Treatment FAQ

what is the best acne treatment without salicylic acid

by Jade Borer Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Benzoyl peroxide.
This ingredient kills the bacteria that cause acne, helps remove excess oil from the skin and removes dead skin cells, which can clog pores. OTC benzoyl peroxide products are available in strengths from 2.5 to 10 percent.

What to expect from benzoyl peroxide acne treatment?

“Benzoyl peroxide is a very safe and effective acne medication, but it can be very irritating and drying in some patients,” says Dr. Jaber, “so if you have sensitive or rosacea -prone skin, start really gradually with a low dose.” Also, he notes, benzoyl peroxide can bleach fabrics.

What products contain salicylic acid?

The best products containing salicylic acid

  • Cleansers. This cleanser, which contains 2% salicylic acid, also has very small scrubbing beads that help to exfoliate the skin, leaving your skin nice and smooth.
  • Moisturizers. Formulated for acne-prone skin, this moisturizer balances and evens your tone, and it treats blemishes.
  • Facial Scrubs. ...
  • Topical Creams. ...

What are the hazards of salicylic acid?

  • Inhalation - Seek fresh air and immediate medical attention.
  • Eye Contact - Remove contact lenses if present. Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, and seek medical attention.
  • Skin Contact - Immediately flush affected area with water. Cover irritated skin with an emollient. ...
  • Ingestion— Do NOT induce vomiting. ...

What is the best salicylic acid product?

The best salicylic acid products for acne, according to dermatologists

  • Benefits of salicylic acid in skincare. Although salicylic acid is best known for its ability to treat whiteheads and blackheads, it can also help eliminate buildup and scaling on the ...
  • Salicylic acid limitations. ...
  • Best salicylic acid products. ...

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What is a good alternative to salicylic acid?

If you've tried different forms of salicylic acid but you're still plagued by breakouts, check out these ten acne busting alternatives:Benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide is a great alternative to salicylic acid. ... Sulfur. ... Glycolic acid. ... Zinc oxide. ... Tea tree oil. ... Allantoin. ... Willow bark extract. ... Marine algae.More items...•

Is salicylic acid necessary for acne?

Salicylic acid works best for mild acne (blackheads and whiteheads). It can also help prevent future breakouts....What form and dosage of salicylic acid is recommended for acne?FormPercent of salicylic acidHow often to usesoap0.5–5%as neededsolution0.5–2%1 to 3 times per day4 more rows•Dec 12, 2019

What is gentler than salicylic acid?

Sulfur works similarly to salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide in that it helps absorb excess oil production, but it tends to be gentler on your skin.

Why is salicylic acid not helping my acne?

Signs it's not working: Your acne isn't going away and your skin is damaged. Why it might not be working: Not all acne is created equal — and if your acne is severe, salicylic might not be strong enough for you. “Cystic acne will need something stronger than salicylic acid,” says NYC-based dermatologist Debra Jaliman.

Is benzoyl peroxide better than salicylic acid for acne?

If you have blackheads and whiteheads, salicylic acid alone should work well to clear out your pores. If your acne tends to be inflammatory, such as papules and pustules, opt for benzoyl peroxide to stop outbreaks at the source. For sensitive skin, start with salicylic acid, since it's less likely to cause irritation.

Which acid is best for acne?

Salicylic acidSalicylic acid has been around for a long time. It's well-known for its ability to exfoliate the skin and keep pores clear, which helps reduce acne. You'll find it in serums and cleansers at concentrations between 0.5 and 2 percent, as well as in spot treatments for breakouts.

What can I use instead of salicylic acid for sensitive skin?

Ahead, we've listed down some milder alternatives to salicylic acid.The double-duty benzoyl peroxide.The bacteria-repelling tea tree oil.The skin-soothing allantoin.The pore-unclogging glycolic acid.The salicylic-complementing sulfur.

What happens if you are allergic to salicylic acid?

Salicylate Allergy Symptoms Nasal congestion. Changes in skin color. Itching, skin rash, or hives. Swelling of the hands, feet, and face.

Which is better for acne azelaic acid or salicylic acid?

