Using the best spot treatment for acne really can assist if your acne breakouts are few, sporadic, and you just occasionally see a small pimple. Spot treatments for acne generally are highly effective when you need a single pimple gone, or before an important date or occasion. When your acne is severe and persistent however, it's best to seek the advice of a dermatologist or skin care specialist. They are much more likely to have a prescription that can get rid of your pimples for good. It can be expensive to have your spots treated by a dermatologist. If you do this though, the results will definitely be worth your money.
The third ingredient is retinol. This compound is derived from vitamin A and is commonly used in anti-aging creams, lotions and other such products. Like benzoyl peroxide, it is also a harsh exfoliant which can cause drying and peeling. It does not belong in any cream or face wash which intends to be gentle on the skin, even if it does have the powerful anti-inflammatory properties mentioned.
The combination of a natural acne treatment and a good anti-oxidant is usually a good solution. The main ingredient in these creams, Retinol, works by unclogging the pores. As it does this, dead skin cells are sloughed off by the skin cells and then sloughed off even more by the next layer of skin cells. It is this action which keeps the pores unclogged and therefore bacteria from taking hold. Once again, this is why benzoyl peroxide should not be considered when purchasing any retinol based product.
Another ingredient that is often thought to be an acne treatment is sulfur. However, sulfur cannot penetrate the skin and will only end up causing redness, irritation or even swelling of the area where it was applied. One of the best spot treatment for acne which uses sulfur is the Zenmed ZenScentedicated Spot Treatment System.
The last type of ingredient, which many people think of when buying a retinol based spot treatment for acne is glycolic acid. This is the acid commonly found in peel off facial cleanser. Glycolic acid is very similar to salicylic acid, except that it does not cause irritation or inflammation of the skin. Glycolic acid however can be irritating and will cause the skin to burn if it comes into contact with the eyes or nose. For this reason, people who have dry skin should try to use products that use glycolic acid as an alternative to salicylic acid.