The Acne Skin Care Product Glossary: Everything You Need to Know

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Overwhelmed by the abundance of acne skin care products and their benefits? You’re not the only one. So here’s a handy list decoding acne skin care products’ ingredients.

AHA (Alpha-Hydroxy Acid)

• Natural, water-soluble acids from fruit, dairy products, and sugar cane.
• Aids in enhancing skin texture through exfoliation and removal of dead skin cells and unblocking of pores.
• Decreases chances of acne and pimple formation.

BHA (Beta-Hydroxy Acid)

• Oil-soluble acids ideal for oily, acne prone skin.
• Dissolves bonds between dead skin cells and normalizes pore lining, effectively combating acne and breakouts.
• Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial

Ceramides

• Lipids that help bind cells together to enhance the surface layer of the skin, also known as the epidermis.
• Also helps retain moisture and protect against environmental aggressors like pollution.

Citric Acid

• A type of AHA, extracted from citrus fruits.
• Primarily used to adjust a product’s pH level.
• Promotes skin peeling and regrowth.

Collagen

• A major skin component that provides firmness and hydration while strengthening the skin.

Glycolic Acid

• A type of AHA, derived from sugar cane.
• Exfoliates and smooths out fine lines and uneven texture.
• Can also boost moisture content, making the skin’s surface barrier hydrated and strong.

Green Tea

• A powerful antioxidant that has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

Hyaluronic Acid

• An oil-free molecule that increases the skin’s moisture content.
• Can hold 1000x its weight in water.
• Revitalizes the skin’s outer layers, resulting in softer, smoother, and hydrated skin.

Kaolin Clay

• A type of natural clay, first obtained in China.
• Can absorb oil and drive out impurities.

Lactoferrin

• An iron-binding, naturally occurring protein in the body.
• Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and repairs damaged skin cells.
• Also reduces inflammation and sebum production.

Lactic acid

• A type of AHA, derived from milk.
• An anti-wrinkle and pigmentation-fighting ingredient for improved skin tone and reduced pore appearance.

Niacinamide

• A type of Vitamin B3 that reduces the appearance of large pores, uneven skin tone, fine lines, and dullness.

Non-comedogenic

• A term used to describe products that are formulated to not clog pores.

Oil-free

• Implies that the product is free from natural and artificial oils.

Retinol (Vitamin A)

• Exfoliates and reduces formation of acne scars by aiding in the production of collagen.
• Must be used together with SPF as it increases the skin’s sensitivity to sun.

Salicylic Acid

• A popular acne-fighting ingredient that can prevent future comedones from forming.

Sulphates

• A synthetic or plant-derived cleansing agent that creates a lather to remove dirt and oil.

Tea Tree Oil

• Derived from Melaleuca alternifolia tree.
• Can help prevent acne lesions and reduce swelling brought about by inflammatory acne.

Vitamin E (Tocopherol)

• A powerful antioxidant that helps fight free radical skin damage.
• Regulates collagen and helps prevent skin dryness.
• Also helps protect skin from sun’s UV-induced photodamage.

Zinc

• A chemical nutrient that has oil-regulating properties to help improve skin appearance.
• Also helps boost and enhance the immune system.

The next time you find yourself stumped by your acne skin care products’ ingredient list, this glossary is just a click away!

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Click here to learn more about Lactoferrin + d-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate + Zinc (Lactezin): how Lactezin® works

 

If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.

ASC Ref No. U084P031521LS

SOURCES:

https://www.adorebeauty.com.au/beautyiq/skincare-a-z-glossary/
https://www.everydayhealth.com/skin-beauty/beauty-skincare-glossary-you-need/
https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/701385/citric_acid/#
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/collagen-benefits#section1
https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-green-tea-for-skin#green-tea-and-acne
https://www.paulaschoice.com/expert-advice/skincare-advice/anti-aging-wrinkles/how-hyaluronic-acid-benefits-skin.html
https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/benefits-of-kaolin-clay-for-skin/#gref
https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/lactic-acid-peel
https://www.paulaschoice.com/expert-advice/skincare-advice/anti-aging-wrinkles/how-niacinamide-helps-skin.html
https://www.webmd.com/beauty/retinoid-gel-and-cream-treatments#1
https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/tea-tree-oil-for-acne-scars