If your skin is acne-prone, you might be wondering whether azelaic acid vs salicylic acid is best for your skin. Both ingredients are excellent options, however, if you have sensitive or dry skin, then azelaic acid is the better option while, if you have oily skin, salicylic acid may be a better choice.

How do I clear hormonal acne?

How do I treat hormonal acne?Blackheads and whiteheads: Topical cream (tretinoin).Inflammatory acne: Topical retinoid and/or topical antibiotic and/or benzoyl peroxide.Moderate to severe acne: Antibiotic and/or isotretinoin (retinoid).Cystic acne: Steroid injection (intralesional triamcinolone).Hormonal Acne: What Is It, Treatment, Causes & Preventionhttps://my.clevelandclinic.org › health › diseases › 21792-...https://my.clevelandclinic.org › health › diseases › 21792-...Search for: How do I clear hormonal acne?

How can I clear my acne naturally?

Below are 14 home remedies for acne.Apply apple cider vinegar. ... Take a zinc supplement. ... Make a honey and cinnamon mask. ... Spot treat with tea tree oil. ... Apply green tea to your skin. ... Apply witch hazel. ... Moisturize with aloe vera. ... Take a fish oil supplement.More items...14 Powerful Home Remedies for Acne in 2022 - Healthlinehttps://www.healthline.com › nutrition › 13-acne-remedieshttps://www.healthline.com › nutrition › 13-acne-remediesSearch for: How can I clear my acne naturally?

How can I clear up acne fast?

6 Ways to Get Rid of Pimples Fast. ... Apply Ice to the Pimple: ... Apply a Paste of Crushed Aspirin to the Pimple. ... Use An Over-the-Counter Acne Spot Treatment. ... Use Makeup with Salicylic Acid to Conceal Pimples. ... Apply a Face Mask for Acne. ... Get a Cortisone Injection to Quickly Get Rid of a Pimple.6 Ways to Get Rid of Pimples Fast | Saguaro Dermatologyhttps://saguaroderm.com › acne-treatmenthttps://saguaroderm.com › acne-treatmentSearch for: How can I clear up acne fast?

What is the best ingredient for acne?

Your ingredient options include: pyrithione zinc. Bet the best results when you use a number of these options together; mix and match to fix your acne outbreaks. Banish your facial acne - even with a salicylic acid allergy - using my four-step acne treatment outlined below.

How to get rid of acne on face?

Use retinol at night after washing. My Retinol Night Cream has green tea in it. Apply it right after washing your face. Green tea alone can benefit complexions prone to acne by reducing sebum production and helping to suppress acne lesions and inflammation.

What is the most common type of acne?

Facial acne vulgaris - the most common type of acne - is seen as pimples, cysts, and blackheads. Often, the acne begins in the classic T-zone area of your face, but it eventually spreads to your entire face. Salicylic acid is an effective acne treatment because it penetrates well into oily pores to help unclog blockages to treat blackheads.

What to do after cleansing face?

After cleansing your face and treating your acne, apply Daily Moisturizing Face Cream for Oily to Normal Skin to places on your face that need a little more hydration. This ultra-light cream is oil free, will not clog pores and hydrates with state-of-the-art ingredients.

Does salicylic acid help with acne?

Salicylic acid is an effective acne treatment because it penetrates well into oily pores to help unclog blockages to treat blackheads. These blockages also prevent other medicines from getting into pores to treat acne. But if you are allergic to this acne fighter, you still have options. Your ingredient options include:

Do you need a moisturizer with glycolic acid?

If you have used the Glycolic Acid Face Cream then you don't need a moisturizer because the oil free cream base is an excellent moisturizer. Step Four: PROTECT. After you complete the previous steps, be sure to protect your skin with daily sun protection.

Does green tea help with acne?

Green tea topical products have been shown to decrease sebum and help combat acne. They also fight irritation and dryness, making them ideal for sensitive skin. Top your green tea with additional correcting products to treat your acne and blackheads.

What is the best treatment for acne?

Acne treatments include prescription medications, including topical and oral varieties, and over-the-counter (OTC) skin care products.

What is the best OTC skin care for acne?

Experts agree that OTC skin care products containing ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, azelaic acid, and more may serve as a steppingstone to improving mild to moderate acne. For moderate to severe acne, a visit to a dermatologist’s office is usually warranted.

