Running head: ORGANIC ACNE PRODUCTS VS.

INORGANIC ACNE PRODUCTS

Distinction Between Organic Acne Products and Inorganic Acne Products

MacKenzie L. Dulworth
Waxahachie Global High School
December 2014

ORGANIC ACNE PRODUCTS VS. INORGANIC ACNE PRODUCTS

Table of Contents
Abstract... 4
Introduction..5
Acne.....5
What is it?............................................................................................................................5
Figure 1. Mild Acne.5
Common Misconceptions6
Contributing Factors6
Organic Acne Products7
Definition.6
Components.7
Figure 2. Zinc Levels...7
Homemade Organic Acne Products.8
Inorganic Acne Products..8
Definition.8
Components.9
Side Effects10
Conclusion.....10

ORGANIC ACNE PRODUCTS VS. INORGANIC ACNE PRODUCTS

References..11
References..12
Appendix A: Acne Levels..13
Figure A1: Acne Mild to Severe Breakdown: What Kind of Acne Do You Have?......13

ORGANIC ACNE PRODUCTS VS. INORGANIC ACNE PRODUCTS

Abstract
Acne vulgaris, or acne, is when dead skin and oils clog pores (WebMD Medical Reference from
Healthwise, 2014, March 12). A false misconception about the formation of acne is that it is
caused from eating junk food, which is not true. Other misconceptions include the myth that
blackheads are just dirt follicles rooted in the skin, or that stress contributes to the production of
acne (MedicineNet, 2014, October 17). Factors that actually do trigger acne include hereditary
skin issues, consistent pressure from external objects, the consumption of prescription drugs,
working in harsh conditions, and pore-clogging cosmetics (MedicineNet, 2014, October 17).
Acne can be treated with two different alternatives, organic acne products or inorganic acne
products. Organic acne products, which can be home made from all-natural materials in
cohesive reduction agent constructions. Including zinc, sulfur, vitamins A and E, and other
constituents. Inorganic acne products are made from chemicals and substances not found directly
in nature. The most common additives in inorganic acne products are benzoyl peroxide, a
keratolytic chemical, and salicylic acid, a desmolytic chemical (Decker & Graber, 2012). Similar
side-effects are produced from both compounds that include dry skin, itchiness, and redness
(Decker & Graber, 2012). Inorganic acne products provide more side-effects than results, which
should be avoided if possible. Organic acne products provide a safe, price-effective solution in
todays pursuits to have clear skin which should be sought after in the search for the right facial
products.
Keywords: Organic, inorganic, acne, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid

ORGANIC ACNE PRODUCTS VS. INORGANIC ACNE PRODUCTS

Introduction
Organic and Inorganic Acne products are used to control acne in two different ways. This
can be found throughout the definition of inorganic and organic product and their components.
Since acne is the main target for these products, its definition and causes are to be present for
analysis. Throughout the course of this paper inferences can be made about the uses and factors
of organic and inorganic acne products.
Acne
What is it?
Acne vulgaris, also known as acne is when dead skin and oil clogs up pores (WebMD
Medical Reference from Healthwise, 2014, March 12). In
depth, when the body creates a surplus of sebum, or oil,
which stops our skin from drying out, the dead skin cells
stick together inside the pore and rise to form a bump
(American Academy of Dermatology, n.d.). It can occur
in different forms ranging from mild to severe (WebMD

Figure 1. Mild Acne

Medical Reference from Healthwise, 2014, March 12). Mild acne occurs when small amounts of
red spots or pimples appear on the skin as seen in Figure 1 (WebMD Medical Reference from
Healthwise, 2014, March 12). Severe acne occurs when hundreds of pimples cover the face,
neck, chest and back or when large painful cysts are apparent; acne cysts form deep in the skin
when pores fill up with dead skin cells, oil and bacteria (American Academy of Dermatology,
n.d.). To see more on mild to severe acne breakdowns, see Appendix A.

ORGANIC ACNE PRODUCTS VS. INORGANIC ACNE PRODUCTS

Common Misconceptions
People believe that these factors are the main cause of acne, but that is not true in the
slightest. The three main misconceptions that cause acne are food, dirt and stress (MedicineNet,
2014, October 17). Eating junk food, although not healthy for overall health, does not trigger
acne (MedicineNet, 2014, October 17). Blackheads are commonly mistaken for dirt in the skin,
when in fact they are just oxidized oils (MedicineNet, 2014, October 17). Lastly stress, most
people have heard that their acne stems from overwhelming amounts of stress, but this symptom
has been proven to not cause acne (MedicineNet, 2014, October 17).
Contributing Factors
Factors that are connected with acne include heredity, pressure, drugs, occupations, and
cosmetics (MedicineNet, 2014, October 17). If parents have a medical history of acne, this will
be apparent in their children (MedicineNet, 2014, October 17). Pressure put on the face like
collars, helmets, or chin straps, do in fact contribute to acne (MedicineNet, 2014, October 17). If
someone is on medications that include steroids or other skin-irritation chemicals, their acne will
have a tendency to act up (MedicineNet, 2014, October 17). Jobs that include excessive exposure
to chemicals or oil this will produce acne (MedicineNet, 2014, October 17). Lastly, cosmetics,
many girls make the mistake of not reading the makeup labels before buying cosmetics. If the
foundation says comedogenic, it means that the makeup has pore clogging capabilities
(MedicineNet, 2014, October 17). If you are looking to reduce acne avoid these contributors in
all aspects.

