When choosing a blemish cream, your primary consideration should be whether it contains ingredients that have been proved through reputable, clinical studies to fight acne. When it comes to treating blemishes using over-the-counter products, you will want to find a cream that contains either benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. It is likewise important to choose a product that does not contain skin-irritating ingredients that can counteract the effectiveness of the cream and leave your skin looking even worse. If you find that a non-prescription blemish cream isn't sufficient for treating your breakouts, you should speak to a physician about your concerns. He can examine your skin and evaluate the blemish cream that you are currently using so that he can come up with a plan of action, which may involve prescribing prescription topical ointments or oral antibiotics.
For many people, an over-the-counter blemish cream can effectively eliminate or minimize pimples and blackouts. The important thing to consider when choosing a product is whether its active ingredient is effective in treating acne blemishes. Two of the most common ingredients used in various types of blemish cream are benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Benzoyl peroxide is an antibacterial agent that works on the bacteria that cause pimples, and salicylic acid can clear away dead skin cells that can clog pores. Salicylic acid also has antibacterial properties of its own.
If a blemish cream does not have one of these two ingredients, be cautious about using it to treat your acne. Some companies may claim that their products can be used on blemish-prone skin, but unless their cream includes ingredients that have been proven to work on acne, you may be wasting your money. You should also avoid using a blemish cream that includes skin-sensitizing ingredients, like citrus oils, as these can irritate your skin and cause redness and inflammation. Some companies sell tinted acne treatment products that purport to conceal blemishes. In many cases, these products may actually call attention to your blemishes because their pigments look unnatural on your skin. Don't buy such a product until you have a chance to test it to make sure that it is a good match for your complexion.
In many countries, you can purchase reasonably priced blemish cream at many drugstores and supermarkets. While you may be able to find high-end acne treatment products at department stores or through mail-order sources, you may find that these products are no more effective than less expensive alternatives. If you are watching your expenses, you may wish to try a drugstore-brand treatment before splurging on a product offered by a prestigious skin-care or cosmetic brand.