Acne treatments for teens and adults alike come in two main forms:
These products tend to focus on killing bacteria and reducing oil. These can come in many forms including gels, creams or washes. They may contain benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, salicylic acid or sometimes antibiotics. Some people also use homeopathic remedies such as tea tree oil. Topical acne medications are usually available to buy over the counter without a prescription.
These medicines fight acne and promote healing and reduced inflammation from within. They can include oral antibiotics, hormonal products such as birth control pills or the powerful acne treatment Isotretinoin. Usually these medicines require a prescription.
Milder acne can often be treated with topical products alone, while more severe acne may also need to be treated with medicine.
Over the counter topical acne treatments usually contain one of these active ingredients:
Benzoyl peroxide – this multi-function ingredient kills bacteria, encourages shin shedding to help pores unclog faster and reduces inflammation. Benzoyl peroxide is the active ingredient in PanOxyl® acne face wash.
Salicylic acid – this eases inflammation and unclogs pores, but doesn’t have the bacteria-killing benefit of benzoyl peroxide
Retinoids – these are Vitamin A derivatives which help reduce oil, unclog pores and fade dark spots
Find out more about the differences between benzoyl peroxide vs salicylic acid.
Absolutely – many acne treatments can be used in conjunction with each other and produce great results – for example, you can use a benzoyl peroxide acne face wash or acne body wash alongside a salicylic acid cream or topical retinoid.
Start by using a single product with a lower concentration of active ingredient. For example, PanOxyl® washes are available at concentrations of either 4% or 10% benzoyl peroxide. You will probably need to use an oil-free moisturizer after you begin treatment, as most topical acne medicines can dry out your skin.
Early intervention is really important, so start to use a product before your acne worsens and to prevent cysts.
If you haven’t started seeing results after around six weeks, change to a higher concentration product or add another product with a different active ingredient. This allows you to treat multiple causes of acne at the same time.
Yes, it’s fine to wear makeup with acne – just be sure to choose products that are non-comedogenic (pore blocking) and oil-free. Mineral makeup is a good choice for acne sufferers.
Treating acne takes patience, but it’s worth being persistent to see great results over time.
Usually, it takes between 4-8 weeks of using an acne treatment product for acne to start to clear – so even though it’s frustrating to wait for results, keep going. A consistent daily skincare regimen makes all the difference.
Although it’s tempting, always avoid squeezing your pimples or blackheads as this can make them inflamed and irritated. You also run the risk of them getting infected – making acne worse overall.
Some severe acne cases will require advice or treatment from a dermatologist, but today, virtually all acne is fully treatable.
Once your skin is clear, it’s important to continue using the acne products that work for you to prevent future breakouts.
Explore the PanOxyl® acne face wash range and start to transform your skin – today.
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