These are your must-have ingredients for treating acne

I’m sure you’ll agree acne is a cause of agony for many and it doesn’t just affect teenagers. Adults aren’t spared from acne either. Thankfully it’s a skin condition you don’t have to live with… that is if you know what ingredients to include in your skincare routine. According to experts, these are the go-to ingredients if acne is your main worry.

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#1 Salicylic acid

The main reason why acne forms is because excess oil and dead skin cells clog up pores, and when bacteria gets trapped inside the pore, this results in inflammation and pus-filled pimples.

Salicylic acid helps to treat and prevent acne by unclogging blocked pores. It also works by decreasing sebum production ie, less breakouts.

#2 Alpha Hydroxy Acids

Alpha Hydroxy Acids also known as AHAs are a chemical exfoliant that’s great for loosening and removing clogs that can cause pimples and breakouts. Consistent use of AHAs can also help to prevent acne reduce the size of enlarged pores.

AHAs can come in the form of glycolic acid and lactic acid which are helpful for reducing acne scars, and even citric and malic acids which can help soothe inflamed skin.

And did you know, you don’t have to restrict the use of AHAs to just your face? Other acne prone areas such as your back, chest and even butt can all reap the benefits of AHAs.

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#3 Azelaic Acid

Another ingredient you’ll find useful in the treatment of acne is Azelaic acid. It is a naturally occurring acid found in grains such as barley, wheat, and rye, with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective in the treatment of skin conditions like acne and even rosacea. Azelaic acid not only prevents future outbreaks, it also cleans bacteria from your pores responsible for acne.

Beyond treating and preventing acne, Azelaic acid also stimulates cell turnover so your skin heals more quickly and reduces any signs of scarring caused by acne.

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#4 Vitamin C

As an antioxidant, Vitamin C has anti-inflammatory properties and can help to reduce redness and swelling that’s commonly found in acne-prone skin and hence improve the appearance of acne lesions when used topically.