Consider this to be your little black book to all things acne treatment related: how to find whats best for you, how to go about it/ how to test it, the side effects and and warnings of it, and what all the treatment options are and what they do. Choosing the right type of acne treatment is hella important. If you do it wrong a number of things could go wrong-(excessive dryness, redness, bad peeling, sunburn, making your acne worse, making your skin oily, and having an allergic reaction). Now, when I started getting acne I didn't know it was acne and I didn't really use the internet. Once I found out what I had was acne I did something about it but I approached it the wrong way. Luckily you have me and others to help (but mostly me) ! I wish someone helped me so I wouldn't have scarred my face and suffered excessive redness! :/
Your questions answered!! (SUBMIT OTHER QUESTIONS BY HASHTAGING "#QsforBritK" on twitter or instagram or email me :) )
What product is best for you?:
I have used ALL of the natural and over the counter medical treatments for acne (even some prescription ones as well). I will get into what is what in another section below.
Sensitive/Dry Skin-
If you have sensitive or dry skin naturally try a more subtle, light treatment such as:
-Salicylic Acid or SA for a medical treatment.
-100% Tea Tree Oil for sort of a homeopathic, natural treatment.
Oily/Normal Skin-
For oily and normal skin treatment is the same. Normal skin is balanced so you can add dryness and oily skin is ultra moisturized so drying won't do too much damage*.
-Benzoyl Peroxide or BP for a medical treatment
-Witch Hazel for an easy partially naturally derived treatment (use as toner AM and PM- followed by moisturizer for best results)
How to try each product/ How to use:
- Try one or two products at a time.
-Try using one per each side of face if trying two
-Use a small amount at first or as directions indicate
- Try to stick to chart above. Ex. Tea Tree Oil for dry/normal skin
-MAKE SURE YOU ARE NOT ALLERGIC TO THE PRODUCT OR ANY PRODUCT IN TREATMENT.
- ALWAYS use moisturizer with treatment and sunscreen*.
-ALWAYS have clean skin before applying it.
-Check with your dermatologist or esthetician first.
WARNINGS and SIDE EFFECTS!!
-Benzoyl Peroxide bleaches. It can bleach skin, clothes and possibly hair so, keep your hair back, product away from your eyebrows and clothing. It can also cause sunburn by making skin sensitive to the UV rays, so use sunscreen if you are in the sun*. It also dries skin and can cause itchiness, dryness, peeling, and redness.
- Salicylic Acid is also drying. It does not bleach. It can cause minor discomfort including peeling and itchiness.
-ANY product can make skin dry or cause acne to become worse.
-DO NOT consume these products or get in eyes or on mouth including lips!
- Call 911 or Poison Control if any consumption occurs. (use discretion)
What these treatments are and what they do:
Benzoyl Peroxide- this is in the peroxide family which basically means it bleaches. You can only get 10% at most over the counter. This kills 99% of acne bacteria and shrinks the pimple. It ultimately decreases redness. Best treatment option for most! Sold at drug stores.
Salicylic Acid- this is a type of acid which obviously dries up something, this something is your acne. You can only get 2.5% or less over the counter. It is the second best treatment option. Sold at drug stores.
Tea Tree Oil- Tea Tree is a plant that's oils have multiple purposes, it works wonders for your skin! It is drying so its great for zits. It can also multi task as a toner. Commonly found at food stores like Whole Foods (used for cleaning).
Witch Hazel- sold at drug stores among Hydrogen Peroxide and Rubbing Alcohol. It kills the acne bacteria and is very effective with drying. Can be used as a toner as well.
Prescriptions-
-Salicylic Acid over 2.5% and Benzoyl Peroxide over 10%. Adapalene is also an option as well as Clindamycin. Visit a dermatologist or physician for more info and consultations.
I Recommend -
#1- Acne Free Terminator 10 plus redness control treatment AMAZING
-Fight and Fade Salicylic Acid Treatment by Neutrogena
-On The Spot Acne Slept in Full Face Prevent and Treat Salicylic Acid treatment by Dermatologica's teen line.
HOPE THIS WAS HELPFUL!!
XOXO,
BRIT
As always...
I am not a professional. My advice is only based off of personal experience, other's experiences, and research. Whenever I use information found from other websites, articles, or videos I will give the source credit. Whenever trying a new product, conduct a spot test on your wrist before applying to large areas of the body, sensitive skin areas, and especially the face! If you know you are allergic to a product or one or more of it's ingredients, DO NOT USE IT.
None of the products/brands mentioned in this article are sponsoring me, nor am I getting any form of compensation for them being mentioned and/or recommended here. I genuinely enjoy these products and have tested them all, after purchasing them with my own money by my own accord. If at any time I am being sponsored by a product/brand you will always be informed below, and even then, my opinion will be the truth and my own.
