5 Acne Fighting Ingredients to Include in Your Routine

Acne vulgaris is a common condition that affects millions of people. In the past it was associated with teenage skin, however recent research shows that adult acne is on the rise. Acne doesn't discriminate, and it can happen to anyone regardless of their age and gender.

There are two types of acne - inflammatory and comedonal. Inflammatory acne appears due to inflammatory response and results in cysts, nodules, papules, and pustules. With comedonal acne, there are no inflammatory lesions, but open and closed comedones.

If your acne is causing you psychological distress, we urge you to see a GP or a dermatologist. For mild to moderate cases of acne, a good skincare regime with some of the acne-fighting ingredients listed below can make a world of difference.

Beta Hydroxy Acid

Beta-Hydroxy acid is essential in your routine to treat any kind of spot, blemish, or acne. Salicylic acid is an oil-soluble ingredient. It penetrates the pore and clears it from dead skin cells, bacteria, and oil, which cause acne and blemishes. Salicylic acid is not a one-hit-wonder, though. It also helps calm inflammation and evens out the skin tone.  

Mandelic acid

Mandelic acid is an Alpha-Hydroxy acid, and it is derived from bitter almonds. Because of its unique antibacterial and antibiotics properties, Mandelic acid is a good ingredient for adult acne sufferers. It can treat inflammatory comedonal, papular, and pustular acne. In some cases, it has proven a good treatment choice for people resistant to antibiotics.

Mandelic acid has a larger molecular structure than Glycolic acid, and as such it isn't as sensitising on the skin. Likewise, people with darker skin tones can use it safely, because it carries a lower risk of pigmentation issues. Mandelic acid triggers deep cell renewal, helps fade hyperpigmentation, and eases congestion.

 

Niacinamide

Niacinamide is also known as vitamin B3. It regulates sebum production and prevents new blemishes. Niacinamide helps fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which can be a common side-effect of acne. It also helps restore and maintain the skin's barrier function. The beauty of Niacinamide is that is well tolerated by sensitive skin and rosacea sufferers.

 

Retinol

Retinol is one of the most researched skincare ingredients. Tons of scientific data backs up its efficacy and the ways it benefits the skin. It helps minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, it firms the skin, acts as an antioxidant, refines the skin texture, fades hyperpigmentation, and can reduce acne scarring. Retinol is also the first ingredient most dermatologist will reach for to treat acne because of its efficacy in the treatment of inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions.

Azelaic acid

Azelaic acid has grown in popularity over the last few years. Azelaic acid can be derived from grains or synthetically. It is also produced by the yeast that occurs on healthy skin. Azelaic acid is a multi-tasking ingredient with plenty of benefits for the skin. It works as a gentle exfoliant to reduce congestion and refine the skin. It reduces and prevents blemishes. Azelaic acid also acts as an antioxidant and protects the skin against free radical damage. Likewise, it can help fade discolouration.

Research shows that unlike Alpha-Hydroxy acids, it doesn't cause irritation. In fact, it can be beneficial for sensitive skin types, as well as people who suffer from redness and rosacea. Azelaic acid is available in a prescription form, and the percentages in the prescription topical products vary between 15% and 20%. But you can reap the benefits even at lower concentrations.

In our 10% Azeloyl Moisturiser, we use Azeloyl Glycine, a derivative of Azelaic acid. Because the acid molecule is bind with amino acid Glycine, it has fantastic skin soothing and moisturising properties.

Have you ever suffered with acne? What were some of the ingredients and products that helped?