Acne Factor #2
The second contributing factor to acne is bacterial colonization on the skin.
Topical ingredients can be very successful in helping to reduce the bacterial colonization on the surface of the skin.
Benzoyl Peroxide is an extremely popular ingredient in topical acne medication. It is found in many acne products, both professionally and over the counter. While benzoyl peroxide will kill the acne bacteria within 48 hours, it can cause irritation and inflammation if overused because it can over dry the skin. It must be used in conjunction with a good skin care regimen.
Tea tree oil is a natural antibacterial and is a very popular essential oil for use with acne. Since it is a natural product, it takes a little longer to kill the bacteria (about 72 hours) but it also helps to reduce inflammation of the skin and will help with the spread of the bacteria. The product must contain at least 5% tea tree oil to be effective. If the product is pure tea tree essential oil with no carrier oil, it must be mixed with a carrier oil to avoid inflammation and peeling of the skin. Some literature recommends not using tea tree oil on children under 12 years.
Calendula, a botanical and natural ingredient used in skin care soaps and washes for eczema and insect bites as well as acne. It kills acne bacteria as well as brining down inflammation associated with acne.
Medicinal honey, especially Manuka honey, fights a wide range of bacteria, yeasts, and molds that can contaminate the skin. It is anti-inflammatory, hydrating, soothing, and antibacterial. It may take 1-2 weeks to see the benefits of the Manuka honey on the skin and many experience a purging effect” where the skin can get worse for a couple weeks before it starts to work. It is recommended to use a UMF 16+ Active Manuka honey for it to be beneficial for the skin and work optimally.
Sulfur is another very popular topical product that helps kill acne bacteria in the follicles of the skin. It is not as drying as benzoyl peroxide and in addition to its antibacterial properties, is also an anti-inflammatory. Sulfur acne treatments an come in a topical spot treatment as well as a face wash. Although the smell of sulfur products can be unpleasant it is not recommended to use sulfur products that contain fragrances to cover up the sulfur smell. The fragrance can cause irritation that cancels out the benefits of the sulfur.
As with the ingredients we discussed last time, some products may contain a combination of ingredients and some may be combined in a full skin care regimen. It is always important to wash the skin before applying the products and to moisturize the skin daily. Usage of topical products without a proper moisturizer can result in irritation, over drying, and further breakouts.
Stay tuned next week for the discussion on inflammation, the third factor that contributes to Acne.