The famous remedy for new acne is of course, acne spot treatment. What is acne spot treatment? It is the application of acne-fighting ingredients onto your acne in order to shrink or soothe it. It can help to reduce redness, pain as well as swellings. Some ingredients are also able to unclog the blockage that causes acne.
Most of acne spot ingredients can be purchase over the counter (OTC). You can also get the product after your visit to any skin doctors (dermatologist).
Let's breakdown the ingredients that can be used for acne spot treatment.
Salicylic Acid
A type of BHA that has been proven to help with acne. It can go deeper into your pores to unclog the blockage that causes acne. Most of acne spot treatment contains 2% of salicylic acid.
Benzoyl Peroxide
I still remember when I was a teenager (I still am), I used a lot of this to help me with my hormonal acne. It can kill bacteria that causes acne and reduce sebum production. Thus, it can be drying to your skin. For some people, you may notice that your acne scars become darker after using benzoyl peroxide as your acne spot treatment.
Sulphur
Sulphur is a mineral that present naturally in your body. It has antimicrobial properties thus acting similar to salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide but gentler. A lot of OTC acne spot treatment has sulphur as one of its ingredients.
Adapalene
A third generation topical retinoid that helps to unclog your pores and reduce sebum. It has minimal side effects compared to other topical retinoids such as topical tretinoin. Studies have shown that adapalene is helpful as a maintenance therapy of acne vulgaris.
Note: Only a few studies has been done to pregnant and lactating mothers, thus kindly consult your pregnant doctor if you want to use this in your pregnancy / during breastfeeding.
Glycolic Acid
The smallest AHA that has mild anti-inflammatory effects. A small study in 1997 on Asians skin with moderate to moderately severe acne showed significant resolution of comedones, papules, and pustules. In the study, regular treatment with glycolic acid was needed for the apparent improvement of acne scars and cystic lesions. The great thing about glycolic acid is that it also exfoliates dead skin cells. Thus, users will also experience brighter looking skin.
Tips: Use Alluskin Purifying Cleanser for your acne. It's packed with 5% glycolic acid that can help to get rid of your acne and unclog your pores.
Witch Hazel
An ancient plant that has the ability to reduce oil and shrink acne. Also can be categorized as astringent. The controversy behind the usage of witch hazel is that it can be drying to the skin. The fact is, only if you're using pure 100% witch hazel extract. Thus, find a product that has beautiful blend of witch hazel and hydrating ingredients (also without alcohol).
Tips: Alluskin Hydrating Toner is the perfect example of hydrating witch hazel toner. This is definitely a skin-changer toner! Try it today and feel the difference.
Rosemary
Evidence shows that rosemary can fight against acne-causing bacteria (p. acne) effectively. If you have dry and sensitive skin, this can be your bestie as it's non-drying to your skin.
Tips: Our Alluskin Lightbulb Serum is truly your acne saviour especially for maskne or new acne. Apply it as spot treatment or to all over your face. Best pair with Alluskin Purifying Cleanser.
Sources:
- Tsai, et al. (2013). Rosmarinus officinalis Extract Suppresses Propionibacterium acnes–Induced Inflammatory Responses. J Med Food, 16(4): 324-333. https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2012.2577.
- Hassanain Al-Talib, et al. (2017). Efficacy and safety of superficial chemical peeling in treatment of active acne vulgaris. An Bras Dermatol, 2(2): 212-216.
- Abbas et al, (2020). Antibacterial activity and medical properties of hazel. Ann Trop Med & Public Health, 23(11). http://doi.org/10.36295/ASRO.2020.231146
- Wang, C. M., Huang, C. L., Hu, C. T., & Chan, H. L. (1997). The Effect of Glycolic Acid on the Treatment of Acne in Asian Skin. Dermatologic Surgery, 23(1): 23-29.