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.

Tips & info cool women should know: makeup, diet, work out, nutrition,
acne and skin care: www.womentobeauty.com

Information and basic facts about acne. Let treat your skin correctly
when acne is on your face: www.care2acne.com