What Is The Number 1 Acne Treatment?

There are extremely frustrating abrupt breakouts. And you can still wake up to the unpleasant realization that a pimple has worked its way to the surface of your skin, even though you eat a balanced diet, wear makeup that won’t obstruct your pores, change your pillowcase frequently, and use acne-fighting skincare items (such as cleansers that contain ingredients like salicylic acid).

The good news: topical spot treatments will assist in the healing process of the skin rapidly and efficiently, shrinking existing pimples and preventing the development of acne scars. But it can be hard to find out which zit-zapping formulations are most productive with so many items on the market.

Now let’s explain a few details about various forms of acne so that you can clarify your skin and get to work.

Hormonal Acne

What you see: a sudden sprinkling of zits around your jawline and chin.

What’s Going On: Do you seem to get these every month at the same time say, just before you get your period? Joshua Zeichner, a board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical studies in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, says this is because this is the function of fluctuating hormones. Hormones will send the output of oil into overdrive, and having an abundance of it means that your pores are more likely to settle and cause zits.

How To Handle It: Pair two of the best-known acne-fighting ingredients, salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, in the week leading up to your period. The combo can help prevent hormonal acne from happening in the first place. If you’re still seeing zits, visit your dermatologist to discuss prescription options, like birth control pills, oral spironolactone — which blocks oil — or topical Aczone 7.5 percent gel. It’s shown to be particularly effective in adult women without causing irritation. Oral contraceptives level out those hormone fluctuations, keeping your oil production normal and your skin clear.

Inflammatory Acne: Pustules

What You See: Pimples filled with white or yellow liquid are red, angry-looking.

What’s Going On: These might slightly resemble whiteheads, but they’re actually in the inflammatory acne family. Pustules, overflowing with pus, you guessed it are the product of bacteria-induced inflammation.

How To Handle It: Think of these as larger whiteheads, pissed-off. Stocking up on benzoyl peroxide, which destroys bacteria, is your best bet. Also as tempting as that might be, try not to pop them. Since they are inflamed, if you go the DIY road, they are more likely to scar you.

Inflammatory Acne: Papules

What You See: Small red zits of patches that don’t come to a head.

What’s Going On: These are a type of inflammatory acne, and bacteria function in them. Development of the p. acnes bacteria on the skin causes inflammation, producing red and tender acne bumps.

How To Handle It: Benzoyl peroxide is your best bet. Benzoyl peroxide can destroy bacteria that cause acne and decrease inflammation. Try a cream like the Dual-Action Acne Drug La Roche-Posay Effaclar Pair, which also exfoliates with lipo-hydroxy acid. However be mindful that after you use it, it will severely dry out the skin so that it moisturizes well.

WhiteHeads

What You See: A typical zit in the centre with a white dot.

What’s Going On: Blame the clogged pores for it. Within your pores, skin cells cling together, blocking the gap. The white you see at the top is the blocked pore, hence “whitehead”. Under it, oil trapped combines with grime and bacteria, causing inflammation and the red, swollen bump that eventually creates a pimple.

How To Handle It: Think of salicylic acid as your hidden weapon. To keep pores open, this beta-hydroxy acid helps remove excess oil and exfoliate dead cells from the skin’s surface. Try the Acne Solution Clearing Gel from Clinique, a two-time Best of Beauty winner that packs both salicylic acid and sea whip extract to help counteract the dryness often caused by salicylic acid, an ingredient with skin-soothing properties. It acts as a spot remedy for mild to moderate acne and as a nightly allover treatment for pimple prevention. The formula does double duty. And because it dries out clearly, you can wear it anytime, wherever, to battle zits.

Are You Looking for Skin Care Help From a Clinic You Can Trust?

Skin care services at Simply Skin Esthetics in downtown Walnut Creek, California are amazing experiences which keep our clients coming back for time after time. Why? Because we care and more importantly we provide skin care treatments that are safe and long-lasting. We care, and it shows in our repeat clientele.  We feature HydraFacial, Ultrasound Facial, Signature Facial, Mens Facial, Express Facial, Treatments/Peels, Teen Facial and Back Facials! Interested in learning more or scheduling your first session? Contact us now to make your appointment!