Acne Treatment
Prescription vs. OTC
You’ve no doubt heard about retinoids. They’re the skincare ingredients dermatologists consider a gold standard for treating acne and skincare gurus can’t stop raving about.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is a topical antibacterial treatment that is considered to be one of the most effective acne medications.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that is used to help exfoliate skin by removing the dead cells and debris that can clog pores. Originally derived from the bark of willow trees, its medicinal properties were first noted over 2,000 years ago.
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is an ingredient derived from sugar cane that does a number of beneficial things for the skin. Glycolic acid is a commonly used alpha hydroxy acid.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring humectant. Humectants are substances that absorb water, and are commonly used to keep skin moist and hydrated. Other natural humectants include aloe and honey.
Sulfur
Sulfur is a substance that for thousands of years has been a popular way to treat acne and other kinds of skin inflammation. As early as 5,000 years ago the ancient Egyptians made a sulfur salve to treat acne and eczema. Traditional Chinese medicine also prescribed sulfur for skincare concerns.
Retinoids
Retinoids are, quite simply, forms of Vitamin A. Although retinoids differ slightly in chemical composition from Vitamin A, the terms retinoid and Vitamin A are often used interchangeably. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends topical retinoids as a first-line treatment for acne and they’re a preferred treatment for maintenance once acne has cleared.