Is your skin prone to acne, congested pores, whiteheads and blackheads? If yes, then you need targeted skincare products to address these concerns of troubled skin. However, while there are countless options for acne-prone, oily skin in the market, these choices can be overwhelming! Simply trying to understand the ingredients list of a single product can be a daunting task. Then how do you select multiple products with complex formulations for a skincare routine that addresses all your skin needs?
A great way to simplify the task of reading skincare labels is to first focus on the active ingredients. These are the heroes of the formulation which are further supported by the remaining ingredients. So, what are the best active ingredients for acne-prone skin and are they completely safe to use? Let’s find out!
But First, What Are Active Ingredients?
Before deep-diving into the world of active ingredients for acne, let us first understand what are active ingredients. Active ingredients are the key ingredients of a skincare product that target specific skin concerns and fulfil the claims of the said product. For example, a pore clarifying product will contain one or more active ingredients that decongest the pores and remove excess sebum. The rest of the ingredients in the product support these active ingredients by acting as carriers, hydrators or calming agents.
Therefore, you need to select skincare products that contain active ingredients that are proven to treat your specific skin concerns. Apart from the presence of a certain active ingredient in the product, its concentration, source, and supporting ingredients may all impact the efficacy of the product. Furthermore, how you pair different active-based products in your skincare routine can make a vast difference to how well your regimen works for your skin.
The Most Popular Active Ingredients For Acne-Prone Skin – Pros And Cons
Certain active ingredients are widely used in skincare products for acne-prone skin. They have proven their efficacy in solving the woes of oily, congested skin. However, they come with some cons or side effects as well that you should be aware of before using them on your skin. Here are the top 5 ingredients widely used in anti-acne products along with their pros and cons.
1. Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl Peroxide is a skincare ingredient widely used in anti-acne products. It has anti-bacterial properties that create an oxygen-rich environment in the pores, killing acne-causing bacteria. This ingredient is usually present in antibacterial face cleansers and anti-acne creams.
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2. Salicylic Acid
Salicylic Acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that acts as a chemical exfoliant. It dissolves excess sebum and dirt that clogs the pores, thereby preventing acne. This active ingredient can be found in cleansers, toners, serums, and peels that are designed for acne-prone skin.
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3. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) are a class of chemical exfoliants that remove dead skin and water-soluble dirt from the upper layers of the skin. Some of the popular AHAs that you may have heard of are Lactic Acid and Glycolic Acid. They are often used along with Salicylic Acid in cleansers, toners, or peels for oily skin as this combination helps to unclog the pores and prevent acne.
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4. Retinoids
Retinoids are a class of Vitamin A derivatives that encourage faster skin renewal and reduce acne. Most retinoids are drying on the skin and some can be too harsh for sensitive skin. Adapalene is a gentler retinoid that is considered most suitable for sensitive skin. It is widely used in anti-acne creams and gels.
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5. Sulfur
Sulfur is an age-old ingredient to treat acne and inflammation. It dries up the upper layers of the skin, causing peeling, which heals the pimple faster. It can also prevent excess oiliness on the skin. You can find this ingredient in cleansers, masks, and spot treatments.
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How To Avoid The Harsh Side Effects Of Popular Actives?
As you can see, these popular actives offer a variety of benefits to acne-prone skin. However, they may also cause dryness, sensitivity, and irritation if used too often or in high concentrations. Moreover, the risk of these side effects and skin barrier damage increases further if you use multiple active-based products in your skincare routine. So, you may still find it confusing to select the right set of products for your anti-acne regimen, given the possible side effects of these popular actives.
The solution – our targeted 5-step skincare routine for acne-prone skin! At Klari5, we have created 5 core products to clarify your skin that work in perfect harmony with each other. Plus, we steer clear of harsh and drying actives and use gentler yet equally effective ingredients to treat troubled skin.
Our products are formulated using natural ingredients like Tea Tree Oil, Red Algae, Chamomile, and Aloe Vera, which calm inflammation and treat acne without irritating the skin. Our brand philosophy is to combine medical methods with natural ingredients to create the best products for acne-prone skin that offer long-term, sustainable results! So, you can easily build an effective skincare regimen by picking 3 or more products from Klari5 as per your skin needs.
We also offer carefully-designed in-clinic treatments that are customised as per your skin type and performed by highly-trained professionals. These treatments can deep cleanse your skin and offer it the extra care it needs. They are a safer and more effective alternative to at-home AHA and BHA peels and treatments that you can easily overdo and jeopardize your skin barrier.
So, stop experimenting with multiple actives that can irritate your skin further. Try Klari5 today for a gentle and effective skincare regimen for acne. We are here to be a trusted companion throughout your skincare journey!
