acne products

Acne Product Ingredients

There are so many acne medications available: over-the-counter or prescribed, containing a variety of different ingredients. It is essential that before you begin to use one of these medications you understand how to use it properly and aware of any side effects that you might experience. We’ve put together a survey of some of the more commonly prescribed acne medications below.

Adapalene
Adapalene is a gel that should be applied once a day only, available on prescription only, and marketed under the brand name Differin. It works by slowing down the shedding of skin cells inside the follicle that lead to clogged pores. It may make you more sensitive to sunlight so you should use a good sunscreen after using Adapalene. Some people have reported side effects including itching, burning, local dryness and redness.
Azelaic Acid
Azelaic acid is a cream that contains 20% azelaic acid and marketed under the brand name Azelex. The cream should be applied twice a day. It helps to kill the bacteria that cause acne and also prevent buildup of cells clogging the pores. Side effects usually mild and only experienced by minority people using this product. People with dark skin have reported some lightening of their skin.

Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is a very popular ingredient in both prescription and over-the-counter acne medications and marketed under the brand names Brevoxyl, Triaz and Benzac AC. A very few people are allergic to benzoyl peroxide and side effects can include redness, itching, burning and very dry skin. If you are going to use benzoyl peroxide, you may start with a low concentration (common acne products contain 2%-10% of benzoyl peroxide) eventually until your skin becomes accustomed to it. It can also bleach fabrics and hair so needs to be handled carefully.

Clindamycin
Clindamycin is a lotion or gel that should be applied twice a day and marketed under brand names Clindets, Clinda-derm and Cleocin T. It is an antibiotic that kills the bacteria that causes acne. Some side effects include burning, redness, dryness, itching, peeling.

Erythromycin
Erythromycin is an antibiotic to kill acne bacteria, should be applied twice a day, and marketed under the brand names Benzamycin, Erythra-Derm, Eryderm, Akne-Mycin and many more. It can be purchased in gel, lotion or ointment form.

Isotretinoin
Isotretinoin is a derivative of vitamin A and marketed under the brand name Accutane. It is taken in tablet form for about 20 weeks. It is only used for people with very severe acne cases. It works by reducing the amount of sebum and produced by glands in the skin. It has a high risk of causing birth deformities, so it is not recommended for women who are, or who may become pregnant. There is quite a large controversy around Accutane and some people have reported severe side effects, such as dry skin, dry mouth and nose, cracked lips, muscle and joint pains and many more.

Tretinoin
Tretinoin is marketed under brand names Avita, Renova, Retin-A and Retin-A Micro that is a popular ingredient of preparations marketed as anti wrinkle treatments. Tretinoin is a combination of vitamin A and retinoic acid and can be purchased as creams, liquids or gels. It is thought to increase the speed of skin renewal and also keep pores clear. Initial use of Tretinoin may make the acne worse as the pimples brought up to the surface. Be careful about being exposed to sunlight as skin become more sensitive while using Tretinoin. Some side effects include redness, blistering and irritation.

Beside using acne products, it is important to pay attention to your diet and your habit regarding to your skin care. Avoid skin products that contain oil, stearic acid, lanolin or petrolatum as they will clog the pores and create the environment for acne to develop. Use only water-based cosmetics.

Based on recommendations and best seller acne product information, here are 10 best acne products:

- Acnezine

- ClearPores

- ZENMED Acne Treatment System

- Exposed

- Proactiv

- Vilantae

- Dermapure RX

- ClearSkin

- Zeno Acne Clearing Device

- DermaClear

(*Summary about Acne Products Survey by Janet Ashby and Erwin Shine)