Due to excess sebum (oil), some people have a more difficult time controlling their acne breakouts. As your skin is excessively covered in sebum, bacteria and dirt become trapped in your pores, leading to a localized infection we all know as acne. Some women and men like to use all the “skincare hacks,” like highly comedogenic products like coconut oil, but they often do more harm than good and you risk clogging your pores.

This is why you need to be very careful about choosing the appropriate skincare routine for you. Rather than choosing ingredients that may clog your pores, you need to find the ones that unclog them and cleanse the bacteria. Your skin should be able to breathe, which is why medical grade skincare products are the recommended choice. Here are the best skincare ingredients you should be using if you have acne-prone skin.

1. Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is a potent ingredient that is widely used in various acne treatments. You can get it as a cream, gel, soap, or face wash, making it easy to incorporate into your skincare routine. The solution works by killing bacteria, but it will not unclog your pores. While it can be drying on the skin, it’s recommended to use in moderation and alongside a good moisturizer. 

2. Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is also a well-loved ingredient for people with acne-prone skin, especially mild comedonal popular (non-inflammatory) acne. This ingredient can help by effectively dissolving excess sebum (oil) and dead skin cells that clog pores. Moreover, due to the anti-inflammatory effect of salicylic acid, this ingredient can also help you with active acne breakouts. Additionally, salicylic acid has anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce redness and swelling associated with acne. You can find salicylic acid in the form of a cleanser or daily pads. 

3. Glycolic Acid

Glycolic acid is an excellent exfoliant that helps remove dead skin cells and debris from the surface of your skin. By doing so, it promotes cell turnover leading to a brighter and smoother complexion. Furthermore, glycolic acid can help unclog pores, making it an effective acne-fighting ingredient. You can find glycolic acid in the form of a cleanser or daily pads.

4. Green Tea Extract

Green Tea Extract is packed with antioxidants that can help protect the skin from free radical damage and helps reduce inflammation. Green tea contains plant-based compounds called catechins. Catechins have anti-inflammatory properties that help treat active acne and prevent new acne from forming. 

5. Retinol

Retinol is a product that is often used for anti-aging purposes, but it can be very efficient for acne-prone skin as well. This ingredient can exfoliate the skin and help unclog your pores while increasing collagen production. Several retinol products can help with this, but for a full effect, you can try the acne regimen set provided by Dr. Ariel Ostad. This will ensure that every basic ingredient is covered.

6. Trichloroacetamide 

Trichloroacetamide is a protein found naturally in the skin which helps unclog pores and kills bacteria. This also helps reduce the appearance of acne scarring. This can be found in the form of weekly pads.

Which Is the Right Ingredient for You?

If you have acne-prone skin, then you need to be very mindful about the products you are putting on your skin.  Focus on the ingredients that absorb excess sebum, kill the bacteria in your pores, and restore your moisture barrier. For personalized acne-prone skin treatment, you can click here for a complimentary skincare evaluation from our experienced nurses. Once you fill out the information based on your skin type and concerns, we will send you a customized skincare regimen including products from our medical grade skincare collection! 

For more information about how to care for acne-prone skin, you can contact Dr. Ariel Ostad at 212-517-7900. He would be more than happy to offer you the guidance that you need. You can also fill out the provided online contact form, and he will get in touch with you as soon as possible.