Acne Products For Adult Skin

When it comes to adult acne and the high number of acne products for adult skin that is on the market it can really be confusing as to which product is right for you.

How well over-the-counter acne products for adult skin actually work is pretty much determined by three main factors – active ingredients, the cause of your adult acne and what your particular skin type is.

It is also important to understand that not all acne products for adult skin work the same way. The difference comes from the ingredients themselves. For instance, salicylic acid is a common active ingredient in many acne products for adult skin it works by reducing the amount of dead skin cells found on the surface of your face. Benzoyl peroxide on the other hand (also a popular active ingredient), works by reducing a certain bacteria that naturally occurs in your skin.

Please follow me on a tour of the active ingredients found in the most popular over-the- counter acne products for adult skin.

Benzoyl Peroxide

Known as a ‘wonder drug’ in the acne treatment industry, benzoyl peroxide works by targeting P.acnes bacteria which is a common type of bacteria found in your skin. Like salicylic acid it also helps to reduce the number of dead skin cells on the surface of your face.

The dual function of benzoyl peroxide further reduces the effects of two of the main causes of comedones. Comedones are the large and sometimes deep, pus-filled blemishes that are commonly referred to as pimples or zits. When you have an outbreak of comedones you essentially have acne.

It’s important to understand that benzoyl peroxide is a medication and therefore should be used only as instructed on the label or as directed by your doctor or dermatologist. Also never overuse benzoyl peroxide in the hopes it will improve your acne quicker. Doing so will only dry out your skin more and may in fact make your existing acne worse.

Please note that benzoyl peroxide may discolor fabrics and material that come in contact with it. It comes in both a cream and a gel. 

Salicylic Acid

This active ingredient is most effective for acne blemishes when there is no sign of inflammation. You see, salicylic acid helps to unclog clogged-up pores thereby reducing the number of acne blemishes which form on the surface of your skin. As mentioned earlier this is accomplished by minimizing the amount of dead skin cells on your face. It is important to note however that salicylic acid has no known effect on the production of sebum or the production of the P.acnes bacteria.

Acne products for adult skin that contain benzoyl peroxide and/or salicylic acid should be used continuously even after your adult acne initially clears up. The benefit of continuing your over-the-counter product regime is that it will keep your skin clean and help prevent the return of those nasty blemishes.

Alcohol and Acetone

Some over-the-counter acne products for adult skin contain alcohol and acetone. What happens here is the alcohol kills the external bacteria and the acetone helps makes your skin less oily.

Resorcinol

For adults with small acne blemishes products containing resorcinol have been known to be effective. Most over-the-counter acne products which list resorcinol as an active ingredient also contain sulfur.

Sulfur

The use of sulfur in over-the-counter medications has been around for decades. Other active ingredients which often team up with sulfur in acne products for adult skin include resorcinol, alcohol, and salicylic acid. Studies have shown the sulfur is effective in clearing up acne but it does have an unpleasant smell.

Natural Products For Adult Acne

In the area of natural over-the-counter acne products for adult skin you’ll find labels that range from natural to herbal to organic. Generally these type of wholesome acne products appeal to people looking for a non-medicinal solution to their acne problem. Whether they actually work is anyone’s guess.

Since everyone’s skin is different no two acne products for adult skin will have the same results. Typically a gel based acne product works best for adults with oily skin. Adults with dry skin usually find that their acne responds best with a cream based product.

If you have sensitive skin it’s important that you make sure any acne products for adult skin you try isn’t too strong. If it is, you may find that your skin will become irritated and in some cases your acne may even get worse. For the best results speak with your doctor before testing out any over-the-counter acne products.

Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are two active ingredients that may be too strong for people with sensitive skin. To be on the safe side start with acne products for adult skin which contain a low amount of both these active ingredients.

Finally if you have no success with over-the-counter acne products for adult skin then you may have more severe acne and are best served by visiting a dermatologist and getting a prescription.