About Acne Creams
Acne Creams are the most common product used for the treatment of mild to moderate cases of acne. Widely available over the counter or on prescription through your doctor or dermatologist, acne cream is an important part of your skin care regime when you are suffering from this skin condition.
With around eighty five percent of Americans suffering from Acne at some stage in their life, typically in the mid to late teenage years, it is therefore no surprise that there are many products available for acne treatment.
Acne is caused by an inflammation of the Sebaceous glands which surround the small hair follicles found on the face, chest and back. During puberty the body increases the production of the male sex hormones known as androgens in both males and females. This flood of androgens into the body causes the sebaceous glands to overproduce a substance known as Sebum.
The overproduction of Sebum causes the opening to the Sebaceous gland to contract allowing the Sebum to accumulate. A bacteria we all carry on our skin called Proionebacterium Acnes feeds apon the accumulated Sebum, producing a fatty waste deposit which irritates the surrounding skin, producing the lesions we know as acne or pimples.
Acne products contain ingredients which aim to control the production of Sebum thereby keeping the pores clear and reducing the effects of bacteria action. Because they are applied directly to the affected skin, ie topically, acne creams can be highly effective in removing or severely limiting the amount of bacteria found in that area.
Active Acne Creams Ingredients.
The most common ingredient found in a lot of acne creams is Benzoyl Peroxide. Benzoyl Peroxide has been used for decades in the treatment of acne and works by gently abraiding the skin, re-opening the Sebacious glands and removing the build up of Sebum which is the main cause of acne.
Other products used in the treatment of acne contain Azelaic acid and Salicylic acid which work in a similar way to Benzoyl Peroxide. Whilst effective, both of these ingredients have some side effects, the most obvious being excessive drying of the skin if used frequently.
For this reason it is best to use in conjunction with a good, non oily, moisturizer often incorporating a degree of sun protection as further protection for your abraided skin, especially if you have a skin type which is susceptable to sun burn. A non-medical side effect of acne creams based on Benzoyl peroxide concerns the possible bleaching effect of the peroxide on clothing or other materials.
There are increasing numbers of Homeopathic medicines and creams available for the treatment of a wide variety of medical complaints, including acne. Perhaps the most common amongst these are those which contain Tea Tree Oil which in addition to being deep cleansing help to moisturize the skin and keep any harmful drying to a minimum.Abrasive Acne Creams
Some people may need treatment to remove acne scars. A doctor or dermatologist will know the most effective ways how to remove these but if you prefer a home remedy there are many dermabrasive creams and lotions available which will gently remove minor scars and pigmentation from the affected skin.
The widespread availability of effective acne creams should enable the symptoms to be controlled in most cases. If your skin does not respond to these acne creams sufficiently enough your dermatologist or doctor will be able to recommend a more powerful, drug based course of action.
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