One of the banes of our existence, acne is a skin disorder that has plagued millions of people for a long time now. It is a condition that affects the oil glands which are connected to the pores. These glands produce and oily liquid called sebum, which carries dead skin cells through the hair follicles that grows out of the skin. When the skin pores gets clogged up or blocked by dead skin cells, hair follicles can’t grow out of it. That’s the time you’ll see a bump or spot on your skin and that is called acne.

Types of Acne:

Acne is not infectious or dangerous. It can be unsightly especially if they break out on your face. There different types of acne:

• Whiteheads – these are very small and usually remain under the skin and are very easy to treat or extract.
• Blackheads – this type of acne are very small as well. But they can be quite unsightly because they are clearly visible on your skin due to its black color. Some people would scrub their skin red to get rid of it. That wouldn’t work. Blackheads can be removed by extraction through facial treatment.
• Papules - are small pinkish bumps that are very visible on the skin. This is what people usually call “pimples”. If not treated well, pimples can progress into more serious acne conditions and can leave a scar.
• Pustules – are big red bumps with pus inside that are clearly visible on the skin. This is a more serious type of acne and can leave a scar if not treated well. Though people can get away with squeezing the pus out but it is not recommended because it can cause infection and deep scarring.
• Nodules – looks like pustules but bigger and more solid. They can more difficult to treat and can be painful since they are embedded deep in the skin.
• Cysts – this is the worst type of acne. They are clearly visible the skin and they are big, solid, red and full of pus. They are painful and can cause a lot of discomfort. A dermatologist is needed to treat this type of acne.

Acne Treatment

 Acne treatment can be quite expensive. Since majority of the people that are affected by acne are teenagers, they cannot afford to buy the expensive acne treatment products in the market today. Not only teenagers for that matter, adult acne treatment are quite expensive too. Some dermatologists charge an arm and a leg just to get rid of a simple blackhead or whitehead.

The trick about acne treatment is that it should be treated immediately so that it will not progress into a more serious type. As soon as a blackhead, whitehead or pimple surfaces on the skin; get rid of it immediately.

Luckily acne can be treated at home. This is a common practice for people who can’t afford the expensive acne treatment in the market. You will be amazed that your kitchen can be a haven of the most effective treatment in history.

Check out these home acne treatments that are found in your kitchen:

• Aloe Vera is a very popular acne treatment. It can be applied topically on the infected area as well as taken internally. You can see the results in a matter of days.
• Sandalwood is another home treatment that you can find in your kitchen. When mixed with rose water and applied on your acne, you can be blemish free in no time at all.
• Cucumber and cumin seeds are also effective acne treatment. When formed into paste, it can get rid of your acne and give you smooth and blemish free skin.
• Lavender oil can be applied directly on your acne infested skin, clearing your skin in a matter of days.
• Another effective acne remedy is cooked oatmeal. When applied to your skin regularly, it can clear up your acne and keep it blemish free.

These home treatments are effective on simple acne problems like whiteheads, blackheads and papules. If your acne condition is worse than the three types mentioned, it is advised to seek help from an expert. In order to prevent this, treat simple types of acne as soon as you can. You can never go wrong when using the simple kitchen acne remedies before it’s too late.

So what exactly is Acne?

Acne vulgaris or commonly called as acne is a very common skin disease that appears on the face, upper chest and back. Severe acne is inflammatory but it can be manifest as non-inflammatory as well. Acne is characterized by the areas of your skin:

Seborrhea (scaly red skin)

Comedones (blackheads and whiteheads)

Papules (pinheads)

Pustules (pimples)

Nodules (large papules)

When does acne occur?

Acne usually occurs during adolescence and may continue to adulthood. Normally, for most people, acne diminishes then disappears overtime or at least decreases especially after 20 but there are cases that it may persist all the way to their 30s, 40s and 50s.

What causes acne?

There are many factors that involve in acne development, and the most common is a blockage in follicle that is caused by an oil buildup. Sebum which is a combination of naturally-occurring oil, and dead cells block the follicle can furthermore cause acne. Here are other factors that may cause acne vulgaris:

1.    Hormonal – this is a common cause for acne on adult and teenagers, which involves menstrual cycle among women and puberty among teenagers.

