Tips on Choosing Acne Skin Care Products

There are acne skin care products that work by preventing the sebaceous gland from producing excessive oil; formulas designed to kill skin bacteria that causes pimples; medications formulated to help unclog the pores; and other solutions made of ingredients that can help keep the skin clear and smooth.

There are so many acne skin care products to choose from that it can sometimes be confusing. To give you an idea of what you'll be getting out of some of them, take a look at the list below.

1. Alpha hydroxy acid-containing solutions. Acne products containing AHAs are some of the most popular skin care formulas available in the market. AHAs are compounds that contain carboxylic acid which is a common ingredient in various cosmetics, particularly those that are formulated to eliminate wrinkles and promote skin health. These solutions are often recommended by dermatologists to people with oily skin.

2. Benzoyl peroxide-containing products. Often contained in antibacterials, benzoyl peroxide is known for its ability to kill Propionibacterium acnes, the primary bacteria that cause pimples. It also has the ability to dissolve the keratin that can clog the pores of the skin, hence its effectiveness as an anti-acne solution.

3. Salicylic acid. Skin care products that contain this phenol are among the most popular among pimple sufferers. It works by causing the cells of the skin to peel off easily to prevent pores from getting blocked. Aside from being used in curing acne, salicylic acid is also used in the treatment of dandruff, psoriasis and warts.

4. Retinoids. They can be either topical or oral in form. Basically, retinoids work by normalizing the cycle of follicle cells and by helping reduce the oil produced by the skin glands. Retinoids are chemically related to vitamin A, another element common among acne-fighting products.

5. Herbal remedies. Soaps, creams and gels that contain natural ingredients and herbal elements are also marketed as acne cures. Some of the more popular ones are those that contain Aloe vera, tea tree oil and papaya. While most of these products are relatively harmless, their level of efficacy might not be as high as the products that are chemically formulated.

6. Zeno. Zeno is a handheld device that emits heat designed to stimulate heat shock response from P. acnes to force it to self-destruct. The electronic device is used by getting the tip in direct contact with the affected areas. The device is also said to be effective in reducing inflammation and promoting normal skin condition.

7. Hormone medications. They often come in the form of oral contraceptives and are formulated to reduce androgenic hormone levels in women suffering from acne. These medications are recommended to women whose pimples are mainly caused by hormonal imbalance due to menstrual cycle and menopause.

There are more acne skin care products available in the market today. In choosing the best solution for you, a dermatologist or a physician's opinion might be needed, particularly if you have not used any of these medications before. Consulting with a skin expert will help prevent any potential adverse reaction to these products.