Perhaps, the main advantage of commercial acne products verses natural acne products is their convenience. Instead of experimenting with homemade acne treatments, consumers can rely on commercial formulas. Another advantage to commercial acne treatments is that consumer reviews are readily available online. The following is a brief description of a few of the popular acne care systems available.
Proactiv+
Proactiv+ is a benzoyl peroxide based acne skin care line. The current Proactiv+ system has been revamped from the the original formula. The 3 step system includes an exfoliating cleanser, pore penetrating lotion, and a skin hydrator. Proactiv+ retails for about $40 for a 30 day supply. Proactiv+ offers automatic shipments on their website.
Neutrogena Complete Acne Therapy System
Neutrogena Complete Acne Therapy System is a benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid based acne skin care line. The 3 step system includes a salicylic acid based cleanser, a benzoyl peroxide based acne control lotion, and an oil free sunscreen. Neutrogena states that it is the number 1 dermatologist recommended acne treatment system. Perhaps, this is because it is the only popular acne treatment system that includes a sunscreen in its system. The Neutrogena system retails for about $25 for a 60 day supply. Visit Neutrogena's website to purchase online or to find a local retailer.
Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Control Kit
Clean & Clear Advantage Acne control kit is a benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid based acne skin care line. The 3 step system includes a benzoyl peroxide based acne cleaner, a salicylic acid based moisturizer, and a salicylic acid based spot treatment. The Clean & Clear kit retails for about $20 for a 30 day supply. Visit Clean & Clear's website to purchase online or to find a local retailer.
Natural Commercial Products
Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are the active ingredients in most popular acne skin care products. Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic have been known to cause adverse effects to some users. The following acne treatments active ingredients are natural alternatives to benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.
Calendula
Calendula also called pot marigold is a plant that is a natural alternative to benzoyl peroxide. Calendula has proven effective against bacteria, pain and inflammation. Kiehl makes a calendula based cleanser and toner. The cleanser and toner duo retails for $50 for a 30 day supply. The duo is available on their website. California Baby makes a great calendula based moisturizer. The moisturizer retails for about $15 on their website.
Tea Tree
Tea tree oil comes from the leaves of the Australian Melaleuca alternifolia commonly called tea trees. TTO has been shown to have antiseptic and antifungal properties. The Body Shop carries an entire line of TTO based acne treatments. The line consists of products ranging in prices of $9 to $20 dollars. The products are available directly from their website.
Green Tea
Green Tea comes from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Topical applications of green tea have been shown to reduce sebum production, fight against bacteria, and work as an anti-inflammatory. St. Ives makes green tea based cleansers. The cleansers retail for under $10. Visit St. Ives website to find a local retailer.
Sunscreen
A good sunscreen provides protection from UVA and UVB rays. Due to the complex nature of sunscreen, it's best to use commercial products. Neutrogena currently have 2 sunscreen formulas specifically designed for acne prone skin. Neutrogena's sunscreens retail for about $11 and are available from their website. Dark Spots
It's important to know the difference between acne spots and acne scars. Scars are permanent demarcations that require treatment in a medical office. Spots often disappear without treatment. Stubborn spots can be treated with products containing hydroquinone and alpha or beta hydroxy acids. These skin lightening agents should only be applied to healed acne spots. Alpha Hydrox Spot Light Targeted Skin Lightener is a popular products for acne spots. Alpha Hydrox products are widely available through online and retail outlets. Most acne dark spots can be corrected with over the counter products. However, stronger strengths can be prescribed by a dermatologist. Do you want an individualized skin care regime?
See the blog post on natural acne treatments.
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