Three Things To Look For When Targeting Acne
Many people would connect oily skin, blackhead and spots with teenage skin yet many women actually suffer with acne well into their twenties, thirties and even forties. Dealing with blemishes and breakouts well into your adult life can really affect your confidences levels, and you may feel unable to let anyone see you barefaced.
Yet simply picking products suitable for blemish prone skin may not always work. A lot of cleansers and toners designed to help clear the complexion are targeted at teenage skin which means they can be overly astringent. They can completely strip your face off oil, and while that may seem good in the beginning over time your skin could start to feel uncomfortable and tight. Stripping the face completely of its natural oils can also lead to an overproduction of oil, meaning you are in a worse place than where you started.
Of course you still want to target acne and clear up blemishes, so we’ve put together a list of some of the key ingredients which will help you in the fight against breakouts
Saw Palmetto
Primarily a combination of flavonoids, plant sterols and fatty acids, advocates of Saw Palmetto the herb can control and reduce acne symptoms. Studies have found that it also contains a high amount of polysaccharides which work as an anti-inflammatory. You can find Saw Palmetto in our Ground Control Anti Blemish tonic, which will help control excess oil and reduce the production of sebum.
Benzyl Alcohol
Is a common ingredient in cosmetics and is found naturally in several essential oils, including ylang ylang, jasmine and styrax. Benzyl Alcohol has natural antiseptic properties which makes it ideal for people with blemish prone skin, as it will help to properly cleanse your skin of dirt, grime and other impurities. It will also help to reduce skin inflammation and redness.
Salicylic Acid
This is the most commonly used active ingredient in acne treatments due to its anti-bacterial properties. Salicylic helps to exfoliate the skin buffing away dead skin cells, making it an ideal ingredient if you suffer from blackheads. Be careful not to over apply products with salicylic acid, particularly if you have sensitive skin, as you may find it irritates the skin and leaves it looking red.
An overuse of any acne treatment can dry the skin and increase oil production. If you suffer from severe cystic acne then it is often recommended to seek help from medical professionals who can prescribe topical creams to apply to the skin.