2.    Genetic – if a person has acne, then chances are some members of his or her family may have acne as well. As acne develops it can run through families.

3.    Infectious – bacterium such as Propionibacterium acnes is also widely accepted to cause acne.

4.    Psychological stress – scientific research observed that certain levels of stress can also trigger the severity of acne.

5.    Environment – pollutants, dust, dirt and some noxious chemicals can also clog pores on your skin as well as irritate and initiate a breakout of acne. These elements alone are not good for the skin.

6.    Smoking – carcinogenic and toxic chemicals that come from cigarette smoke may also cause skin eruptions.

7.    Diet – having a high glycemic diet is also linked to worsening acne.

Ways to prevent and treat acne:

1.    Medication- Benzol Peroxide is known to treat mild to moderate acne effectively. This drug is actually a first line of defense in treating mild to moderate acne. Antibiotics are also used especially on those who have a severe acne problem. The problem with antibiotics is that the bacteria that cause acne can actually develop resistance.

2.    Facial Hygiene – this help gets rid of undesirable elements such as dirt and oil that clog the pores.

3.    Exercise – this can increase blood flow that can help the maintenance of skin cells to bring in more oxygen and nutrients and get rid of waste. Exercise also helps lower down stress, which is a contributing factor to what causes acne.

Even when women’s acne is clearly caused by polycystic ovarian disease (PCOS) or fluctuations in hormone production, most dermatologists will prescribe the same acne treatments for women that they prescribe for men. Sometimes, however, treating the underlying hormonal imbalance is what is really needed to get rid of acne for good.

The most common treatment for women’s acne? The contraceptive Pill. After all issues of women’s health are considered, then you and your doctor may consider these common treatments that control acne as a symptom of another health issue.

The Pill. Various brands of oral contraception, such as Alesse, Estrostep, Ortho-Tricyclen, Yaz, and others, are often prescribed to treat symptoms including acne. In many women of reproductive age, the underlying cause of acne is a condition called polycystic ovarian disease, or PCOS.

A peculiarity of PCOS is that it may not actually cause cysts in the ovaries. Any combination of menstrual irregularity, infertility, and/or cysts in the ovaries may define the disease.

The underlying cause of PCOS is an unusually high ratio of testosterone to estrogen in a woman’s bloodstream. The ovaries make both estrogen and testosterone. When blood sugar levels go up, the sugar floods the ovaries and they have to use the extra sugar to make energy; they can’t store it as fat. The extra energy goes into making both testosterone and estrogen, but the relative excess of estrogen causes acne, hair growth, and menstrual irregularities. One way to deal with the problem is to go on a diet, but another way to deal with the problem is to get more estrogen into the body by taking a birth control pill.

Birth control pills are especially helpful for women who have PCOS and for women whose acne is worst around the time of their periods. Oral contraceptives are not a cure for acne, however. The reduction in sebum production is modest, and other methods of treating acne need to be used.

Moreover, birth control pills usually only help control acne for about a year or so. Eventually the body sense that testosterone levels are unnaturally low and the ovaries make more, which causes the acne to come back or get worse.

Finasteride is better known as Proscar or Propecia, the treatments given to men for prostate problems and hair loss. Sometimes women are prescribed finasteride for acne, but it’s only responsible to use the drug if you are absolutely certain you are not going to become pregnant. Even touching the pills during the first trimester of pregnancy can cause a baby boy to be born without genitalia.

Spironolactone, sold as Aldactone or Aldatone, is a drug designed to keep cells in the body from responding to testosterone. When skin pores aren’t activated by testosterone, they don’t make as much sebum. Spironolactone is typically used with oral contraceptives when both breast tenderness and acne are recurring symptoms of PMS. This drug also reduces water weight, but since it causes potassium retention, it can’t be used with blood pressure medications that also conserve potassium in the body.

The How and Why of Acne Scars

As with any type of damage that can occur to the skin, acne can leave scars. This can happen for a few different reasons. Often, people who pick at their acne or do not use a tool for extraction can end up causing the blemishes to leave their mark behind, long after the pimple has vanished. Other times, unfortunately, the body may react to certain types of acne by creating scar tissue. The most common types of acne to leave a scar are severe forms of acne, such as nodules and cysts, especially if not treated by a professional.

