Acne Skin Products - Save Your Money

Fighting acne is a multi-billion dollar business and it makes sense that companies would bombard you with claims of how great their acne skin products are. Creams and gels, pads, cleansers, washes, pore strips - the list goes on and on. The truth is, it's the active ingredients that count, and how you get those active ingredients onto your skin. If an acne skin product is rinsed right off or irritates the skin, it is something you should avoid. Keep in mind that these topical acne skin products are only useful if you have mild acne. If your symptoms are more severe, they are probably a waste of money. Let's start with the good ones:

Benzoyl Peroxide Creams and Gels

Most over the counter acne skin products contain benzoyl peroxide as the active ingredient, and for good reason - it works very well for mild acne. You should choose a 2.5% benzoyl peroxide solution. There are stronger formulations available, but they are no more effective. Apply a thin layer in the morning and at night. Keep in mind that it can take several months for benzoyl peroxide to help you complexion. Hang in there.

Salicylic Acid creams, gels and pads

Salicylic acid products are almost as common as benzoyl peroxide and are often marketed to people with sensitive skin. Salicylic acid in non-prescription strength is not very effective. But there is still a use for these acne skin products. When used in combination with benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid products can help the benzoyl peroxide to penetrate more deeply into clogged pores. I recommend using a salicylic acid pad before applying your benzoyl peroxide to get this one-two punch!

Medicated Cleansers, soaps and scrubs

The truth is that these acne skin products are great marketing, but not so great help in getting rid of acne. The problem is that even though these special medicated products contain "active ingredients," they are only in contact with your skin or a short time before they are rinsed away. There simply is not time to do any good. If you want to use a cleanser, opt for a gentle cleanser like Cetaphil which is milder than soap and a good choice. Medicated cleansers are a good way to spend money, but I doubt that is your goal!

Pore Strips

These pieces of tape that rip at the blackheads on your nose seem to be effective but in truth, they won't do much for your complexion. In fact, they may irritate your skin and actually make your acne worse. At most they will have a minimal effect.

When looking at acne skin products, you should stick to benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. I don't advise putting things on your face that common sense tells you will cause irritation. There are many nutty home remedies out there that fit this category. Use caution, your skin will thank you. The great thing is that mild benzoyl peroxide gels and salicylic acid pads are cheap. They are also some of the most effective treatments for mild acne.