Products To Try:
I find sulphur, benzoyl peroxide tea tree oil, and salicylic acid to be among the most effective ingredients when treating acne. Sulphur is a naturally occurring element that helps shed dead skin cells and minimises clogged pores. It also has antimicrobial properties, so it inhibits the growth of bacteria. Sulphur is great when used in the form of a mask or spot treatment and is very effective in drying up blemishes.
Benzoyl peroxide is an antibacterial that kills germs by oxygenating the skin. It has good results on mild to moderate acne but can be drying and irritating. If using benzoyl peroxide, I strongly recommend that you find a time-released version because it won’t give you as much irritation.
Salicylic acid is derived from plants and related to aspirin. Like aspirin, it has anti-inflammatory properties. It’s an effective exfoliant and strips away oils and cleanses pores.
Tea tree oil is distilled from the leaves of the melaleuca plant and is one of the few essential oils that can be applied directly to the skin. It helps minimise oil production and kills acne-causing bacteria in the skin.
Everyone’s skin responds differently to active ingredients. For some of my clients, benzoyl peroxide works best to treat their acne For others, benzoyl peroxide is too drying and they rely on salicylic acid. Try these ingredients to see what works best for you
Look for products that deliver these active ingredients without over drying skin. It’s so important not to strip skin of oil, because it will overcompensate and become off balance by producing excess oil. Also, look for time-released formulas and/or formulas that are coupled with hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, to minimise drying. The biggest mistake I see my clients make is applying multiple acne treatments with different active ingredients at once, which is harsh and drying to skin.