Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide if often used to alleviate mild to moderate acne, and can produce a response in as few as five days. It comes in several strengths, some of which are only available by prescription. Benzoyl peroxide comes in gels, lotions, washes, soaps, and creams. Gel preparations are usually the best. A common side effect of benzoyl peroxide is skin dryness and irritation. To help avoid this undesired effect, start with a lower potency formulation (2.5%) and increase the strength (5% to 10%) as needed for acne control. You can also begin by applying every other day then work up to a maximum of twice daily applications. Using benzoyl peroxide solutions to cool, clean, dry skin will also reduce irritation.
Benzoyl Peroxide and Accelerated Skin Aging: Benzoyl peroxide makes free radicals and is known to cause accelerated skin aging, just like repeated sun exposure or long-term acne. Harm is determined by the concentration of benzoyl peroxide and the periodicity and duration of use. While regular to severe acne will cause the skin to age quickly, the use of benzoyl peroxide will significantly increase this speed.
The skin produces hydrogen peroxide to counter each acne infection and this may continue for weeks, until the infection is resolved. Hydrogen peroxide is a free radical which causes skin damage and dermal aging. Over a period of time the volume of hydrogen peroxide works just like continual sun exposure, damaging skin components like collagen and making the skin to sag and wrinkle.
Additionally, the healing process of acne infections involves thousands and thousands of chemical processes. These chemical processes produce more free radicals as a natural by-product and add to the volume of free radical damage (aging).
The skin has a supply of antioxidants that reduce the volume of free radicals and their damage. It is though that moderate to severe acne literally eliminates the skin's level of antioxidants, leaving it nearly defenceless against free radicals that are created by healthy skin functions.
Azelaic Acid
Azelaic Acid is a cream used in the treatment of soft to moderate acne. It has antibacterial actions and may help with skin inflammation. Azelaic acid is commonly well tolerated with a low incidence of transient secondary effects like skin redness, itching, and burning. It must be applied to clean, dry skin.
Sulfur, Sodium Sulfacetamide and Salicylic Acid
Sulfur, sodium sulfacetamide, and salicylic acid solutions are not considered as effective as benzoyl peroxide but may be tried for treating mild acne. These solutions are less harsh than benzoyl peroxide, but some have a strong smell and may cause the skin to turn brown.
A new skin care solution is now available to alleviate all kind of skin imperfections, including pimples, stretch marks and surgical scars. Made with natural ingredients, it ensures a scarless healing and the recovery of your old skin.
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