Feeling overwhelmed by your acne? And feeling even more overwhelmed by the options available? You’re not alone. We’ve dived deep into 3 years of r/SkincareAddicts Acne Holy Grail Threads to bring you a summary of the top-mentioned ingredients that make a real difference in fighting acne and acne scars.
It can feel like everyone has a different secret to tackling acne, but a few key players consistently emerge as heroes in the battle. Let’s dive into the most talked-about ingredients and product types.
Benzoyl Peroxide (BP): The Infection Fighter
Time and time again, benzoyl peroxide comes up as a seriously effective ingredient for various types of acne. Many users swear by it for keeping cystic acne at bay and as a powerful overnight spot treatment. You’ll find it in various forms like washes (5% is mentioned, as well as 2.5% and 10%), gels (like Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 5), and even leave-on masks (like Neutrogena Rapid Clear 2.5% BP daily leave on mask).
Some find that a lower concentration like 2.5% BP can be just as effective as higher percentages but less irritating. For those with sensitive skin, contact therapy (applying for a short period and then rinsing off) with 2.5% BP is a popular recommendation.
Important Considerations:
- BP can be drying, so using a moisturizer afterwards is important.
- BP and tretinoin are advised to be used on alternate nights as they can cancel each other out.
- Some recommend avoiding BP washes with menthol as it can be irritating.
- For sensitive skin, applying 2.5% BP for 1-2 minutes and then rinsing it off is recommended by a dermatologist. This method aims to reduce irritation while still providing benefits
Salicylic Acid (SA): The Pore Unclogger
Another frequent recommendation is salicylic acid, a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid) that excels at exfoliating inside your pores. Redditors use it in cleansers, washes, and leave-on treatments for facial acne, blackheads, whiteheads, and even body acne like bacne (often in the form of 2% wipes like Stridex Red pads).
Some users have found The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution to be transformative. Stridex pads are mentioned as a popular and affordable option. SA can also be found in some pimple patches like the Alba Botanica ones, which some users prefer over basic hydrocolloid patches.
Important considerations:
- Be gentle.
- Sunscreen use is important when using SA due to increased sun sensitivity.
- One user found that leave-on exfoliants were too harsh for their skin and prefers a SA wash.
Retinoids (Tretinoin, Adapalene, Tazarotene): The Long-Term Game Changers
When it comes to preventing acne and improving skin texture, retinoids are often hailed as holy grails. Prescription tretinoin is described by many as life changing for moderate acne and even cystic acne.
Adapalene (Differin), available over-the-counter in the US, is also frequently mentioned as a game changer for overall acne and as a spot treatment for those pesky cystic pimples. Watching Dr. Dray’s videos on Differin is a tip shared by one user.
For more stubborn acne, prescription tazarotene (Arazlo) is mentioned as a potential solution when tretinoin alone isn’t enough. Remember that retinoids can cause purging and dryness, so introducing them gradually and using a moisturizer is key.
Important Considerations:
- Retinoids can cause purging and dryness. Introduce them gradually.
- Using a moisturizer, sometimes even buffering by applying moisturizer before the retinoid, can help with dryness.
- Consistent sunscreen use is crucial due to increased sun sensitivity .
- One user found that tretinoin ruined their skin initially due to overdoing it and not buffering.
Azelaic Acid: The Redness and Spot Fighter
Azelaic acid is another beloved ingredient for tackling various types of acne, including hormonal and cystic breakouts, while also being praised for reducing redness and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid is a commonly used and affordable option, although some note its texture. Higher concentrations (15%) are available by prescription and are considered highly effective. Azelaic acid is generally well-tolerated and can be used in the morning under sunscreen.
Important Considerations:
- Some find the texture of The Ordinary’s Azelaic Acid to be not ideal (grainy or silicone-y) but still effective.
- Azelaic acid is also praised for reducing redness and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
Hydrocolloid Bandages (Pimple Patches): The Gentle Gunk Absorbers
For those satisfying moments of seeing a pimple flatten overnight, hydrocolloid bandages, also known as pimple patches, are consistently recommended. They work by drawing out fluid, reducing inflammation, and preventing you from picking at your skin. Popular brands mentioned include CosRX, Peach Slices, Alba Botanica (which contains salicylic acid!), and Hanhoo.
Sulfur: The Underrated Workhorse
Don’t underestimate sulfur! This ingredient is highlighted as an “underrated” but effective treatment, especially in products like Acnes Sealing Jelly and Mario Badescu Drying Mask. Kate Somerville also makes a sulfur spot treatment. Some even use sulfur-based dandruff shampoos as a second cleanser for smoother skin.
Hydration is Key!
While not an active ingredient in the same way, hydration is repeatedly emphasized as crucial for managing acne. Using a good moisturizer, even if you have oily skin, can help combat the drying effects of acne treatments and support your skin barrier. Hyaluronic acid is specifically mentioned for its hydrating benefits.
Other Helpful Habits and Honorable Mentions
Beyond specific ingredients, Redditors shared some other valuable tips:
- Proper pimple popping technique (lancing and covering with a hydrocolloid bandage) can make a big difference.
- Changing pillowcases regularly is a simple but effective habit for clearer skin.
- Some found that dietary changes like cutting out dairy or high glycemic foods helped their acne.
- Minimizing your skincare routine can sometimes be beneficial, especially for sensitive skin.
- Consistent sunscreen use is crucial, especially when using exfoliants and retinoids. Mineral sunscreens are preferred by some.
- Spironolactone, a prescription oral medication, is mentioned as effective for hormonal acne.
The Takeaway: You’ve Got Options!
Navigating the world of acne treatments can be tough, but the experiences shared by your fellow Redditors offer a wealth of knowledge. Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, retinoids, and azelaic acid consistently stand out as effective ingredients for tackling different types of acne. Hydrocolloid bandages and sulfur are great spot treatment options. Remember the importance of hydration and adopting helpful habits.
Ultimately, what works best can vary from person to person. If you’re struggling with persistent or severe acne, don’t hesitate to consult a dermatologist or esthetician for personalized advice and treatment.
Keep experimenting (gently!), stay patient, and here’s to clearer, happier skin!
Leave a Reply