Overview
Alcohol is an acne-fighting ingredient that shows up on the labels of many over-the-counter skincare products, especially teen-targeted toners and pads used to degrease and disinfect blemish-prone skin. Alcohol is extremely drying and can cause more irritation than other acne-fighting topicals. If your skin is extremely sensitive, this might be one ingredient you’ll want to avoid.
Alcohol & Acetone
Alcohol is most commonly used along with acetone in drugstore acne products, according to the Mayo Clinic. This medication is generally used as a toner after first washing the face or skin with a mild cleanser. Acetone, which is rarely used alone, removes excess oil from the face, and alcohol acts as a mild antimicrobial, reducing the number of acne-causing bacteria on the skin. Don’t use alcohol and acetone on children under the age of 8, cautions the clinic.
Proper Use
Alcohol and acetone acne treatments can be used on acne-prone skin between two and four times daily, according to the Mayo Clinic. To apply it in liquid form, use a cotton ball or gauze pad to absorb a bit of the medication and wipe the face and other affected body parts. Presaturated pads are used in a similar manner. Keep alcohol-based acne treatments away from your eyes and lips and the inside of your nose. Do not rinse your skin after applying the medication.
Reducing Side-Effects
Many acne-fighting drugstore products contain alcohol at concentrations high enough to make them effective disinfectants, skincare expert Paula Begoun says. The problem with alcohol is that it can be extremely drying and irritating. Moreover, the irritation can even cause more lesions to form, she says. Reduce your risk for unpleasant side effects by avoiding cleansers and soaps that are harsh and abrasive, according to the Mayo Clinic. Don’t use cosmetics or soaps that are drying or medicated or other skincare products that contain alcohol. Peeling agents such as benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid, sulfur and tretinoin, when used with alcohol-based acne products, can also increase side effects.
A Better Bet
An acne treatment that works well for one person might fail miserably with another. If the active ingredients in acne treatments confuse you, the Mayo Clinic advises selecting a product that contains benzoyl peroxide first before trying any others. Benzoyl peroxide has the capacity to reduce bacteria within the pores without excessively irritating the skin.
More
Acne products that contain alcohol and acetone are extremely flammable. Keep them away from heat, flames and lit cigarettes.
About this Author
Lisa Sefcik has been writing professionally since 1987. Her subject matter includes pet care, travel, consumer reviews, classical music and entertainment. She’s worked as a policy analyst, news reporter and freelance writer/columnist for Cox Publications and numerous national print publications. Sefcik holds a paralegal certification as well as degrees in journalism and piano performance from the University of Texas at Austin.
