| are many products available on the market for | | | | towards taking control of a mild to moderate |
| acne care. So many, that it can be confusing as | | | | acne problem. |
| to what works and what doesn’t. Here is | | | | Tretinoin (Retin-A) |
| a quick guide to help you make better decisions | | | | Another popular acne treatment is Retin-A. |
| about your skin care treatment. | | | | Tretinoin, or Retin-A, first became popular in the |
| Benzoyl Peroxide Products | | | | 1980’s. This topical treatment is a |
| There are many over the counter acne creams | | | | derivative of vitamin A and is best used to treat |
| containing benzoyl peroxide that may be used in | | | | blackheads and whitehead type acne. Retin-A |
| mild to moderate acne care. Commonly found in | | | | works to remove whatever is clogging the pore |
| the form of a gel or cream, this is applied two to | | | | and then also will prevent new whiteheads or |
| three times daily to the affected area for best | | | | blackheads from forming. In recent years, this |
| effect. The key is consistent use, as it can take | | | | chemical has also been found to improve wrinkles |
| up to six weeks before full effects are seen. | | | | and is being used by those who wish to look |
| In addition to dissolving the keratin that clogs the | | | | younger. |
| pores, benzoyl peroxide in a 10% solution also | | | | Things To Consider About Retin-A |
| prevents new acne from forming. This makes | | | | Whether it’s prescription Retin-A or any |
| lotions and soaps containing this chemical one of | | | | number of over the counter acne care |
| the most popular acne care products on the | | | | treatments containing retinol, the biggest effect of |
| market. | | | | this treatment is it’s ability to irritate the |
| Things To Consider About Benzoyl Peroxide | | | | skin and cause flaking. For this reason many |
| Because benzoyl peroxide is not an antibiotic, it | | | | people give up on Retin-A before it has a chance |
| can be used indefinitely, as the body will not form | | | | to work. To help avoid some of the skin irritation |
| any bacterial resistance to it. However, caution | | | | that is common with this treatment, it is best to |
| has to be used in the strength of this chemical, as | | | | use a good quality moisturizer throughout the day. |
| it is considered a strong oxidizer (a weak form of | | | | If skin flaking occurs, use a wash cloth to remove |
| bleach), and it will dry the skin out over time. This | | | | the flaking and reapply some moisturizer. |
| can cause skin irritation and redness. | | | | The key with any topical acne treatment is |
| To avoid this and continue with an acne care | | | | patience. Many advertisers claim that their product |
| regimen, it is advised to use a lower concentration | | | | will cure your acne condition in mere days. This is |
| of benzoyl peroxide, (2.5%) and a daily | | | | typically just hype. Have patience and be |
| moisturizer to offset any skin irritation. Used in | | | | consistent, and the rewards of clearer more |
| the right combination, benzoyl peroxide and a | | | | beautiful skin will come. |
| good quality skin moisturizer can be a great start | | | | |