The Most, and Least, Effective Ingredients In Acne Products
Kerri Stalton

One of the ingredients most thoroughly proven to help acne sufferers is a gently acidic substance known as alpha hydroxy. When choosing a cleanser, look for one that includes alpha hydroxy acids. This family of chemicals, which includes glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, and tartaric acid, really goes the extra mile in flushing grease, makeup, and dirt out of your pores; a crucial step in preventing future acne and getting rid of pimples that have already started to erupt. Alpha hydroxy acids have been a part of successful skin care for centuries. These chemicals naturally occur in fruit and milk, and despite these somewhat unlikely sources alpha hydroxy acids have long been a boon to anyone looking for clear, radiant skin.

Because dead skin cells can cause clogs and result in pimples, many acne sufferers turn to an exfoliant that will help them slough away dead skin. Exfoliating is an important part of a healthy skin regimen, but for people who are afflicted with blemishes, blackheads, or whiteheads, the wrong exfoliating agent can irritate problem areas and cause further breakouts. Avoid exfoliating with facial or body scrubs that include abrasive grains like sugar, ground oats, or other materials that can be too ruthless on skin that is prone to acne. A cleanser with alpha hydroxy will keep your pores free of dead skin cells, so avoid using anything harsher that can strip your face of its natural oils.

Alcohol is found in many acne products, as its astringent properties help to wipe away grease and oil before it can get into your pores and cause blemishes. However, the power of alcohol is a double edged sword for many people with skin problems. Alcohol certainly gets rid of bad moisture like grease, but unfortunately it also gets rid of the good, water-based moisture that your skin needs in order to maintain a healthy glow. For people with very oily skin types, cleansers that include a low concentration of alcohol can help battle acne, but for most people looking for a cure for their blemishes, acne products containing alcohol can over dry skin, and the costs often outweigh the benefits. If you find that only a cleanser that includes alcohol is tough enough to take on your skin's oils, make sure to follow up your cleansing regimen with a gentle, non-comedogenic moisturizer that will help replenish your skin with the water it needs to stay fresh and smooth.