If you want to learn more about AHAs and BHAs, you can read our blog post about their benefits.

These are the main ingredients that will help you treat acne most effectively. To keep your skin looking healthy, clear, and smooth, you need to tailor your skin care routine to your skin’s needs. If you overuse these acids or exfoliate too often, you deprive your skin of the necessary water and oils it needs to maintain its skin balance and protective barrier. Always make sure to moisturize your skin with a serum rich in hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, and apply sunscreen of at least SPF 30 every day to prevent sun damage.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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