One of the main reasons why we get troublesome skin is because we don’t choose the right products for our skin type. A product may be trendy and raved about by all the beauty enthusiasts but it doesn’t automatically mean that it’s for you too.
We all have different skin woes and the first and most important step in deciding which product to use is to find out what your skin troubles are and what ingredients will address them. If you’re prone to pimples and acne, here are the ingredients you should look for when making the next skincare purchase.
Benzoyl Peroxide
This is the go-to treatment for teenagers who are battling hormonal pimples during puberty stage. This topical cream ranges in strength from 2.5 to 10 percent depending on how bad your acne is. It kills bacteria that causes acne and at the same time sloughs off dead skin cells to prevent clogged pores.
Salicylic Acid
This beta-hydroxy acid is a popular acne-fighting ingredient which you’ll find in a lot of cleansers and treatments for spots. This acid works as an exfoliant which keeps pores clean by exfoliating inside the hair follicle. If you’ve never used salicylic acid before, it’s best to look for a treatment with the strength of 2%. Make sure to moisturize after as it can make your skin dry!
Tea Tree Oil
If you’re keen on trying all-natural ingredients, tea tree oil is your friend. This antimicrobial ingredient helps battle acne by ridding pores of bacteria and impurities. However, if you have sensitive skin, this ingredient may be too harsh for you, especially if you have eczema. Apply SPF afterwards as your skin may be more susceptible to UV rays.
AHAs
Alpha-hydroxy acids or AHAs are ingredients that help shed off dead skin cells which clog pores and lead to breakouts. After applying AHA, you’ll notice that your skin is much smoother and softer. Glycolic and lactic acids are examples of AHAs that you’ll find in a lot of skincare brands today.
Sulfur
It may smell nasty but give it a chance. This rotten-smelling mineral helps minimize oil and inflammation so you’ll see this ingredient in a number of acne-drying lotions. Sulfur is much less drying than benzoyl peroxide and also has healing properties that can help fade acne scars and blemishes. Others use sulfur with other products to cover up the unappealing smell but trust the experts who say that the results are much more pleasant than its aroma.