Types of Acne Scars

There are four categories of types of acne scars: ice picks scars, rolling scars, boxcar scars and Hypertrophic/Keloid scars.

• The most common type is the ice pick scar, which leaves a mark like a deep V that forms a pit.
• Rolling scars are, as the name implies, wave like formations on the skin that generally are wide and not very deep.
• Boxcar scars closely resemble chickenpox scars. These are often squared off and are generally found on the temple or cheekbone area.
• Hypertrophic scars are marks that remain after the blemish has gone and stay true to the original size of the mark. These marks are raised and do often diminish some, over time. Keloid scars, unfortunately, expand beyond the size of the original blemish and can be itchy.

The difference between acne scarring and other types of scars is that the scar occurs within the skin as opposed to on the surface, making treatment more challenging.

Options for Treating Scars

Two of the most popular methods many people go with to try to reduce or eliminate their scarring are to use laser treatment and dermabrasion. Both of these approaches may also be used to treat acne itself. For many, this is the most effective method to do away with the appearance of scar tissue. For Keloid scars, you can also steroids can be injected to help even out the surface between skin and scar tissue to create a flat, smooth surface.

Some people prefer to use topical treatments or dermal fillers. There a wide variety of these types of treatments, and they include items such as Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (AHA), glycolic acid and Retin-A. Again, these are the types of products some people use to try to alleviate and eliminate general acne related blemishes, too. These help by the removing the top scar layers and creating a better overall skin texture and surface.

Products for Treating Acne Scars

You can also use products at home to try to improve the appearance of your scarring. People have often had great success in reducing the appearance or eliminating the presence of acne related scars by taking matters into their own hands. While there are a wide variety of products to select from, two seem to get much attention and great feedback pertaining to results as an effective method of treating scars. These products are the AZTEC SECRETS Indian Healing Clay and the Bio-Oil Scar Treatment.

• The AZTEC SECRETS Indian Healing Clay is often preferred because it does not contain additives, fragrances or animal products. This product is made up of bentonite clay from Death Valley that is sun dried for a period of time. To use the Indian Healing Clay, you simply mix with water or apple cider vinegar and apply to your face like a facial pack mask.

• The Bio-Oil Scar Treatment is hypo-allergenic, does not contain preservatives and is a mild and gentle formula, good for those who have sensitive skin. The key to the healing power of Bio-Oil is the PurCellin oil, which helps the other ingredients do their job and promote the best overall skin and scar treatment. Because the Bio-Oil is meant to be applied twice daily for at least three months, both of these products could be used to help speed up and ensure the success of your acne scar reversal process.

Blackheads and Your Skin

Blackheads are easy to distinguish, as their name is the best way to describe them. Part of the pore suffers blockage, which leads to this type of blemish. A combination of oil, dead skin cells and bacteria slowly drain towards the skin’s surface and create this problem. As with any skin blemish, you should not simply use your fingers to squeeze the debris clear.

To remove a blackhead, the best options are a pimple extractor, steam or washing the affected area with a mixture of warm water and Epsom salts. As for preventing blackheads, the best approach is to make sure you wash your face with a mild cleanser at least twice daily. Keeping your skin free of oils can help eliminate blackheads.

Whiteheads

Unlike blackheads, whiteheads happen when the pore of the skin is completely blocked. The same substances become completely trapped under the skin, which causes a small white spot to surface. Whiteheads generally disappear quicker and easier than blackheads, but also tend to happen much more frequently.

Squeezing whiteheads for extraction can be very harmful to the skin as it may cause the skin to break, which can result in scarring. You can try to use an extractor, but cleansing is the best way to treat and prevent whiteheads. Using a gentle exfoliator can help to open up and dry out blemishes, including whiteheads. By keeping the skin clear, as in washing at least twice a day, you reduce the chance of experiencing whiteheads. Steam can also help with the prevention of whiteheads as it draws out oil, bacteria and dead skin cells that become lodged in the pore and cause the whiteheads. Steaming also opens the pores to prevent materials from becoming trapped in the first place.

