Using Antiseptics to Treat Acne, Is It Really Effective?

Jakarta –

The method of using antiseptics to treat acne has gone viral, is it really effective? Do you want to try it? Let’s understand what the experts say first.

Acne is one of the most common skin problems faced by many people, especially teenagers and young adults. This condition can be very worrying because in addition to causing discomfort, acne also often affects a person’s self-confidence.

There are different methods used to treat acne, from natural remedies to the use of specific medications. One way to go viral is to use antiseptics.

Is it true that antiseptics are effective in treating acne? What is an Antiseptic?

Antiseptics are chemicals used to kill the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses or fungi on skin and living tissue. Typically, antiseptics are used to clean wounds or as skin cleansers before medical procedures.

Some commonly found types of antiseptics include povidone iodine, alcohol, and chlorhexidine. Antiseptics play a role in preventing infection in open wounds and reducing the risk of complications due to bacteria.

Although acne is a different skin condition than open sores. Acne appears as a result of the inflammation of the oil glands (sebum) which are connected to the pores of the skin.

Clogged pores, Propionibacterium acnes bacteria, and excess oil production are the main causes of acne. So how do antiseptics play a role in this? If you use an antiseptic to treat acne, is it really effective?

Antiseptics and acne: Are they compatible?

“One of the causes of acne is inflammation caused by the proliferation of bacteria. So this is what the antiseptic can cover,” said Dr. Yessica Tania as a beauty expert and content creator, as report by detikHealth.

The use of antiseptics for acne is aimed at their ability to kill bacteria. The bacteria Propionibacterium acnes are microorganisms that play a role in making acne worse, especially inflammatory types of acne such as large red pimples or pustules.

Some antiseptics can reduce the number of these bacteria on the surface of the skin so that they appear to have an effect on acne. Therefore, antiseptics are safe to treat acne if they are used in a certain percentage.

“It is safe, for example, if something viral has been seen on a pimple, he will use iodine 10% povidone, as an antiseptic that will kill the germs there,” said Dr. Yessica.

Antiseptic products that can treat acne

Some antiseptic products commonly used to treat acne include:

1. Benzoyl peroxide

According to the NHS, benzoyl peroxide works as an antiseptic to reduce the number of bacteria on the surface of the skin. Benzoyl peroxide also helps reduce the number of whiteheads and blackheads, and has anti-inflammatory effects.

Benzoyl peroxide is usually available in cream or gel form. This is used once or twice a day.

Benzoyl peroxide should be applied after washing your face to all areas of your face with acne. Be careful when using it as too much can damage the skin.

Benzalkonium chloride is an antiseptic ingredient that is often used in facial cleansing products for acne-prone skin. It has antibacterial properties that help reduce the risk of infection in inflamed acne.

2. Povidone iodine

Povidone iodine is a well-known antiseptic for cleaning wounds. However, it can also be used in small doses on acne areas to prevent bacterial infections.

Even though it is very effective in reducing inflammation, using it too often can cause the skin to become dry.

3. Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is often considered a natural antiseptic and is often used as an ingredient in skin care products. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil can help relieve and prevent acne-causing bacteria.

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