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Are Alcohol Products Good for Acne?

The Acne Resource Center says that "acne is one of the most common skin diseases in the United States." Acne is caused by an overproduction of oil in the glands. Alcohol is one ingredient that helps in the fight against acne, but it is not recommended for all cases of acne.

  1. History

    • Acne dates back to Egyptian times. Their writings say that the pharaohs at that time suffered from acne. However, it was the Greeks that came up with name "acne."

    Types

    • Acne can be anywhere from mild to severe. Over-the-counter products that include alcohol are only for mild cases. Severe cases of acne should be dealt with by a dermatologist.

    Benefits

    • Alcohol works as an antimicrobial agent. It attacks the bacteria that the acne creates and kills it.

    Misconceptions

    • If you have acne, you may have been advised not to use products with alcohol, because it can remove the top layer of your skin. Alcohol, when used correctly, will kill bacteria that makes acne worse.

    Warning

    • Alcohol should not be overused, since it can dry out your skin. Alcohol is usually found in toners for oily skin. Only use alcohol if your case is mild.

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