Tiếng ViệtAcne treatment ingredients play a crucial role in skin recovery, reducing inflammation, and preventing recurrence. However, not everyone fully understands their uses, appropriate concentrations, and safe combinations. In this article, HBIO Clinic will help you understand the most common acne treatment ingredients currently available, and suggest when to consult a specialist for optimal results.
Common types of acne
Acne is a skin condition characterized by the appearance of small bumps of varying sizes, commonly found on the face, neck, chest, shoulders, and chin. The causes of acne are diverse, ranging from hormonal changes, weather, and an unhealthy diet to environmental pollution and improper skincare habits.
Because acne is a sign of damaged skin, treatment requires patience and a thorough understanding of your skin condition. Treatment products are only effective when you know what type of acne you have. Below are some common types of acne:
- Acne vulgaris: Small bumps on the skin’s surface, not too painful but can become inflamed and develop into cystic acne if left untreated.
- Blackheads: Characteristic black pimples, often clustered and easily felt by touch.
- Subcutaneous acne: Located deep under the skin, without a clear core, making the skin surface rough but less painful.
- Cystic acne: A severe form of acne, large, hard, painful, and containing pus. Incorrect treatment can easily lead to dark spots and pitted scars.
Top most popular acne treatment ingredients currently available
Many acne treatments are currently in common use, each with its own mechanism to cleanse the skin, reduce inflammation, and prevent acne from recurring. Below are some familiar ingredients you should know when starting acne treatment.
Chemical exfoliants (AHA/BHA)
AHA and BHA are two of the most popular acne treatments.
AHA (Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid)
- Removes dead skin cells from the surface.
- Brightens skin and fades dark spots.
- Suitable for dry and combination skin.
BHA (Salicylic Acid)
- Oil-soluble, penetrates deep into pores.
- Reduces clogging, prevents blackheads and whiteheads.
- One of the preferred acne treatments for oily, acne-prone skin.
Note: Skin may experience mild dryness and stinging; start with a low concentration when first using.
Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory active ingredients
Benzoyl Peroxide and Azelaic Acid are two effective active ingredients for treating inflamed acne:
Benzoyl Peroxide (BP)
This active ingredient treats the bacteria P. Acnes – the cause of inflamed acne.
- It reduces inflammation quickly.
- Effective for pustules and mild cystic acne.
- Common concentrations: 2.5% – 5%.
BP is one of the strong acne treatments, so good moisturizing is necessary to avoid dry skin and peeling.
Azelaic Acid
- Natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
- Suitable for sensitive skin.
- Helps fade post-acne dark spots.
This active ingredient is considered gentler than BHA and BP but still delivers high effectiveness when combined with treatments at HBIO Clinic.
Retinoids – the gold standard in acne treatment
Retinoids are a group of acne-treating active ingredients belonging to the Vitamin A derivative group, which have a powerful effect on skin regeneration.
Tretinoin
- Accelerates cell regeneration.
- Reduces clogged pores.
- Effective for both hidden acne, blackheads, and inflammatory acne.
Adapalene
- Gentler than Tretinoin, less irritating.
- Suitable for beginners or sensitive skin.
Notes when using Retinoids: Use at night. Combine with sunscreen daily. Start with low frequency to avoid irritation.
Retinoids are a very effective group of acne-treating active ingredients but also carry the risk of “purging,” so HBIO Clinic always recommends skin analysis before use.
A group of active ingredients that regulate oil and support deep cleansing
Two common oil-regulating and deep-cleansing active ingredients are:
Niacinamide
- Reduces oil secretion.
- Soothes skin, provides mild anti-inflammatory effects.
- Strengthens the skin’s protective barrier.
Niacinamide is not only an acne treatment but also helps even skin tone and minimize pores.
Zinc PCA
- Antibacterial.
- Regulates sebum production.
Suitable for chronic oily and acne-prone skin.
Acne treatment ingredients for post-acne dark spots and scars
Acne not only causes inflammation but also leaves behind dark spots and pitted scars. Several active ingredients help support this:
Vitamin C
- Brightens skin and fades post-acne dark spots.
- Works well in combination with Niacinamide or Azelaic Acid.
High-concentration AHA
- Supports skin regeneration and improves the appearance of shallow scars.
- Often used in chemical peel treatments at HBIO Clinic.
Peptides
- Increase collagen production.
- Restores skin after intensive acne treatment.
These active ingredients are often used in combination in personalized treatment protocols at HBIO Clinic to enhance effectiveness.
Top acne treatment clinic in Hanoi
Self-treating acne at home with various products and active ingredients sometimes doesn’t yield the desired results. In fact, choosing the wrong method can irritate, erode, or worsen acne. You should visit HBIO Clinic if you experience any of the following:
- Skin irritation, redness, or peeling after self-treating acne with active ingredients like AHA, BHA, Retinoids, Benzoyl Peroxide…
- Inflammatory acne, cystic acne, or pustules appearing densely and difficult to control despite trying many different products.
- Recurrent acne, especially persistent hidden acne or blackheads, resulting in rough and unsightly skin.
- Skin leaving behind dark spots, discoloration, or developing pitted scars after self-extraction or incorrect treatment.
- Enlarged pores, oily skin that is difficult to control, and prone to clogging even with regular skincare.
At HBIO Clinic, you will receive a thorough skin analysis using AI technology, accurately assessing the root cause of the problem: the level of inflammation, blockage, excess oil, keratin thickness, signs of damage, and risk of scarring. Based on this, the dermatologists at HBIO Clinic will:
- Develop a personalized treatment plan based on your actual skin condition, ensuring safety and effectiveness.
- Select the right acne treatment ingredients suitable for your skin sensitivity, inflammation level, and skin type.
- Combine advanced treatments such as laser acne treatment, medical peels, and Bio Light therapy to shorten the improvement time.
- Closely monitor your skin throughout the treatment process, adjusting the treatment plan as needed to minimize irritation and prevent recurrence.
Thanks to our scientific approach and medically approved treatment methods, HBIO Clinic helps shorten the acne treatment process, minimize scarring, and deliver healthy, beautiful skin in the long term.
Acne treatment active ingredients are key to deep cleansing, reducing inflammation, and preventing recurrence. However, choosing the right active ingredient, concentration, and timing is not easy. If you want a clear, safe treatment plan based on your specific skin condition, visit HBIO Clinic for detailed consultation with our doctors. Treating acne correctly from the start will save you time and money and lead to healthy, beautiful skin in the long run.
Dr. Thai Nguyen – Founder and Medical Director of HBIO Clinic. As an expert in aesthetic dermatology, she regularly shares in-depth knowledge and practical experience to provide valuable and insightful information for those seeking better skin health.