Papules and Pustules

Both of these types of blemishes are inflamed, red bumps. Pustules, however, also have a white or yellow tip, the result of trapped pus. For treating these two types of acne, benzoyl peroxide has proven to be an effective approach. You can use a cleanser or cream, or other products intended for acne that contain this ingredient. As with other forms of acne, it is best to not touch papules or pustules and let them run their course. They are the blemishes with the shortest life span, and generally clear up quickly if left alone.

Severe Acne Vulgaris

The two main blemishes associated with severe Acne Vulgaris are cysts and nodules. Nodules are, usually, larger blemishes that can be painful. These bumps are hard and can cause serious skin damage if one attempts to extract the contents by hand. A cyst is much like a nodule, except it contains pus instead of hardened debris. These can also be painful and are more likely to result in acne scarring.

It is advisable, for both of these types of blemishes, to allow a dermatologist to determine the best approach for removal. For nodules or cysts, a doctor will often use an injection of cortisone to reduce the swelling and reduce the inflammation. This is the best way to prevent scarring or further complications related to severe Acne Vulgaris.

Acne Rosacea

Though this can look similar to forms of Acne Vulgaris, there are differences. Many who are over the age of 30 and suffer a form of acne are actually experiencing Acne Roscea. Redness, bumps and visible blood vessels are common traits of this form of acne, but blackheads are not something that accompany Acne Roscea.

It is fairly important to determine if you have Rosacea or Acne as treatments for regular acne can cause the Rosacea to worsen. Topical treatments, oral treatments, Retinoids, laser therapy and Photodynamic therapy are all methods that can be used to treat or attempt to prevent Acne Rosacea. Check with your doctor to decide which type of acne you may be suffering from so you can use the best approach for treatment.

If you are one of those unfortunate souls who have been dealing with more than a onetime bout of acne, you know how important but challenging taking care of your acne can be.

Diet and Acne

As with almost anything else health related in our lives, getting the proper diet can make all the difference. This can begin with just making sure you get plenty of water on a regular daily basis. Water helps flush out toxins in our system, and keeps us at the proper hydration level so that our skin can be healthier.

As for other diet tips for acne, it has been reported that foods rich in zinc can help prevent breakouts. Also, avoiding foods that contain high levels of fats, sugars or salts can help you to have healthier skin, all around.

The Importance of Clean Skin Throughout the Day

Keep in mind, if you secrete sweat during the day, from exercise or on hot summer days for example, following up with a refreshing wash can help prevent acne from being inflamed or new breakouts. Also, if you will be out in the sun, keep your blemished areas protected. Exposure to sun can cause breakouts that are more intensive and even lead to scarring.

Also, make sure you remove make up or anything that clogs the skin like that, carefully and as soon as possible to enable the skin to breathe. Glasses can also cause bacteria on the face to spread or fester. Keep more than your lenses clean; take care to wipe down the rims and any area that comes in contact with your skin. As a general rule, be mindful of what comes in contact with your skin throughout the day and keep it cleared up as possible.

 Your Skin Care Regimen

If you have problems with breakouts, including blackheads and whiteheads, then you have probably already come to realize the importance of caring for your skin. There are obviously other factors that determine the health of your skin, such as diet and exercise, but it starts with washing your face and using certain types of serums or tonics to help truly alleviate the problems.

When caring for your skin, make sure you are washing your skin at least twice a day. This means washing your face in the morning and before bed, at least. Many people who are working to overcome acne problems will also try to wash their face at some point in the middle of the day, as well, for optimal results. To properly wash your sensitive skin, use a cleanser that you have found does not inflame your blemishes and does not over-dry your skin, unless you have a acne-friendly moisturizer to counteract this problem.

• Gently lather face, using circular motions, taking care not to scrub as you wash.
• Use warm water for lathering and rinsing, as warm water helps to kill off bacteria.
• Follow up with a lotion that contains benzoyl peroxide, as this ingredient is known to eliminate oil and bacteria.
• Keep in mind, although it can be tempting to do so, popping or picking at acne and pimples will only lead to deeper problems, such as redness or even scarring.

