Acne Free Topical Regimen
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is an ingredient in various over-the-counter preparations. It is available at a concentration of 0.5 or 2 percent in a number of creams and lotions. This agent inhibits comedogenesis by promoting the desquamation of follicular epithelium (helps unclog pores). It has been shown to be as effective as benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of certain types of acne.(5,6) Salicylic acid is well tolerated and should be applied once or twice daily. We recommend that you use a product that includes Salicylic Acid along with natural extracts to help minimize the side effects.
5. Zander E, Weisman S. Treatment of acne vulgaris with salicylic acid pads. Clin Ther 1992;14:247-53.
6. Shalita AR. Comparison of a salicylic acid cleanser and a benzoyl peroxide wash in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Clin Ther 1989;11:264-7.
Azelaic Acid
Azelaic acid is a decarboxylic acid that was first investigated in the 1970s as a treatment for hyperpigmentation and was coincidentally found to be an effective acne treatment. In 1996, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) labeled azelaic acid for the treatment of mild to moderate inflammatory acne. Although its exact mechanism of action is unknown, this agent has antibacterial and antikeratinizing activity, and it appears to be as effective as benzoyl peroxide or tretinoin (Retin-A) in the treatment of mild to moderate acne.(7)
7. Fitton A, Goa KL. Azelaic acid. A review of its pharmacological properties and therapeutic efficacy in acne and hyperpigmentary skin disorders. Drugs 1991;41:780-98.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA)
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) encourages the shedding of dead skin cells and aids in normalizing the skin cell replacement cycle. Typically a type of Alpha Hydroxy Acid called Glycolic acid is used to smooth and even skin tone. Glycolic Acids are often used in formulations and cosmetics to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and other skin imperfections. Trained cosmetologists often use Alpha Hydroxy Acids to treat sun damaged skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and even scaring. For the acne sufferer, Alpha Hydroxy Acids work to unclog pores on the surface of the skin but because they are water soluble AHA’s do not penetrate as deep into the skin as their oil soluble cousin, Salicylic Acid.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree Oil is extracted from a plant native to Australia. Tea Tree Oil has been used for its beneficial skin care properties, to soothe irritation, rashes and burns, control acne and dandruff, and has even been used to treats warts and other fungal infections. The healing properties of this oil make it one of the best essential oils to have in your medicine cabinet. Its role in acne treatment is centered on reducing skin dryness, itching, stinging, or redness.
Allantoin
Allantoin is a potent botanical extract that is known to be healing and soothing. It is an excellent anti-irritant and aids in the healing of damaged skin by stimulating new tissue growth.
Green Tea Extract
Green Tea Extract has been used internally and topically for centuries. It boasts many health benefits. Green tea extract is a powerful anti-oxidant, 200 times more powerful than vitamin E, and has been shown to have positive effects on the skin’s complexion. A study at the Memorial Medical Center in the Philippines in 2003 has even shown Green Tea Extract to have a positive effect on acne lesions.
Aloe Vera Extract
Aloe Vera Extract is very well known for its moisturizing, healing and soothing properties. It is excellent for dry, sensitive and sun-exposed skin. Aloe has become exceptionally popular and used to speed healing time and reduce irritation from burns, sun burn and even cuts and skin lesions.
Licorice Extract
Licorice root extracts contain substances such as glabrene and isoliquiritigenin which have been reported to aid wound-healing and may be indicated in scar management (2).
(1) Nerya O, Vaya J, Musa R, Izrael S, Ben-Arie R, Tamir S. Glabrene and isoliquiritigenin as tyrosinase inhibitors from licorice roots. J Agric Food Chem. 2003 Feb 26;51(5):1201-7.
(2) Widgerow AD, Chait, LA, Stals R, Stals PJ. New innovations in scar management. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2000; 24:227-34.
Summary
If you are able to follow these basic lifestyle and diet guidelines, coupled with an effective topical regimen, we are confident that your skin will begin to look and feel better within 2-3 weeks. We understand how frustrating and difficult acne can be and hope that the information provided will assist you in obtaining clear skin!
