Acne breakouts are common, especially between the ages of 11 and 30. Dermatologists say 4 out of 5 people experience acne during their teenage and young adult years. This common skin condition can cause considerable discomfort and embarrassment. Effective acne treatments are available, but if you have acne-prone skin, you must be careful about what you put on your face.

Many common ingredients in skincare and cosmetics can cause clogged pores and worsen acne. On the other hand, certain ingredients can help prevent pore blockages and acne.

When choosing skincare products for acne-prone skin, one word you should become familiar with is non-comedogenic.

Please continue reading to find out what this word means, which skincare ingredients are non-comedogenic, and why products with these ingredients are important for acne-prone individuals.

What does non-comedogenic mean?

The medical definition of a non-comedogenic ingredient is an ingredient that will not block the pores in the skin. Pores are tiny openings in the skin’s surface through which the skin releases oil and sweat.

Clogged pores are a common cause of acne. The buildup of dirt, oil, and dead skin cells can lead to clogged pores in the skin. People with oily skin are more likely to have clogged pores. Using non-comedogenic skincare products can help prevent clogged pores and reduce or eliminate acne breakouts.

What are some non-comedogenic ingredients in skincare products?

Ingredients that are non-comedogenic and beneficial for acne-prone skin include:

• Salicylic acid
• Benzoyl peroxide
• Resorcinol
• Sulfur

These non-comedogenic ingredients exfoliate the skin and/or reduce the number of bacteria on the skin’s surface, helping reduce the severity and frequency of acne breakouts.

Additionally, certain non-comedogenic oils hydrate and moisturize the skin without blocking pores. These include:

• Sunflower oil
• Grapeseed oil
• Hempseed oil
• Neem oil
• Sweet almond oil
• Shea Butter
• Coconut Oil

If you have acne-prone skin, it’s a good idea to look for these ingredients in your skincare products. Many skincare products are labeled “non-comedogenic” to save you the trouble of checking the ingredients individually.

How can you tell if a skincare product is non-comedogenic?

Many skincare products are labeled “non-comedogenic” or “non-oily.” So, you can check the package and choose accordingly.

Unfortunately, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate over-the-counter skincare products and cosmetics. Therefore, there is no way to know if a product is truly non-comedogenic. Also, there is no standardized method of measuring the comedogenic potential of a product, which further complicates the process.

A good rule of thumb is to choose anti-acne skincare products highly rated by medical professionals. Your dermatologist can also help you choose tried and tested non-comedogenic skincare products.

I have acne-prone skin. Which skincare ingredients should I avoid?

Some common offenders that can cause breakouts in acne-prone individuals include:

• Isopropyl myristate
• Isopropyl palmitate
• Isopropyl isostearate
• Isostearyl neopentanoate
• Butyl stearate
• Octyl palmitate
• Octyl stearate
• Decyl oleate
• Myristyl myristate
• Isocetyl stearate
• PPG-2 (propylene glycol-2)
• D&C red dyes
• Lanolins

It can be tedious to go through all the ingredients in your skincare products. Instead, if you have a breakout after using a product, check the ingredient list and note any known offenders. This way, you can avoid the same ingredients in the future.

What else should I do to prevent acne?

Here are some habits that can worsen acne, which you should avoid:

• Using comedogenic skincare products.
• Trying too many new acne treatments over a short period.
• Sharing makeup or makeup applicators with others.
• Sleeping with makeup on.
• Washing your face more than twice a day.
• Using drying ingredients like alcohol or astringents, which irritate the skin.
• Scrubbing your skin clean.
• Rubbing sweat from your skin with a towel after working out.
• Popping or squeezing your pimples.

Dermatologists recommend using non-comedogenic skincare products formulated for acne-prone skin. Give each product 6-8 weeks to work before switching to another product.

It’s worth noting that clogged pores are only one cause of acne. Other factors like hormonal changes, stress, diet, and medication side effects can also cause breakouts.

If you have severe acne breakouts or feel unhappy or uncomfortable in social situations because of your acne, it may be time to consult a dermatologist.

The post The Importance of Choosing Non-Comedogenic Skincare Products appeared first on Village Dermatology.

Acne can affect people of all ages. For some, dealing with acne can be a source of embarrassment in their social life and can impact their general mood. Thankfully, there are many skincare products specially formulated to treat acne. In this article, we will talk about four key ingredients in skincare products that are particularly beneficial for acne-prone skin.

Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is an antiseptic and a common ingredient in skincare products for acne-prone skin. It helps to reduce the number of bacteria on the skin’s surface and unclogs pores by removing dead skin cells. Benzoyl peroxide can treat current acne lesions as well as reduce future breakouts. It is particularly effective in treating inflammatory acne with red, swollen, and sore bumps (pimples).

