Acne treatment with Murad

Most of us have experienced acne in one form or another - from the spare pimple or zit to severe lesions and cysts - at one point or another in our lives. We remember being plagued with acne as teenagers with the onset of puberty, or we now continue to contend with it as adults with mounting stress, responsibility and environmental wear and tear.

Acne is a skin condition marked by inflammatory outbreaks consisting of lesions and cysts that result from the blockage of hair follicles and pores. Blockage occurs when plugs form dead skin cells and sebum (an oily substance secreted by the sebaceous glands). These plugs seal follicles off and allow for the proliferation of the bacteria,Propionibacterium acnes(P. acnes). Inflammation is not uncommon when white blood cells respond to the increased presence ofP. acnes, resulting in the formation of papules, pustules (pimples), nodules and/or cysts. Acne lesions usually develop on the face, neck, back, chest and shoulders; severe lesions can lead to permanent scarring. Although acne typically is not a serious health threat, it can be a source of significant emotional distress.

There are many over-the-counter, or OTC, cleansers, creams, lotions, gels and solutions to choose from to address your acne. These work alone or in concert to reduce abnormal clumping of cells in the follicles, increased oil production, P. acnes bacterial levels and inflammation. The following are common active ingredients found in OTC acne products:
 

• Benzoyl peroxide- known to destroy P. acnes bacteria while reducing oil production.
• Resorcinol- unclogs pores to break down blackheads and whiteheads.
• Salicylic acid- also unclogs pores to break down blackheads and whiteheads, but also known to reduce shedding of the cells that line hair follicles.
• Triclosan- its antibacterial properties control P. acnes levels.
• Sulfur- acts as an exfoliant to promote normal skin cell turnover while preventing clumping.

Many people have taken Murad's clear skin challenge and have experienced a reduction in blemishes and inflammation in just 4 weeks. In fact, they make up a success story figure of 90% of independent clinical trial participants. No doubt this is due to the balance of salicylic acid, triclosan and sulfur found in the specially formulated products that make up Murad's Acne Complex Kit. Murad Acne Complex wouldn't be complete without its Clarifying Cleanser (triclosan + salicylic acid), Exfoliating Acne Treatment Gel (retinol + salicylic and glycolic acids), Skin Perfecting Lotion (retinol + arnica) and Acne Spot Treatment (sulfur). All have been developed to work together at optimal levels without side effects or over drying. Give Murad Acne Complex a try today for clear, smooth, touchable skin in no time!