Of course, the key to helping control and reduce your acne is also having the right cleanser. Some of this may be trial and error, as you determine the level of sensitivity of your skin. To start with, though, it may be a good idea to use one of the more popular products on the market, today.

Some Trusted Products for Acne

So, you should know that there are several products on the market today that make managing your skin condition possible.

• The Exposed Acne Treatment Basic Kit is a great way to get everything you need – cleanser, tonic and serums for your complete acne care.
• Maybe two of the best products by trusted names in the acne care market are the Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash and the pHisoderm pH Anti-Blemish Gel Facial Wash.
• The acne.org 16 oz cleanser was developed by the people behind the acne.org website, an online community for acne sufferers.
• There’s also the Panoxyl Acne Foaming Wash, and the key feature of this wash is to remove dirt, unclog pores and make it easier for skin to breathe.

As you can see, there are popular and effective products on the market, and many of them have already established themselves among those who suffer with acne as trusted names in the industry.

Hormonal Reasons for Acne

The Androgen hormone is the one most commonly tied to acne breakouts. Decreasing levels of this hormone, in both men and women, can often result in the reduction or elimination of acne. The thing to keep in mind, though, is that hormones can become unbalanced at various points in one’s life and this should be taken into consideration if you are not a usual victim of blemishes. Puberty is a time when our hormones initially go into overdrive, and the result is often teenage acne. You may also notice hormone imbalances and resulting breakouts during pregnancy, menopause and any time you take a medication or supplement that may alter the balance of your hormones.

Genetic Factors behind Acne

As with most ailments, acne can be traced back to genetics. If members of your family were prone to bouts of acne, you may be a more likely candidate for breakouts yourself. The good news is that this gives you a place to start for your research towards finding treatments that work for your acne. If you know someone in your family suffered from acne, find out that products and methods worked, or didn’t, to prevent or eliminate acne.

Infectious or Bacteria Leads to Acne

Although a certain level of bacteria lives in the skin anyway, an increased amount can lead to breakouts. What happens, basically, is that the bacteria acts like a magnet to draw in white blood cells. The white blood cells, in turn, produce a cell wall damaging enzyme. The contents within the follicle respond by entering the dermis. The end result is inflammation, which causes various types of blemishes. At this time, though, it is not believed that the bacteria that lead to inflammations are contagious.

Can Stress Be Causing Your Breakouts?

There are two main reasons it is believed stress may lead to acne and breakouts. The first thing to consider is that stress can cause a breakdown or weakened immune system. Once the immune system is weaker, it is more prone to infections and bacteria. The end result can be an increase in acne related breakouts.

The other effect stress may have on the body that leads to breakouts, is inflammation. The heightened inflammation response breaks follicle walls, as what happens with increased bacteria levels. Alternatively, stress may heighten the level of androgen hormone produced, leading to breakouts.

Psychological Causes of Acne

The most common psychological connection between this and acne is stress. It is believed that emotional stress can play a huge role in the tendency to suffer breakouts. The problem often becomes that suffering with acne breakouts can lead to a greater amount of emotional stress, which, as a result, leads back to an increase in the number or severity of acne problems. The process becomes a vicious cycle that can be difficult to discontinue.

 Some Other Possible Causes

• It is most common for teens to experience acne, though it can creep up or continue into adulthood. Most often, though, with teens, the breakouts occur as a direct result of the hormone changes happening within the body.
• Dietary issues may also cause blemishes. For different people, it may be different things. For some it is the high level of chemicals in processed foods; for others it may be elevated amounts of sugar, salts, oils or fats in other foods.
• Other things you put into your body can also trigger acne. Some people suffer breakouts as a result of a new type of medication. While this may only be an initial reaction, it may also last for the duration of the medication regimen.
• Or, you may be suffering from not getting enough vitamins into your body. Most commonly, a lack of vitamins leads to a weakened immune system, which, in turn, can cause breakouts.

If you are struggling with acne, consider which one or more of these may be triggering your breakouts. Armed with this kind of information, you may be able to overcome your struggles and find ways to clear up your skin.

The reasons benzoyl peroxide is a popular choice are that it was one of the first treatments discovered to successfully treat acne and it is also, generally, an affordable option. It also can be used for those who have mild to moderate cases of acne. If you fall into this category, and have not yet tried a benzoyl peroxide product, ask your dermatologist if one may be right for you.

