New Delhi (India), April 15: One small pimple is enough to ruin our day and cancel all our plans. From our teenage years to our adulthood, zits and acne continue to bother us. An aftermarket cleanser with acne-treating elements can help us fight acne effectively. However, finding the right cleanser with the required ingredients can get complicated, but you do not have to worry. In this article, we are going to discuss some of the most important ingredients that you should look out for when purchasing a face wash or a cleanser. They include –
- Salicylic acid:
Salicylic acid is an important ingredient that helps in treating acne by unclogging blocked pores in your skin. It breaks down the bonds between dead skin cells so that they can be released from the pores with ease. It also helps in breaking down oils such as sebum. Salicylic acid is also known to reduce your skin’s sebum production which helps in minimising acne breakouts. Its oil penetration capabilities also make it easier for other ingredients to perform their respective roles.
- Benzoyl peroxide:
Benzoyl peroxide is a form of topical medication that can help in treating acne breakouts. It is found in a variety of different products like gel, face wash, creams, lotion etc. It is also an antimicrobial that helps in removing acne-causing bacteria from the skin. It is the best ingredient for treating acne. Reducing skin bacteria helps curb acne breakouts. Benzoyl peroxide can also help in clearing out blocked pores.
- Glycolic acid:
Glycolic acid is both important and popular for acne treatment. Glycolic acid can have a massive effect on rejuvenating your skin. Consistent and repetitive use of it can help in improving acne scars. It also helps in reducing the size of the follicular pores. Glycolic acid also makes your skin much brighter. Hence, it is considered to be of high therapeutic value for acne. Glycolic acid also has minimal side effects on your skin.
- Pyrithione zinc:
One of the more important ingredients, pyrithione zinc, can be extremely beneficial for acne treatment. It is effective in combatting Malassezia yeasts. This yeast typically lives on our skin, but certain conditions can cause it to overgrow and trigger fungal acne. Pyrithione zinc is also effective in reducing skin inflammation. It also helps in minimising sebum production. Pyrithione zinc can also treat other skin disorders, such as atopic dermatitis and eczema.
- Sulfur:
Sulfur is considered to be one of the oldest known acne treatments. It works best when you have mild blemishes or moderate acne. When applied directly to your face, sulfur causes the skin to dry up and peel. This is extremely helpful in removing acne. It will also reduce your skin’s oiliness and help in sloughing away cells more effectively. This prevents pore blockages from developing. Sulfur also has microbial properties, which help in keeping acne-causing bacteria in check.
- Retinol:
Retinol is a form of vitamin A that has both acne-treating and anti-ageing benefits. It helps in increasing the cell production of your skin and unclogging pores. It exfoliates your skin and boosts collagen production. It is also effective in reducing the size and frequency of blackheads, whiteheads and deeper pimples. However, retinol may take some time to work properly. You are likely to see pimples for the first month or two, but staying consistent with your treatment will result in noticeably clear skin.
- Lactic acid:
According to several dermatologists, lactic acid is effective in reducing acne and is often considered to be a hero ingredient. It helps in killing acne-causing bacteria that reduces skin irritation and acne breakouts. It makes your skin firmer and thicker, reducing wrinkles and fine lines. It also helps in moisture retention and increases the rate of your skin turnover, resulting in new and fresher skin.
Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser available at Apollo Pharmacy is a light cleanser that can be extremely effective in fighting acne. It is a soap-free formulation that helps cleanse your skin without causing irritation. It is dermatologically tested and helps maintain your skin’s natural pH balance. Its dual-action formula provides cleansing and moisturisation at the same time. If you are acne prone or are suffering from acne-related problems, then it just might be the right cleanser for you.
