Saturday, April 11, 2020
Figuring out which acne product to buy can be as confusing as shopping for a new cell phone. There may be an overwhelming number of options, but for both phones and breakout remedies, you have to understand a product's features before you buy.
To select an acne medication, you should first familiarize yourself with the four basic methods of combating acne. Neal Schultz, MD, clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, and author of It's Not Just About Wrinkles, explains that blemish-fighting agents work by killing acne-causing bacteria, exfoliating dead skin cells that clog pores, removing excess oil, or decreasing inflammation.
1. Witch hazel
Witch hazel doubles as an astringent and a disinfectant, so it works to deeply cleanse skin and calm any irritations—all while healing damage from past breakout. "It's 100 percent natural and works on sensitive to normal skin," says dermatologist Marina I. Peredo, MD. She swears by Dickinson's Original Pore Perfecting Toner, formulated to clear blemishes and refine pores. Throw it in your purse or gym bag; since it's a natural ingredient, it can be applied throughout the day as a quick refresh whenever your skin needs a pick-me-up (or when you just want to make sure you're tackling that breakout.)
Since witch hazel is a natural blemish-fighter, it works especially well for pregnant women who want to clean up their skin care routine.
2. Kaolin Clay
Clay is primarily known for its oil-absorbing action, but it’s also a rather calming and soothing mineral (thanks to those trusty anti-inflammatory properties). Kaolin (also known as white China clay) is one of the gentlest clays. It clears your complexion of pore-clogging toxins and impurities, and removes excess oil and dirt, without drying out your skin.
3. Sulfur
Sulfur is one of the oldest skin remedies still in existence, with treatments dating back to ancient times. And for good reason, the mineral is a natural oil absorber that also eases inflammation and helps to exfoliate dead skin cells. Yes, it smells (like rotten eggs), but its ability to draw excess oil and sebum out of pores make the odor more tolerable.
4. Charcoal
This ingredient is key to detoxifying skin that’s been pummeled by aging and acne-inducing environmental toxins, debris, and pollution. Charcoal is commonly derived from wood, and can hit the reset button on your skin. Charcoal has the unique ability to extract excess sebum, dirt, and toxins from the skin. What’s left after use is skin that is more balanced, clarified, and brighter -- shining with the glow of cleaner and healthier skin. Find it as one of the main ingredients of our Konjac Sponge or try it as the star of our detoxifying Charcoal Clay Cleanser, complete with brightening lemon and hydrating glycerin.
5. Lavender
A true match made in heaven is a hot bubble bath complete with lavender bath salts and lavender-infused skin care to calm and nurture the skin. This purple floral bud has the ability to calm the skin, balance skin sebum over time, and fight free radicals that cause signs of aging.
6. Thymo-T Essence
Don’t let the name freak you out as it’s only a naturally occurring plant extract! Extracts of thyme leaves are packed with antibacterial properties and have active substances such as Thymol (Thymo-T Essence) which help break through the cell wall of acne causing bacteria. We recommend the Pond’s Pimple Clear Face Wash. This is a cleanser you should completely trust and incorporate in your acne skincare routine. We swear by it!
7. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a natural astringent; hence, it tightens your skin reducing any large pores that are waiting to collect oil and dirt. The best use of ACV is when you use it as a toner on your skin. Dilute it with water (equal parts of both) and soak a cotton pad in it. Wipe your face with the mixture and leave it on for 10 minutes. Then, rinse it off!
8. Lemon
The citrus fruit is also a natural astringent that helps dry acne out, eventually making them disappear from your face! Its antibacterial properties help eliminate any bacteria which might fuel the duplication of themselves leading to more breakouts. Apply lemon juice to the affected areas with a cotton pad, it will mostly sting (in which case, you can add a little water) every day till the acne dries out. It’s also important to increase the intake of lemon internally for a healthy, glowing complexion! Switch your morning chai with a glass of warm water with lemon and honey to see the max results.
9. Green Tea
This antioxidant powerhouse is also packed with anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits that are great acne tacklers. It’s highly recommended to include green tea in your everyday lifestyle and also use products infused with green tea extracts! We recommend using green tea sheet masks for a cooling, soothing effect on your acne.
10. Turmeric
Turmeric is the classic granny-favourite ingredient for almost any ailment you might be facing, be it internal or external. Have a wound? Smear some turmeric. Have a bad throat? Have hot haldi milk. The list is never-ending! But did you know that it’s also an ingredient that helps get rid of acne? It removes the p.acnes bacteria which are slow-growing, acne causing bacteria on the top layer of your skin. We strongly swear by the Ayush Anti Pimple Turmeric Face Wash which combats any rashes, bacteria and infections caused due to acne, thus preventing further breakouts! Ayush also has a range of turmeric induced products that you can use.