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Acne-Fighting Ingredients: Part 2 - Blemish Clearing Skin care Ingredients

July 26, 2020

Acne-Fighting Ingredients: Part 2

In part 2 of the discussion about what ingredients are best to fight off and prevent acne we will discuss what Benzoyl Peroxide, Biosulphur and Zinc Oxide are, as well as at home treatments and professional treatment options.

Benzoyl Peroxide. This ingredient works as an antiseptic by reducing the amount of germs and bacteria on your skin’s surface. It is better to start off using this ingredient less often to avoid any irritation as your skin gets used to the product. It is also important to protect your skin from the sun while using Benzoyl Peroxide by using a stronger SPF sunscreen.

How it works. When there is 5% Benzoyl Peroxide in a gel or face wash it takes about 4 weeks to start working when used 1 to 2 times a day. Some products with this form are available on prescription only typically when paired with active ingredients such as antibiotics. This can be avoided if you are consistent in using a product such as Visual Changes Skin care International offer Skin Clearing Facial Cleanser and Skin Clearing Gel 10% that we carry in our store. It can be easily dilute to a 5% for more sensitive skin types by adding half water. By mixing an equal amount of water and product you create a 5% and then can work up to a 10% if desired.

Biosulphur. This element is a beneficial natural medicine for many reasons including acne and other skin conditions. It can be helpful to those with mild, moderate or severe acne or scarring. It is most beneficial on blackheads and whiteheads because it targets the two main causes--dead skin cells and sebum. Find this ingredient in the Essential Dermaceuticals Advanced skincare with clinical results- Therapeutic Facial Cleanser with Kaolin & Sulfur , and the Sulfur & Salicylic Lotion,

How it works. It works similarly to benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid that we discussed previously. One of the differences is that it is a little bit more gentle on your skin. This natural element dries the surface of your skin and absorbs any extra oil that causes acne breakouts. In doing this, it also dries out your dead skin cells which unclogs your pores.

Zinc Oxide. Zinc helps to fight viruses and bacteria, causing many people to take it as a supplement as well. An important supplement, in fact, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Zinc Oxide has anti-inflammatory properties that will relieve redness and acne scars. Topical zinc can have a direct effect on clearing acne, more so than taking and OTC supplement might.

How it works. Zinc Oxide is the same type of zinc found on diaper rash creams and sunscreens. Using a sunscreen with zinc in it can help to prevent it from getting inside the pores of breakout-prone skin. Zinc inhibits certain enzymes and fatty acids in the skin that fuel the bacteria growth causing acne. Find Zinc Oxide in the Suntregrity suncare products for face and body, and the Essential Dermaceuticals Advanced skin care products with clinical results- Instant Spot Remedy

Oxyderm & LightStim Acne Lights- These are at home devices, different from using a specific ingredient in your skincare routine. These products along with incorporating the right ingredients will help to clear and prevent acne. They provide a deep level of skin cleansing in a non-invasive way. The product specific to acne works best on teens and adults. There are also other versions of this light therapy for other skin conditions such as anti-aging. It avoids any harmful side effects, chemicals or UV rays.

How it works. These products create oxidation which gets rid of bacteria and acne, making your skin look and glow healthier. It heals and calms existing breakouts and if used daily will prevent them too. Light therapy improves your cell performance on a microscopic level. The wavelengths kill bacteria while also mending any inflammation or redness. You get the best results by using it daily to clear anything from blackheads, back acne or cystic acne.

Professional skin care treatments. While using any of these products or home care tools an aesthetician can also help you to maximize your skin care and make you look your best. Depending on the grade of acne, we can create a custom protocol for your specific skincare treatment needs. Whether your skin dries out easily, has acne scarring or cystic acne, we have many products and natural ingredients to prevent acne.

You can schedule an appointment for LED Phototherapy facials or other treatment. This can help you control acne, diminish hyperpigmentation and rejuvenate your skin by stimulating cellular activity. For optimal results, this treatment can be done twice weekly for 4 to 8 weeks. Teresa can sit down with you to discuss an acne prevention plan and what products and ingredients may irritate your skin and find a match for you. Depending on your acne case, we can give you some of the best treatment for your skin.

Written by Megan Ward

Contact Teresa Paquin at 603-595-0224 to schedule your appointment today!

New location is located at 238 Central Street, Unit # in Hudson, NH to learn more about how we can conquer your acne!

Teresa Paquin, Licensed NH Aesthetician and Makeup Artist - offers skincare and makeup consultations by phone for individuals who cannot come into the Hudson, NH location. Or, have product questions. See what Anika clients are saying! Testimonies . Please call 603.595.0224

Teresa's background and education

Teresa has worked in the makeup industry since she was 19 years old. Her education was in Boston and NYC in Film, TV, and Fashion & Beauty makeup. Teresa’s work has been featured in national magazines where she also served as a Beauty Contributor for Allured Publishing in the beauty industry. She was chosen by Allured Publishing to be their Creative Director for several years, creating the covers of their magazines, doing the model makeup, choosing the photographers, models and themes according to their editorial calendar. She has been a freelance Makeup Artist for film, television, weddings, beauty makeovers which included teaching beauty industry professionals classes.

In addition to her makeup work, Teresa is a skincare formulator, and NH Aesthetician, where she provides skincare and makeup services for her NH & MA clients, and operates an e-commerce beauty store.