Mara Desypris
In the ever-evolving world of skincare, the clout of certain hero ingredients remains constant. For further proof: pick up any anti-acne product in the skincare aisle, and chances are you’ll find the words salicylic acid,benzoyl peroxide or tea tree oil staring back at you from the ingredients list. However, if you are looking for newer ingredients that can address your skin’s specific requirements, help can be found in the new guard of acne-fighting agents.
But first, what goes into the selection of anti-acne ingredients? Noted dermatologist Dr Jamuna Pai asserts that anti-acne ingredients are selected on the basis of their ability to deliver on one (or many) of the following functions. “All anti-acne formulations are created to reduce sebum production, epidermal exfoliation, reduce local bacterial growth, clear blocked oil glands aka blackheads and whiteheads and to reduce scarring and pigmentation,” she explains.