Acne Creams

Today we're going to take a look at the different kinds of acne creams out there, what they're intended for, what is in them -- and whether there's a reason that we should believe that they work!

All of acne creams out there that are intended to treat acne breakouts share several common ingredients. There is or is some sort of a carrier fluid, or base which holds the active ingredients in suspension. Active ingredients always contain one or more of the following and whatever ratio of the acne cream manufacturers marketing department thinks will sell

Acne cream ingredients

Benzoyl peroxide is the most in Louisiana Stickley trumpeted acne medication. It's available both over the counter in various acne creams such as acne free and proactive, and also as a prescription medication available from your doctor.

Benzoyl peroxide does two very important things for you: first, it actually kills the bacteria P. acnes. P. acnes actually feeds on sebaceous gland oils, or sebum when it becomes trapped in a hair follicle. This is what produces all of the dead cells from the inside of your follicle walls and dead bacteria which we see as pus. It also has the added excellent property of inhibiting production of the oil from your sebaceous glands.

Resourcinal is another commonly used ingredient. It's included because it helps to break down the hard pus material trapped inside of blackheads and whiteheads. This makes it easier to remove the material and clear up the infection.

Salicylic acid is also usually included either in the primary cream, or in a supplementary medication if you are buying an acne control kit. Like benzoyl peroxide, it has two functions. Not only does salicylic acid help to destroy the material inside of blackheads and whiteheads, but it also has a protective effect on the cells inside your hair follicles.

Believe it or not, good old-fashioned rotten egg smelling sulfur can also be of help with your acne. Like all three of the materials mentioned above, it helps to destroy and dissolve that disgusting material inside of your pimples and pustules.

Whichever one of these over-the-counter medications you purchase, you should see pretty decent results. I mean come on, what we're seeing here is a lot of the same chemistry that is included in prescription medications that you might get from your dermatologist. The big difference is that your dermatologist can also prescribe antibiotics to help cut down on the infection vector.

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Side effects from over the counter acne creams are usually minimal, and will decrease over time. Commonly reported side effects include irritation of the skin, along with minor discoloration. Some people report a mild burning sensation. Obviously, if you experience more serious side effects, or if they do not go away in a few days, you should be seeing your dermatologist.

How long will it take my acne cream to work?

Well here's the bad news.

Despite all the many claims that your going to read on the Internet about people getting their skin cleared up in a matter of three days or so, usually it takes anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks for significant improvement to take place. The creams do work -- they just take a while.

You also have to keep in mind that just because you're using the cream you cannot neglect the other methods you may be using to minimize or get rid of your acne. If your doctor is told you that certain foods are going to exacerbate your condition you still have to avoid them. Personal hygiene and skin cleanliness will still be a major factor in your success or failure at acne control.

Acne scar removal cream

Site from the many creams available to help you control your acne episodes, there also creams available to help fade your acne scars. They do work to some extent. If your acne sparring is considerable and extensive however, you will more than likely want to see a dermatologist for a pimple scar laser treatment or similar.