Topical medications used for treating conditions like acne, hyperpigmentation and photoaging are often prescribed without the client knowing how these medications work. As skincare professionals it is our responsibility to educate how these ingredients work. Below is a simple chart listing ingredients and their action. See below for definitions to further clarify product action.
Actions
Anti-inflammatory- Reduces swelling, pain, redness
Antimicrobial- Kills microorganisms or stops their growth
Comedonal- Acne lesions, blackheads & whiteheads
Desquamation- Peeling, removal of outer layer of skin
Keratolytic- Assist in exfoliation and removal of skin cells by loosening and softening