What type of acne is a comedonal?

A dermatologist will closely examine your skin to see which of the different types of lesions appear: Mild noninflammatory acne (aka comedonal acne) includes whiteheads and blackheads. Moderate inflammatory acne includes papules and pustules. Severe inflammatory acne includes nodules and cysts.

Why does acne boil down to clogged pores?

The cause of acne usually boils down to clogged pores when a mix of sebum, bacteria, and dead skin cells are trapped in a hair follicle. Each pore on the surface of skin is the opening to a hair follicle, which is made up of a hair and an oil gland.

What antibiotics are used for acne?

Both oral and topical antibiotics may be prescribed for more severe types of acne. According to Zain Husain, MD, FAAD, a board certified dermatologist in New Jersey, clindamycin phosphate is a “topical antibiotic that is highly effective in killing bacteria and reducing inflammation.

Does toothpaste help acne?

Instead of drying out acne with toothpaste, which can contain ingredients that are too harsh for skin, this paste contains active ingredients proven to combat breakouts, including sulfur, azelaic acid, and tea tree oil. It also contains witch hazel, which is commonly used in home remedies for acne.

Can you use OTC for acne?

While their first recommendation is usually to see a medical professional who specializes in dermatology, some mild acne types can be treated with simple OTC products. For moderate to severe acne, prescription-strength treatments and the expert advice of a dermatologist may be necessary.

How to treat acne with different ingredients?

Acne ingredients work in different ways, so you may find it helpful to use varying products and ingredients to treat stubborn acne. Apply one product in the morning and a different one at night to prevent skin irritation . Be patient.

What is the best way to remove acne?

Benzoyl peroxide. This ingredient kills the bacteria that cause acne, helps remove excess oil from the skin and removes dead skin cells, which can clog pores. OTC benzoyl peroxide products are available in strengths from 2.5 to 10 percent. Possible side effects include dry skin, scaling, redness, burning and stinging, ...

How does OTC acne work?

Acne products work in different ways, depending on their active ingredients. Some OTC acne products work by killing the bacteria that cause acne inflammation. Others remove excess oil from the skin or speed up the growth of new skin cells and the removal of dead skin cells. Some acne products do a combination of these things.

How to get rid of acne on face?

Start with lower strength acne products. This can help minimize redness, dry skin and other skin problems. If needed, slowly — over several weeks — increase the strength of the product you use and how often you use it. This helps your skin adjust to the treatment gradually.

What is OTC acne?

Many over-the-counter (OTC) acne products are available to treat mild to moderate acne or periodic breakouts. They include cleansing lotions, gels, foams and towelettes, leave-on products, and treatments or kits. How do you know which one is best for you?

What are the two types of alpha hydroxy acids?

Two types of alpha hydroxy acids that are used in nonprescription acne products are glycolic acid and lactic acid . Alpha hydroxy acids are synthetic versions of acids derived from sugar-containing fruits. They treat acne by helping to remove dead skin cells and reduce inflammation.

How long does it take for acne to get better?

Treating acne with acne products takes time and patience. It may take two or three months of daily use of an acne product to see results. And acne may look worse before it gets better. Experiment with what works. You may need to try different products with varying active ingredients before you find what works for you.

What is salicylic acid good for?

Salicylic acid. Good for: exfoliation. “Salicylic acid helps exfolia te and get rid of dead skin cells that clog pores,” Mokaya explains. “It is one of the most common ingredients used in acne washes and is excellent for skin prone to blackheads and whiteheads.”.

How to get rid of blackheads and acne?

To combat acne and blackheads effectively, Mokaya suggests looking for cleansers that pair salicylic and glycolic acids together, as these ingredients can get deep into the pores and promote essential exfoliation.

What causes acne scars?

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, acne scars are typically caused by a variety of different factors, including inflammatory acne ( cystic acne ), genetics, and by simply picking, squeezing, or popping zits.

What is hormonal acne?

Price: $$. Hormonal acne is usually characterized as a combination of comedonal (blackheads and whiteheads) and cystic acne. This, in turn, causes the skin to become oily, explains board certified dermatologist Dr. Rina Allawh, making it crucial to select a cleanser that keeps excessive oiliness under control.

