Acne is a skin condition and generically speaking includes pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, blemishes etc. It is notoriously common amongst the teenagers due to various factors including the hormonal changes that occur in a human’s body in that period of the life cycle. Having said that, it can occur and reoccur on the skin at any age and people of all sexes.
In this day and age, acne and pimples can be easily treated by resorting to a quality gel or acne treatment cream. There are lots of good gels and creams for acne, readily available in the market for consumers.
Main cause of acne is the clogging of the pores of skin (quite commonly on the face, neck, chest and back) due to formation of keratin and sebum (oily substances produced from the sebaceous glands in the skin).
One of the common ingredients in acne treatment gels and creams is salicylic acid works on keratin by softening it and unplugs the blockages. Having said that salicylic acid makes the skin even more sensitive to sunlight (due to ultra violet rays).
Also, you should not rub or exfoliate the skin with water too harshly which may damage your skin and increase the irritation, if there was any. Further, this may also cause formation of dead skin which will further clog the pores.
Acne gels and creams also treat and work on bacteria which results in the occurrence and recurrence of acne on the skin which are usually harmless. Bacteria are the major cause of pimples which grows on the surface of the skin and releases chemicals that breaks the walls of the pores of skin. Benzoyl peroxide gel which is usually relied on to treat bacteria related symptoms of acne can be an efficient way of removing bacteria if applied frequently during the day. However, this ingredient may lead to dryness of your skin and cause irritation in some instances as well. Hence, an appropriate moisturizer (comedogenic based) can be used after treating your skin with such gel. Benzoyl peroxide is also a bleaching agent and be careful when using it so as to avoid its contact with your hair or any fabric.
Also, creams and gels containing triclosan or chlorhexidine gluconate also kills certain forms of acne (like Propionibacterium) in a gentle manner, however, it is not as effective as benzoyl peroxide.