Acne Cleansers Prevent Break-Outs
Author: Nayan Khandor
Source: ezinearticles.com
“Washing Away” Acne
There are two basic problems with this assumption. One, the excess oil that results n acne is produced in the sebaceous glands situated deep in the hair follicle in the skin. This is related to a hormonal imbalance and is not connected to personal hygiene.
So the more you wash your skin, the more you get rid of the excess oil is not correct.
Second, frequent washing will damage the skin and make it more vulnerable to bacterial infections and this could in fact aggravate the acne. It will also result in excessively dry skin, which will crack and again cause the condition to worsen.
Maintaining personal hygiene is a good idea for everyone and hence should be observed anyway. The best approach is to use a mild soap and plain water to wash the face twice a day. Use a soft towel that will not be rough and abrasive.
Cleansing Skin Products
Before using a medicated cleanser, wash away the dirt, debris and sweat from your skin so that the pores are open and receptive. The cream or lotion you apply can then be absorbed properly.
Skin can roughly be classified into four categories – dry, oily, sensitive and normal – and the topical application you use should suit your skin type.
Acne cleansers are of three kinds, depending on the active ingredient in them and on the effect each has. Salicylic acid cleansers break down the keratin in the acne blackheads.
Keratin “Killer”
Keratin is the natural protein in the skin and it builds up and gets trapped in the hair follicle due to comedones. Creams and other topical applications with salicylic acid can make mild acne subside.
Another kind of active ingredient that works as an acne cleanser is benzoyl peroxide. This also breaks down the keratin in the blackheads but it also has antibacterial effects.
The last kind of acne cleanser has antibacterial properties and its active ingredient is triclosan.
How to Use Them
Here are some tips on cleansing your skin if you have acne. You can cleanse twice a day with 5-per cent benzoil peroxide. If you’re allergic to this, substitute it with 2 per cent of salicylic acid.
These are available in cream form but make sure you read the label on the product before you buy or use the product.
Before you turn in at night, apply a little cream with sulfur on the acne papules. Apart from an acne cleanser, you could also use an oil-free moisturizer to the surface of the skin.
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