What is cystic acne?

According to John Hopkins Medicine, cystic acne is a type of acne that’s usually characterized by pus-filled, deep, and painful pimples, making it important to find a cleanser that can successfully remove acne-causing bacteria and calm down any irritation caused by cystic pimples.

Does Mokaya face wash contain cucumber?

Mokaya recommend s adding this glycolic face wash to your shopping cart if you tend to opt for natural beauty buys, as it contains cucumber, chamomile, and green tea extracts to keep inflammation and future acne flare-ups under control.

Is dry skin more prone to acne?

Dry skin types aren’t necessarily more prone to acne. But the management of acne with this skin type can be tricky, as the skin is unable to tolerate many effective acne treatments, including benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, Mokaya explains.

What is the best acne treatment?

Benzoyl peroxide is an incredibly common acne treatment ingredient. It's the most effective acne treatment you can get over the counter so you'll find it in a huge variety of acne products, from cleansers to lotions. 1 .

How long does it take for acne to go away?

Ask your dermatologist what to expect from your new acne treatment. It will take three to four months to see really good results from your treatment, so stick with it and ask your dermatologist if you have any questions.

Can you tolerate benzoyl peroxide?

Read Ingredient Lists Carefully. But when you just can't tolerate benzoyl peroxide, you'll be glad to know you have other options. When choosing an over-the-counter acne product, take a careful look at the ingredient listings. Typically, benzoyl peroxide will be listed as the active ingredient, but it is sometimes included further down ...

Can benzoyl peroxide cause rash?

For people who are allergic, benzoyl peroxide can cause itching, swelling of lips, tongue, or throat, hives, and trouble breathing. More common is a nasty rash called contact dermatitis. It causes redness, swelling, and oozing blisters. Some people are extra sensitive to benzoyl peroxide.

Is it normal for benzoyl peroxide to make your skin dry?

Here's something to note: dry, red, and flaky skin doesn't necessarily mean you're allergic to the medication. Benzoyl peroxide side effects like dryness, slight redness, and itching, minor peeling are actually quite normal and typically don't mean that you have to stop using the medication. 2 

Benefits of salicylic acid in skincare

Although salicylic acid is best known for its ability to treat whiteheads and blackheads, it can also help eliminate buildup and scaling on the skin caused by psoriasis, warts, calluses and dandruff, said Garshick.

Salicylic acid limitations

If you have sensitive or dry skin, you should proceed with caution to avoid the three most common side effects associated with salicylic acid: dryness, irritation and sun sensitivity, noted board-certified dermatologist Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, of Laser Skin & Surgery Center of NY.

Best salicylic acid products

We’ve learned from our previous acne coverage that you need to be persistent with your skin care routine to see results and salicylic acid products are no different. You may notice some improvement in just a few days, but the most significant results will appear in about four weeks, noted Murphy-Rose.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash

First Aid Beauty makes a “great” salicylic acid spot treatment that targets blemishes, blackheads and whiteheads and is gentle enough for those with sensitive skin, according to Garshick. Beyond salicylic acid, it contains glycolic acid, a popular type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), plus fruit enzymes that help to reduce discoloration, she noted.

FAB Pharma BHA Acne Spot Treatment

The combination of salicylic acid and tea tree oil found in this cleanser helps “eliminate” dirt, buildup and excess oil, which in turn prevents and treats breakouts, noted Garshick. As a bonus, St. Ives claims this non-comedogenic and paraben-free formula is stored in a 100 percent recycled bottle.

St. Ives Acne Control Tea Tree Cleanser

Viscusi called this her "favorite" drugstore salicylic acid product and noted it "gently and instantly" unclogs and tightens pores for a noticeably clear complexion. La Roche Posay's toner received a 4.6-star average rating from more than 1,870 reviews on Amazon.

La Roche Posay Effaclar Micro-Exfoliating Astringent

Viscusi is a fan of SkinMedica's salicylic acid-infused face wash and cream — they contain fruit enzymes, tocopheryl acetate and panthenol (provitamin B5), which protect against free radical damage as well as soothe, moisturize and replenish the skin.

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