Acne cleanser

Acne (or acne vulgaris) is a common condition, affecting many people. There are several possible contributing factors to acne, but the exact cause is unknown.^[1] The use of acne lotion (or acne cream, acne cleanser) is a preferred treatment method for many people with acne.

Contents 1 How acne lotion works 2 How to use acne lotion 3 Acne lotion ingredients 4 Acne lotion side effects 4.1 Common acne lotion side effects 4.2 Severe acne lotion side effects 5 Popular acne lotion brands 6 What makes one acne lotion better than another? 7 What's the difference between RX acne lotion and OTC acne lotion? 8 Buying acne lotion 9 Acne body wash 10 Related 11 References

[edit] How acne lotion works

Acne lotion typically does 3 things to rid the skin of acne. It cleanses the skin to remove some bacteria responsible for acne. Some have a chemical ingredient to kill specific bacteria through oxygenation. And lastly, most acne products help exfoliate or remove dead skin cells to prevent the blocking of pores. Unclogging pores prevents the oil build-up that begins the process of developing acne. Each acne product has its own way of working so the methods do vary.

[edit] How to use acne lotion

Applying acne lotion is a simple task. Here are the general steps for applying acne lotion.

1. Wash the face completely. Using cold water will help the pores open up a little bit better.
2. Apply the acne lotion onto the acne problem areas and rub it in until it is no longer visible.
3. Wash hands after acne lotion is applied.
4. Repeat this method as recommended on the directions included with the acne lotion.

Acne lotion application tip: If the lotion is rubbed in and it still remains visible then too much is being used. Wipe off the excess and use less next time.

[edit] Acne lotion ingredients

There’s a wide range of ingredients used in acne lotion and each product has their own unique way of treating acne. Here are the most common ingredients found in acne lotion.

Benzoyl peroxide is a common acne cleanser ingredient. The bacteria propionibacteria acnes cannot live in an oxygen-rich environment, and benzoyl peroxide allows the oxygen into the pores of the skin. Aside from killing bacteria, it removes excess skin cells responsible for clogging pores and causing breakouts.^[2]

Salicylic acid acts as a mild exfoliator. Similar to benzoyl peroxide, it lightly sheds skin in order to prevent clogging of pores. ^[3]

Sulfur has a mild antifungal and antibacterial property. ^[4] Resorcinol is used as an antiseptic and disinfectant.

[edit] Acne lotion side effects

Every product meant to treat something always comes with its own list of side effects. It’s not abnormal to be affected by a side effect when using acne lotion as everyone’s body responds differently. ^[5]

[edit] Common acne lotion side effects

These side effects, if persisted for a long time, warrant the contact of a dermatologist.

• Dryness
• Increased Body Warmth
• Itchy Skin
• Peeling Skin
• Redness
• Skin Irritation
• Stinging
• Swelling

[edit] Severe acne lotion side effects

These side effects warrant immediate medical attention.

• Burning Sensation Felt On Your Skin
• Chest Pain
• Feeling Dizzy
• Hives
• Rashes
• Swelling of the Face, Lips, Mouth, or Tongue
• Tender Skin
• Trouble Breathing

[edit] Popular acne lotion brands

• Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Moisturizer
• Clinique Acne Solutions Clarifying Lotion
• Clinique Acne Solutions Emergency Lotion
• Neutrogena Rapid Clear Acne Defense Lotion

[edit] What makes one acne lotion better than another?

[edit] What's the difference between RX acne lotion and OTC acne lotion?

[edit] Buying acne lotion

Most of the time, one can purchase acne lotion without a prescription. Acne lotion can be purchased online or at a local pharmacy. Keep in mind that if one is opting for a stronger acne lotion then one might have to get a written prescription from a medical doctor or dermatologist.

[edit] Acne body wash

A number of factors contribute to body acne such as tight clothing, unclean skin, or poor diet. Some people find that body acne is much more difficult to get rid of as compared to facial acne.

Most body wash products contain salicylic acid and benzyl peroxide as the main ingredients. However, these ingredients also tend dry out the skin. Additional ingredients such as aloe vera and essential oils in an acne body wash can reduce the drying effect.

Typically an acne body wash is used twice a day. In addition to the acne body wash, taking a shower after exercise or excessive sweating can help reduce the condition. It is very important to keep skin free of dirt and oil, and always keep it cool. In order to moisturize your skin, a light moisturizer or a non-greasy sunscreen is recommended. Exfoliating the skin lightly once a week also helps remove dead skin and cleanses the clogged pores.

Example acne body wash products

• Neutrogena body clear body wash
• Pronexin
• Epuri.

[edit] Related

Acne may be caused by diet such as dairy and inflammation-causing foods. The acne diet controversy is growing with evidence favoring some sort of connection, despite common knowledge.

[edit] References

1. ↑ http://womenshealth.about.com/cs/acne/a/acnecauses.htm
2. ↑ Palmer, Angela http://acne.about.com/od/acnetreatments/a/benzoylperoxide.htm
3. ↑ http://www.mckinley.illinois.edu/handouts/acne/acne.html
4. ↑ http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0PDG/is_4_3/ai_n12417035/
5. ↑ http://www.drugs.com/cdi/acne-treatment-cream.html

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