If you're dealing with acne, pimples, white or blackheads and frequent breakouts, a good acne scrub may do wonders to your skin. Acne scrubs not only unclog the blocked pores but also remove oil and debris and reduce chances of having the bacterial infection. Acne scrubs are generally formulated with ingredients effective for acne-prone skin. They contain added granules or chemical exfoliants to help remove dead skin cells and excessive oil and debris, over accumulation of which can cause acne. However, you need to select the right acne scrub - the right formula and the right ingredients--for your skin to get the optimum results. While using acne scrubs may seem the best solution for acne-prone skin, excessive scrubbing with abrasive cleansers may cause more harm than good. Excessive scrubbing or scrubbing with coarse materials can cause acne lesions to burst, which can disperse bacteria all over the skin and produce severe infections and more breakouts in future. In addition, frequent cleansing may have adverse effects on skin as hash chemicals and soaps may remove the essential oil from skin.
Acne scrubs come in different forms and formulas aimed at different skin types. While most brand name acne scrubs differ in consistency, strength, color and scent, most feature an active ingredient that helps reducing the breakout such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. These are among the most commonly used and clinically proven acne medicines that can be found in all over-the-counter acne scrubs. Benzoyl peroxide, an alpha hydroxy, helps destroy the bacteria that cause acne. Salicylic acid, on the other hand, helps increase removal of dead skin and oils that build-up in the hair follicle and cause acne. Acne scrubs for adolescents often contain higher percentages of acne medicines, suitable for acne-prone oily skin. On the other hand, acne scrubs for older adults may combine moisturizing agents, wrinkle-fighting agents as well as anti-acne medicines. Choosing the right treatment for your skin should be determined by your acne condition and skin type. Using a medicated acne scrub along with other acne treatments, such as acne-fighting masks or spot treatments may dry out or irritate skin. Severe redness, burning and peeling are some of the common side effects of the active acne fighting ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.
If you decide to try an acne scrub, please do not expect any immediate improvement. Clinical trials suggest that it may take up to eight weeks before you notice an improvement if you use a good acne scrub that suits your skin type. If you have tried various acne scrubs but continue to struggle with acne or if you have very severe acne, stop using acne scrubs and consult a dermatologist.