If you are suffering from acne have you tried salicylic acid skin peels? Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxyl acid found in acne treatments and chemical peels. When used in low concentrations and applied to your skin it can help keep the pores clean and prevent further acne break outs. Higher concentrations are found in what are called chemical peels.

For many, acne can occur because of the dirt and oils that accumulate in your pore and clog them. Clogged pores are what lead to acne. When you use salicylic acid either as a peel or in a topical cream it can help prevent the clogging and reduce the acne breakouts and the resulting scaring.

Using it as a chemical peel is known to improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines in addition to improving acne. The outer layer of your skin is gently removed leaving a firmer and smother skin.Your skin naturally sheds dead skin cell or what can be called exfoliation. Doing skin peels speeds up this process. It is gentle enough for all skin types whether oily dry or normal.

Salicylic Acid 20% Gel Peel shown here is an entry level professional strength peel that is Ideal for acne, hyper-pigmentation and premature aging, unclogging and reducing the appearance of pores. To use, apply it twice a week for six weeks and then stop for one month. Leave on your face 3 to 5 minutes depending on your skin's sensitivity. Rinse off the area with water if any redness or discomfort occurs.

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Prescription Acne Medications That Work

If there is more moderate to severe acne, prescription medication may be needed. Blackheads and whiteheads will become more numerous as the acne progresses to a severe case. Some of these cases can be treated with over the counter treatments while it is still moderate.

These products will have benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or sulfur. If after 6 to 8 weeks no visible improvements are made then you should see a dermatologist for evaluation and treatment. There are prescription medications that the doctor can subscribe that may be what you need. Some of these medications are described below.

First there is Azelaic acid. This is comes as a prescription gel or cream for mild to moderate cases. What it is supposed to do is reduce the bacteria responsible for the breakout of acne. It helps to normalize the shedding of dead skin cells and decrease the inflammation. It can also reduce or improve any discoloration left after the acne has healed.

Next are topical Retinoids. These are derived from synthetic vitamin A and are popular and effective. This is a topical treatment that will rapidly exfoliate the skin keeping the pores from clogging, this will help prevent comedones. Retinoids are prescribed for moderate to severe acne.

To improve acne by inhibiting bacterial growth topical antibiotics may be used. Depending on what is used, topical antibiotics can also decrease blocked pores and reduce inflammation. This is the most prescribed method of treating moderate to severe acne.

Sometimes a combination therapy must be used. This uses medications that contain combinations of antibiotics and acne fighting ingredients. What this can do is kill bacteria, keep the pores clean and normalize the shedding of skin cells. Often less antibiotics are used with a topical combination therapy.

Acne Cleansers For the Face

If you are suffering from acne you will have questions about proper skin cleaning. Cleansing seems like it should be a simple thing but to stop or prevent acne you must be somewhat aggressive about it.

Your choice of cleanser can depend on a few factors. If you are dealing with mostly non-inflammatory breakouts you could choose a product with salicylic acid. This is a beta hydroxyl acid that will increase the cell turnover in your skin and clear out the blocked pores.

If you suffer from inflammatory acne you may respond best with a benzoyl peroxide cleanser. These can reduce the bacteria which is what is responsible for your acne.

If you are using a medicated acne treatment of any kind you should avoid using a medicated cleanser. Use a mild cleanser design to wash only without medicating.

After you wash your face it should be clean without feeling tight, dry or looking red. If you have any of these sighs try a different cleanser.

You can use a regular bar soap to clean your face but not one that would be drying or irritating. Dove and Neutrogena are a couple good examples of soaps that might be good for you to use. Avoid using a soap that is anti-bacterial and has a deodorant in it.

You should not use any type of scrubbing pad or wash cloth to scrub your skin. You want to avoid any further irritation especially if you have inflammatory acne. If you want clean deeper do a wash, rinse and repeat to further clean your skin. If you want leave the cleanser on a while before rinsing it off.

Do not wash more than twice a day. You want to avoid removing the good natural oils that are on your face. Washing to often will strip off this oil and your skin will become over dry.