It’s important to understand acne instead of using just anti bacterial stuff to treat acne.
Keeping pores clear is important to reduce acne. Salicylic acid is best exfoliant to treat acne, although other exfoliants like lactic acid, glycolic acid work. Another important acid that helps acne is Azelaic Acid, which can be used during pregnancy.
Green Tea is well studied for acne. It’s a good anti oxidant, antibacterial and anti inflammatory.
Niacinamide is a superstar for acne and aging skin. It’s helps with healthy sebum production. It’s also an antioxidant. It’s believed that having anti oxidants indirectly reduce clogged pore formation. When sebum is oxidised, it gets sticky and the pore is clogged. Niacy also is an anti inflammatory and reduces chance of dark spot formation.
Vitamin C is great for acne too. Being anti oxidant and anti inflammatory helps with acne. Also reduces the chance of dark spot formation after acne.
Moisturisation and Skin hydration is another important thing for acne. When skins’ barrier is weakened, it cannot retain its moisture. If skin cannot retain moisture, it will produce more oils that can result in dehydrated skin + acne. Also dehydrated skin cannot exfoliate itself well. So it’s always good to keep your skin hydrated for it to function well. Use hydrating mists, moisturisers or serums. Plus add few drops of Squalane or any light oil if required. Always avoid heavy moisturisers that can clog your pores.
Another ingredient worth mentioning is Retinols. Retinols are highly helpful for acne but a long purging period is expected.
Which is the ingredient that helped you most with your acne?