Benzoyl peroxide is found in both over-the-counter and prescription acne products, such as cleansers, foams, soaps, gels, lotions, and creams. It is often the first line of treatment for acne-prone skin. Individuals may benefit from starting with a lower concentration first and gradually increasing to higher concentrations.

While generally well-tolerated by most skin types, benzoyl peroxide may cause itching, burning, redness, swelling, or peeling in some cases. If this occurs, discontinue use and consult your dermatologist.

Our Favorite Product: Village Dermatology’s 5% BPO Wash
Village Dermatology’s BPO 5% cleanser uses micronized benzoyl peroxide that penetrates the skin’s pores for a gentle yet effective cleanse.

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin, removing dead cells from the surface and reducing oil production. It is a common ingredient in anti-acne skincare products and works by unclogging pores to prevent breakouts.

Over-the-counter products generally contain 0.5% to 2% salicylic acid. Dermatologists can perform chemical peels with higher concentrations for more intense treatments. Salicylic acid helps with pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, redness, and hyperpigmentation.

Though generally well-tolerated, salicylic acid can cause mild irritation, such as burning or stinging, and may lead to dryness or peeling.

Our Favorite Product: Epionce Lytic Tx
Epionce’s Lytic Tx is a moderate-strength product that cleanses pores and improves acne-prone skin’s appearance while reducing redness without irritation. Shop it here.

Retinol

Retinol is a vitamin A derivative commonly found in anti-acne and anti-aging products. It exfoliates the outer skin layer, removing dead cells, oil, and dirt, and unclogs pores. Retinol also promotes collagen and elastin production, resulting in a softer, youthful appearance.

Retinol concentrations in over-the-counter products typically range from 0.25% to 1.5%. Starting with lower concentrations is best for sensitive skin, increasing gradually as tolerated.

Our Favorite Product: Alastin Renewal 0.25 Retinol
This product contains 0.25% retinol, perfect for sensitive skin, to exfoliate and stimulate collagen production. Shop it here.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA)

Alpha hydroxy acids, like glycolic, lactic, and citric acids, are commonly found in acne skincare products. They help exfoliate the skin by shedding dead cells and clearing debris that can clog pores. AHAs are beneficial in preventing acne breakouts and improving skin texture and complexion.

Anti-acne products generally contain AHAs in concentrations under 10%. Dermatologists do not recommend using concentrations above 15% without supervision due to potential side effects, such as itching or inflammation.

Our Favorite Product: Neocutis Exfoliating Cleanser
This 9.9% glycolic acid gel cleanser removes impurities that cause acne and revitalizes skin without harsh sulfates or dyes. Shop it here.

Wrapping Up

We hope this article has helped you understand some of the popular skincare ingredients in acne products. If you’re unsure where to start, don’t hesitate to contact our dermatology team or Skincare Specialists in our Skin for Life Boutique.

The post Skincare Ingredients for Acne-Prone Skin appeared first on Village Dermatology.

You’ve worked hard and have been diligently following treatment protocols battling your acne and are now seeing the positive results of your efforts as your skin becomes clearer. Now you are left with the after-effects – dark spots and scarring – reminders of those upsetting and oftentimes embarrassing moments you would like to forget and move on from.

Depending on your individual needs, there are things you can do to fade pigmentation and reduce, if not erase, scars. Chemical peels and microneedling are but a few of the treatments that address post-inflammatory pigmentation and scarring. Great news right? Even better news – it’s permanent and affordable. The number of treatments needed depends on the severity of the pigmentation and scarring. Whether you have dark spots or scars, or both – we can come up with a personalized treatment plan that is sure to bring a smile to your face each and every time you look in the mirror. Even if you’ve had the scarring for years, it’s not too late. Call the Aesthetic Laser Center directly at 205.572.4906 and schedule a consultation to discuss treatment options, concerns, and any questions you may have.

As a Licensed Medical Aesthetician and Acne Specialist, I’m often asked which treatments I prefer, how they compare, and which procedures deliver the most bang for your buck; I have to say that microneedling is by far number one on my list for resolving post-acne issues. Developed originally to treat scars, microneedling was initially called Collagen Induction Therapy. Not only does it address scarring and pigmentation, but it also shrinks enlarged pores, works to smooth uneven texture, targets fine lines and wrinkles, reduces the appearance of broken capillaries, and helps tighten skin! Treatments are spaced a month apart and have minimal downtime in comparison to other treatments. Why treat one or two troublesome conditions when you can improve the overall appearance of your skin?

The post After Effects of Acne – Now What? appeared first on Village Dermatology.