In the first part of this article, we found out about the qualities of an acne cleanser and the meaning of hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic products. In this part we will find out about the active ingredients that are used in acne cleansers.

First of all, let us find out why acne cleansers are called so? How are they different to other cleansers? There is not much difference between an acne cleanser and an ordinary cleanser. Both clean the skin. It may be called a marketing strategy to call them acne cleansers. Many companies have begun adding active ingredients that fight acne to the acne cleanser. The common products that are added are- Salicylic acid, Glycolic acid and Benzoyl Peroxide.

It is important to know that either these added ingredients will get washed away with the cleanser or they will remain on the skin. The effectiveness of these added ingredients to acne cleansers is debatable. Let us learn more about the ingredients that are commonly added.

Salicylic acid-

Salicylic acid is a Beta Hydroxy acid. Salicylic acid softens the keratin, which is the primary protein that forms skin, hair and nails. By breaking down keratin, salicylic acid makes it easy to remove unwanted skin cells. It is used in very small quantities to acne cleansers and may cause irritation to some people.

Glycolic Acid-

Glycolic Acid is one of the most commonly used Alpha Hydroxy Acids in skin care. It is derived naturally from sugarcane juice. Glycolic acid has a very low molecular size. The low molecular size allows glycolic acid to penetrate skin faster. The dead skin cells that bind with the skin are removed by glycolic acid by loosening the glue that sticks the dead cells with the skin. As the glue loosens, the dead cells exfoliate giving a cleaner look to the skin. Shedding dead cells faster also allows growth of new cells. This acid also helps in treatment of blackheads and dries out the excess surface oil on the skin. It is thought that glycolic acids stimulate collagen production to some extent. This acid also keeps the skin moisturized by keeping water bound to the skin and prevents drying of skin. It can also bleach some spots on the skin. One added advantage of glycolic acid is that it helps other skin care ingredients reach deeper in the skin and makes them more effective.

Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl Peroxide is commonly used for treatment of acne. Benzoyl Peroxide removes excess oil, unclogs the closed pores, and kills the bacteria. Benzoyl Peroxide may irritate the skin.

Before you decide to use any acne cleanser, which is added with any of these ingredients, you should note that you would be applying your acne medication after cleansing the skin. Your acne treatment may contain one of these ingredients. You should also note that most of the active ingredient would be in contact with your skin till the acne cleanser is washed away.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

Acne is a common skin disease affecting almost everyone. Acne is caused due to blockage of the follicle through the skin of sebum glands. This blockage traps sebum and causes inflammation of the skin. A bacterium P. acnes readily infects this inflammation causing acne. There are many common acne products available in the market for acne treatment. Acne cleansers are facial care products designed to remove dead cells, open pores, remove oil, dust, dirt and other harmful pollutants. Generally acne cleansers are used twice or three times a day and under the skin toner and moisturizers. Acne cleansers work better than ordinary soap because soap has a high pH value can change the pH balance of skin. The method to use acne cleansers is to use warm water to clean the face then apply acne cleanser all over face and throat. Next, washing with warm water and then patted dry. Acne lotions are oil and water emulsions that can be applied on intact skin. Acne lotions are usually medicated with acne medicines like, antibacterials, skin exfoliants, retinoids or antibiotics. Acne lotions may contain soothing or protective ingredients also. Acne lotions have the advantage over creams or ointments, and you can apply a little over a large area and therefore can be economical. Acne creams are semi solid emulsions. Creams can be used as a protective barrier as a vehicle for delivery of agents to combat acne and retain moisture in the skin. Cream ingredients may include agents acne anti acne, moisturizers, skin exfoliants etc Acne soaps are mild soaps to open the pores and remove excess fat in oily skin. All the above products if used in conjunction with acne dietary supplements like Acuzine produce good results. Acuzine consists of antioxidants, vitamins E and C, hydrolyzed collagen, ALA, DMAE, Aloe vera, Bioperine etc. The presence of these ingredients helps in early recovery of the skin and provides vital vitamins and enzymes for rebuilding the skin. Acuzine is available in capsule form.

Acne is a common skin disease affecting almost everyone. Acne is caused due to blockage of the follicle through the skin of sebum glands. This blockage traps sebum and causes inflammation of the skin. A bacterium P. acnes readily infects this inflammation causing acne. There are many common acne products available in the market for acne treatment. Acne cleansers are facial care products designed to remove dead cells, open pores, remove oil, dust, dirt and other harmful pollutants. Generally acne cleansers are used twice or three times a day and under the skin toner and moisturizers. Acne cleansers work better than ordinary soap because soap has a high pH value can change the pH balance of skin. The method to use acne cleansers is to use warm water to clean the face then apply acne cleanser all over face and throat. Next, washing with warm water and then patted dry. Acne lotions are oil and water emulsions that can be applied on intact skin. Acne lotions are usually medicated with acne medicines like, antibacterials, skin exfoliants, retinoids or antibiotics. Acne lotions may contain soothing or protective ingredients also. Acne lotions have the advantage over creams or ointments, and you can apply a little over a large area and therefore can be economical. Acne creams are semi solid emulsions. Creams can be used as a protective barrier as a vehicle for delivery of agents to combat acne and retain moisture in the skin. Cream ingredients may include agents acne anti acne, moisturizers, skin exfoliants etc Acne soaps are mild soaps to open the pores and remove excess fat in oily skin. All the above products if used in conjunction with acne dietary supplements like Acuzine produce good results. Acuzine consists of antioxidants, vitamins E and C, hydrolyzed collagen, ALA, DMAE, Aloe vera, Bioperine etc. The presence of these ingredients helps in early recovery of the skin and provides vital vitamins and enzymes for rebuilding the skin. Acuzine is available in capsule form.