Body Acne

Just about all body washes rely entirely on salicylic acid, so don't be fooled by "proven systems" that cost vast amounts of money. A generic drugstore bottle of salicylic acid in a low concentration should be all you need. The only difference between these generic solutions and the marketed solutions are minor additives of other easily obtainable acids such as citric acid.

Proactiv or Murad are not really necessary as proper treatments for body acne, as their active ingredients are relatively easily attainable. Salicylic acid, resorcinol, and sulfur break down on the more tame blackheads and whiteheads. Among these, however, saliycylic acid has the bonus helps reduce chances for acne to manifest, as it cuts down on the shedding of cells long the follicles of the oil glands. It is also the active ingredient in aspirin. Salicylic acid has been used as a medicine since ancient times, occurring in the bark of willow trees. Salicylic acid can be found in Stridex, Oxy Night Watch, and the Clearasil Clearstick.Salicylic acid is generally not recommended for the face, in favor of benzoyl peroxide concentrations.

Tip: Looking for acne products for adult skin? Then I suggest you click the link and read my reviews.

Benzoyl peroxide medications work best on the acne condition known as Propionibacterium acnes, or P. acnes for short, which simply allows bacteria to infest in clogged follicles, causing the familiar acne conditions. Benzoyl peroxide breaks down these areas, and can also reduce oil production. As a bonus, benzoyl peroxide is great for getting up stubborn red wine stains in carpet if in a 50% mixture with laundry detergent! Benzoyl peroxide can be found in Clearasil, Fostex, Persa-Gel, and PanOxyl Dryox.

Proactiv is nothing more than the same benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid sets that can be found in any drugstore, but with extensive celebrity backing. It DOES work, but so do the individual products purchased separately, or more generic brands.

Each and every one of these systems touts itself as a "proven" solution that is "dermatologist recommended." This is all true, because every dermatologist will recommend salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide regimens! It's just up to you to find the cheapest one that isn't expired, and make sure you use the products daily. Trust your dermatologist, not Jessica Simpson.

Herbal acne remedies such as tea tree oil can work wonderfully as well.

Treatments for body acne can of course be far more effective, if it is needed. For adult acne medication, physicians may prescribe some form of retinoid. A retinoid medication is a regulator of epithelial cell growth...that is, cells on the outside of the body. Since a topical retinoid will generally result in a lot of new skin, it's frequently used (and misused) as a wrinkle reducer, which can certainly be dangerous.

As side effects such as permanent dryness and peeling can occur, this is a medication that is best left to adults. Used properly, however, retinoids can help one get control over their skin with relative ease.

Because of a few cases of abuse due to its wrinkle-reducing effect, Retin-A may be the most well-known of topical prescription medications. Retin-A works by unplugging clogged pores, allowing medication to enter the hair follicle shaft and fight underlying infections. There can be side effects, however, and that is why prescription topical retinoids should be considered adult acne medication. The skin can become very red and peel with irritation, as well as becoming extremely sensitive to sunlight.

The most serious topical body acne treatment medication is tazarotene, commonly known as Tazorac. Tazorac is a retinoid sold in concentrations of .05% and .1%, similar to Retin-A. While tazarotene is an effective topical medication, it has side effects very similar to the side effects caused by Retin-A, only more severe. Extreme cases can include extreme drying and cracking of the skin, and can be extremely toxic to children in high doses. You're not giving this to your children in high doses, though, right?

Bad food is bad food, when you're talking about acne or any other bodily condition. Fried foods, trans fats, and even vegetable oils should be avoided. Sugars and caffeinated products have also been suggested as aggravators of adult acne. Vegetables and fruits are a great, safe diet that will not introduce any factors that will increase acne. An increase in omega-3 fats, such as those found in salmon and other fish, also promotes skin health. This end can also be addressed by taking fish oil supplements. Be aware though...fish oil pills should be followed by mints.

It's the same healthy diet any doctor will recommend. To this end, it helps not only with acne problems, but basically any other health issue you may have. It may not be easy at first, but the results are worth it, beyond a shadow of a doubt, and it takes no doctor to know this.

The reason these diets work on body acne is because the severity of acne is significantly impacted by hormones and oils. Any foods that promote these to excess is sure to cause acne.

Salicylic acid body washes are probably the best way to go for body acne. Careful searching will net you great deals on body washes, and that's really your most important sticking point when purchasing a body wash, as the vast majority are simply based on salicylic acid.

Back acne can be a particularly vicious beast. The back is the most likely place for cystic acne to develop: hard comedones appearing as acne black boils under the skin.

It's also a very difficult area to reach, so topical methods can be quite difficult. However, there are still many back acne remedies that one can try. Click here to read more about back acne.