How Benzoyl Peroxide Works

Some ingredients work by removing dead skin cells or working on the gland that secretes oil. Benzoyl peroxide actually introduces more oxygen into the pore. This, in turn, kills off bacteria that thrive in conditions where there is not enough oxygen. When dead skin or oils block the pore and prevent it from receiving enough oxygen, bacteria thrives, which causes breakouts. Benzoyl peroxide counterbalances this problem.

Benzoyl peroxide is reported to also help rid the follicle of debris, such as dead skin cells. By freeing the pores of blockages, you have less chance of breakouts and an easier time clearing up already present blemishes. With products containing benzoyl peroxide, you may need to continue use after breakouts have cleared up, though. Usually, this is because products that work to keep the pores unblocked require continued use so the skin can keep free of blockages that cause acne.

Who Can Use Benzoyl Peroxide Products?

First, if you suffer from more severe forms of acne, such as nodules or cysts, you may not be a good candidate for this type of product. Talk to your doctor if you are unsure of whether or not this would work for you. Women who are nursing, pregnant or may become pregnant should also consult their physician before use.

If you have a tendency to be overly sensitive and suffer from dry skin, you may notice more problems from using this. Otherwise, most people struggling with acne can use this and, hopefully, see results. It is not as harsh as some ingredients and tends to have fewer side effects because of this.

The Possibility of Side Effects

As mentioned before, dry skin can be a common side effect among users. You may also experience redness, flaking, burning or other discomfort. Often, this could be remedied with use of an oil-free moisturizer. If you suffer anything more severe or these effects linger or worsen, though, you should discontinue using benzoyl peroxide products. Consulting with your doctor can help determine if you should continue by using smaller amounts or stop completely.

Direct contact with hair or clothing may result in bleaching. Some users, in fact, also experience the same problem with their own skin, so blotchiness or uneven skin could occur. There have even been reports of permanent brown spots surfacing while using or following use of benzoyl peroxide products. Some side effects may depend on the types of products you use.

Products with Benzoyl Peroxide

From creams to gels, there are all kinds of products available that contain benzoyl peroxide to help with skin problems.

• One popular example is the Acne.org 8 oz Treatment.

• Or you may prefer a cleanser, such as the Topix Benzoyl Peroxide 10% Wash. This is a good way to introduce benzoyl peroxide into your skin care routine once or twice a day.

• For those looking for topical solutions, try the Glytone Acne Gel. This is a medical grade product that helps rejuvenate skin. It can be used up to three times a day.

It may take some trial and error by using different products, but you may find benzoyl peroxide works great for treating your acne.

This acid helps exfoliate the skin and improve the surface of the skin as well as the overall appearance. It tends to be a preferred method for many because it can lead to obvious results while still being gentle enough to the skin. Even those with sensitive skin claim they were less affected while using products with lactic acid then others. You can find products such as cleansers, moisturizers and peels that contain this ingredient.

How It Works

Lactic acid works by attracting and maintaining moisture in the skin, which makes it a popular choice for patients who experience dry skin in addition to or because of their acne. Lactic acid also works by stimulating the creation of collagen in the deeper layers of skin below the surface. The greatest benefit lactic acid offers those who suffer with acne is the ability to free up the substance that acts like a glue compound within the skin.

This tends to cause the skin to hold on to dead skin cells too long. If the skin in unable to shed off that top layer of dead skin cells, this creates blocked pores which leads to acne. By exfoliating the skin, which is like a peel, the skin has a more difficult time producing whiteheads or blackheads. By removing the dead skin cells, the skin can breathe easier and is not clogged, so it is less likely there will be breakout.

Who Can Use Lactic Acid Products?

Generally, those who suffer from bouts of mild acne could potentially see results from using this product. More severe cases of acne tend to need something that is a bit harsher. Some patients have noticed results with their less than mild acne by using products that contained higher levels of lactic acid or alpha-hydroxy. Generally, though, this works better for people suffering with more mild cases.

