Skin Acne Cream

For people suffering from any acne related problems such as pimples, whiteheads, blackheads and papules, they will know how unpleasant this can be. Certainly, acne isn’t thought of as being life threatening, but any active acne and physical scars left behind can have a detrimental impact on a sufferer’s psyche. This situation is even worse when the acne appears on very visible areas such as the face.

As I’ve explained in my other acne related hub, acne arises from blockage of your pores and stagnant bacteria brewing just under the skin surface. When sebum secreted by the sebaceous glands can’t escape from the hair follicles, any bacteria collected in the region will lead to inflammation and hence acne. The root cause for the blockage is not fully understood at the moment though.

If you are having an acne problem, your first response would like to look for some sort of acne cream. If you have no idea where to begin searching, just know that you have already made a good start by coming across this hub.

Let me just say straight off that if you encounter any acne cream manufacturer claiming their product is the best acne cream on the market because it can clear your skin of acne within 2 weeks, you should walk away. Unless they have scientific proof, such miracle claims are just that and nothing more. At best, you waste money and at worst, you might experience undesirable side effects, perhaps even worsening your acne problems.

The producers of a lot of acne creams on the market know and very well understand people’s desire for clearer skin, so they milk this fact to their advantage.

A scientifically proven product in helping to treat acne (especially if mild) is benzoyl peroxide. When applied every day, twice per day, on the affected area, the active acne will subside over time (around 6 weeks). This product also does well to prevent new acne from forming. I have a face wash with benzoyl peroxide and it has worked wonders for me. So when you are browsing through different acne treatment creams, just have a look at the active ingredients and see if they contain benzoyl peroxide.

It should be noted that the strength of benzoyl peroxide in acne creams can range between 2% and 10%. The higher concentration levels are more effective against the more serious acne, but at the same time, depending on the sensitivity of your skin, usage may result in severe irritation, peeling and burning sensation. It is advisable to start at the low strength to test how your skin will react.

One very popular acne treatment solution containing benzoyl peroxide is the Proactiv Solution. Being sold by the marketing giant, Guthy-Renker LLC and promoted by celebrities such as Jessica Simpson and Vanessa Williams, this is currently one of the best-sellers. However, I have heard of mixed results from various people.

Sometimes when your acne subsides, it can leave hyperpigmentation and scarring. The former terminology simply refers to discoloration (darkening) in the skin. This generally goes away after a few months as your skin heals and goes through its regeneration process.

Scarring is categorized into four types based on the shape – ice pick, boxcar, rolling and hypertrophic. Because they can be of different depths, the appropriate treatment can vary. Some of which include topical creams, laser treatment and micro-dermabrasion. Obviously, the more severe the scar, the more intrusive the treatment required.

A fairly popular acne scar cream is the ZENMED Scar Treatment. This package includes two components – Skin Eraser and Microdermabrasion Complex. The Microdermabrasion Complex is essentially an exfoliator that removes the top layer of skin, allowing the Skin Eraser to penetrate further into the skin and be more effective in reducing the appearance of acne scars.

Before you settle on any acne cream (or any procedure for that matter), you should consult a dermatologist to better understand what is suitable for your skin type. The last thing you want is to worsen the acne problem. If there is an acne solution that really stands out for you, run it past your doctor.