Fast-Acting Acne Spot Treatment Ingredients
Question
I've been using Dr. Somchai Acne Gel and it works very well. It reduces acne quickly, doesn't dry or peel the skin, and has no bad smell. The brand claims it contains Micronized Salicylic Acid, which I believe is the key ingredient for its fast action.
I tried mixing my own version using standard Salicylic Acid, but the results weren't as good; the acne didn't reduce as quickly as I wanted.
Could you please recommend:
- Which type of Salicylic Acid in your shop has a similar effect to the Micronized version?
- Are there any other fast-acting actives available in your shop that you would recommend for acne spot treatment, aiming for results within 1-2 days?
Answer
Fast-Acting Acne Actives from MySkinRecipes
It's great that you found a product that works well for you! The difference you observed between the Dr. Somchai gel with Micronized Salicylic Acid and your homemade version with standard Salicylic Acid is likely due to the "micronized" form and the overall formulation.
Standard Salicylic Acid powder is not easily soluble in water, which can make it challenging to formulate effectively and might affect its penetration and speed of action. "Micronized" or specially processed forms are often designed for better dispersion, solubility, or controlled release, leading to improved performance.
Based on your experience and desire for fast-acting options, here are some ingredients available in our shop that you might find effective:
- ActiveRelease™ Salicylic Acid (Powder, Water-Soluble): This is a form of Salicylic Acid that is encapsulated with cyclodextrin, making it directly soluble in water. It is designed for gradual release into the skin (Timed-Release), which can be gentler and potentially more effective over time compared to standard Salicylic Acid. It can be used up to 5% in formulas, which is equivalent to 2% active Salicylic Acid.
- Liquid Salicylic Acid (40% Active Salicylic, Cationic For Wash-Off): While primarily designed for wash-off products due to its cationic nature, this is another water-soluble form of Salicylic Acid that is easy to mix into formulations. It contains 40% active Salicylic Acid and can be used at 1-5% in leave-on formulas (equivalent to 0.4-2% active Salicylic Acid).
- Nano Sulfur (Colloidal Sulfur Dispersion, Nano Particle Size): Sulfur is a well-known active for acne treatment. Our Nano Sulfur is a colloidal dispersion with nano particle size, offering antibacterial, keratolytic (helps shed dead skin cells), and oil control properties. It is described as highly effective and can be used at 5-20% in water-based formulations (requires good suspension).
- BioSulphur™ EQ (Water Soluble Sulfur): This is a water-soluble sulfur substitute that is effective in reducing oiliness, tightening pores, eliminating dandruff, and reducing redness from acne by helping to exfoliate dead skin cells. It has a milder smell than traditional sulfur powder and can be used at 1-10% in various formulations.
Both the specialized Salicylic Acid forms (ActiveRelease™ and Liquid) and the Sulfur options (Nano Sulfur and BioSulphur™ EQ) are good candidates for fast-acting acne spot treatments. You might consider trying ActiveRelease™ Salicylic Acid for a potentially similar effect to the micronized version you liked, or explore Nano Sulfur for its strong acne-fighting properties.
Remember to always follow recommended usage rates and formulation guidelines for each ingredient.