Also, those who tend to have dry skin and acne may notice less of a harsh, drying effect from using this type of product. Although all acne treatments have the potential to cause some dryness, reports indicate fewer problems when using lactic acid. If you think you may be a candidate, the best thing you can do is speak to your doctor to find out if this may work for you.

Side Effects of Lactic Acid

There are fewer side effects reported from using lactic acid and alpha hydroxy than many other types of acne treatments. This also means you are not using something quite as drastic, which is why this is generally best for use with patients battling with mild cases of acne. As with any topical skin treatment, you may experience dryness, redness or other forms of skin irritations.

To prevent issues, you should not use products with this ingredient if you are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant or are nursing. If you are taking certain types of prescriptions or over the counter medications, you should consult your doctor first. Some of it depends on the type of product you use, of course, though patients find some of the best results from using peels that contain lactic acid.

Lactic Acid Peels

Generally, the main difference may be as simple as the content level within the peel, but there are several popular lactic acid peels available.

• Skin Laboratory makes one that is the Glyco-Lac 60 Level 2 Gel Peel. The solution is applied and left to sit for one minute before removing.
• For a stronger dose, try their Lactic Acid 70% Gel Peel. This claims to offer you results when used on a regular weekly basis.
• Another popular lactic acid product is the Philosophy Microdelivery Purifying Peel. This trusted name in skin care has developed a one minute purifying peel to help keep your skin in optimal condition.

In addition to these, there are plenty more to choose from, but these are some that you may want to consider.

What is Glycolic Acid?

Because glycolic acid is derived from sugar cane, it can actually be considered a natural product. It is still possible to have a reaction, but it is at least a natural substance in its purest form. Glycolic acid is useful as a skin treatment because of the ability to exfoliate the skin so well. By working beneath the surface layer of damaged skin, glycolic acid helps remove this layer by chemically burning it off.

The overall result is a smoother skin surface. Glycolic acid can also contribute to helping draw moisture into the skin’s surface without creating a too oily effect that can cause breakouts. For these reasons, this ingredient has become a popular trend in many types of products for people who suffer from conditions other than acne or who are trying to get more youthful looking skin.

Who Can Use Glycolic Acid Products?

The main thing to be aware of is that if you know you have sensitive skin, this may not be the best product for you. Some of this can depend on what type of product you use, such as a peel versus a gel. The level of glycolic acid in the product can have an effect, too, on who can handle certain types of products containing this acid.

The best way to know if you can sustain the suggested use for a glycolic acid product is to start with less and work your way up to the full suggested amount. This could mean smaller amounts or less frequent use until you can be sure you are not having an adverse reaction to the product.

Some Possible Side Effects

As previously noted, higher levels of glycolic acid in a product may increase the likelihood of a reaction. Some claim that the higher the levels, the more effective the product. Of course, the obvious risks of redness and a higher sensitivity to sunlight are present. You may also notice swelling or stinging and possibly, in some cases, additional peeling.

Some other commonly reported side effects included dryness, flaking and, in more severe instances, scarring. Other possibilities include uneven skin tone or blotches. Overall, if you use the product in smaller concentrates, smaller doses or less often than suggested, at least in the beginning, you can monitor closely for side effects. If you notice any, discontinue use immediately until you have a chance to consult with your doctor.

Products with Glycolic Acid

Some of the most common products with glycolic acid include gels, peels and lotions or creams. You may want to start with something gentler, such as a cream, and work your way up to a peel. Either way, you should be familiar with a few of the more widely recognized products that contain glycolic acid.

• For those who want to start with a cream, the Aqua Glycolic Face Cream can do wonders. It claims to have the highest level of glycolic acid available without a prescription, though, but should be less extreme than starting with a peel. Dermatologist recommended, this removes dead skin cells and smoothes the overall appearance.

• For peels, it depends on the level of glycolic acid you want. The Glycolic Acid 35% by Skin Laboratory still boasts an entry-level professional strength peel and even claims to work on acne scars.

• Skin Obsession, however, has a 40% Glycolic Acid Peel for Acne, Scars, Age Spots and Lines. This one is meant to increase skin cell turnover leaving your skin healthier.

Many people who suffer with acne, though, have seen results by using products containing glycolic acid, and you may find you can too.