ORGANIC ACNE PRODUCTS VS. INORGANIC ACNE PRODUCTS

Organic Acne Products

Definition
According to Dictionary.com the definition of the word, organic, is something derived
from living organisms (Organic, n.d.). Organic acne products are things found in nature formed
together to compile a cohesive acne reduction agent.
Components
Organic acne reduction agents include many
different components. First off is Tea Tree Oil, for it
consists of terpinen-4-ol that eliminates and neutralizes
the bacteria called Propionibacterium (Organic Facts,
2014). Next off, is the acne-attacker Zinc. In a research

Figure 2. Zinc Levels

experiment conducted by Turkish researchers using 56 people that had no acne and 94 patients
with varying levels of acne it was concluded that on average people with acne have 24% lower
Zinc levels as seen in Figure 2 (Seppo, 2014, February 19).
Another active organic acne component is the natural element Sulfur. Sulfur shows to have
certain antimicrobial properties and has been used for years medically (Decker & Graber, 2012).
Both Vitamin A and Vitamin E tablets can be consumed to help with curing acne vulgaris
(Organic Facts, 2014). Other organic materials used in organic products include, cucumber,
orange, lemon, drinking water, fenugreek leaves, mint juice, strawberry leaves, vinegar and egg
(Organic Facts, 2014). The combination of these separate entities should be researched and
declared safe before putting onto the skin.

ORGANIC ACNE PRODUCTS VS. INORGANIC ACNE PRODUCTS

Homemade Organic Acne Products

To formulate your own organic acne product, it has to be done safely with some prior
knowledge. Some that have already been experimented with successfully, include the honey
cleanser, the oil cleansing, apple cider vinegar toner, jojoba oil and carrot seed facial, and a
honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg spot treatment (Geertsen, 2012, December 13). In the morning,
raw honey is used by dabbing a teaspoon of honey all over the face and rinsing (Geertsen,
2012, December 13). At the evening Lauren Geersten, a self-made beauty and organic body guru,
uses an oil cleanser to neutralize the oil production in her skin to avoid the over-production in the
skin that cause acne (Geertsen, 2012, December 13).A spray made of one-third apple cider
vinegar and two-thirds vinegar, which calms acne and neutralizes ph (Geertsen, 2012, December
13).Jojoba oil is another ingredient used in homemade organic acne products and it tricks the
body into thinking it has already created enough oil therefore it will not create more (Admin,
2012, April 4). In fact, jojoba oil mixed with carrot seed oil forms an all-natural facial that
decreases acne (Geertsen, 2012, December 13).The honey, cinnamon and nutmeg spot treatment
is composed of those three elements. Its job is to make a paste that is left on problem areas for a
few hours to which reduces the redness of a zit in one sitting (Geertsen, 2012, December 13).
There is no one right way to make a homemade acne remedy, as long as you are researching it
and being benign.
Inorganic Acne Products
Definition
Dictionary.com defines the word inorganic to be not consisting of or deriving from
living matter (Inorganic, n.d.). This means that for something to be inorganic it is not derived

ORGANIC ACNE PRODUCTS VS. INORGANIC ACNE PRODUCTS

from nature. Inorganic acne products collectively, are acne-fighting agents made from chemicals
and substances that do not come directly from natural causes.
Components
The two most common components in inorganic acne products are benzoyl peroxide and
hydroxy acids. Benzoyl peroxide is in the peroxide family that has been a component of acne
vulgaris treatment for many years (Decker & Graber, 2012). It has been a good choice to use in
acne products because of its moderate comedolytic, keratolytic, and antibacterial assets.
Keratolytisis is the loosening or shedding of the horny layer of the epidermis (Keratolytic,
n.d.). Comedolytisis is the term used to describe a product or medication that inhibits the
formation of comedones (blemishes that form when oil and skin cells become trapped in the
pore) (Palmer, 2014, June 23). The P. acnes bacteria are forced to die in the presence of benzoyl
peroxide because it cannot live in oxygen-rich environments (Mario Badescu, 2012). Increasing
the percentage of benzoyl peroxide in your regiment will not be productive; in fact, products
with more than 2.5% of benzoyl peroxide additive are not effective but are destructive (Decker &
Graber, 2012). The second prevalent acne eradicator is salicylic acid, also known as betahydroxy
acid or BHA (Mario badescu). Salicylic acid is a common ingredient in over-the-counter
products, because of its desmolytic properties (Decker & Graber, 2012). Demolysis is defined by
The Free Dictionary as the destruction and disintegration of connective tissue which can be
beneficial if you are trying to break down components in acne (Desmolysis, n.d.). The positive
influence that salicylic acid has on skin is that it smoothens the texture and appearance of skin,
by decreasing pore sizes (Decker & Graber, 2012). In a twelve-week study testing products that
held concentrated salicylic acid, the product yielded reduction of both open comedones and
inflammatory lesions (Decker & Graber, 2012). Both products are beneficial if your skin is not

ORGANIC ACNE PRODUCTS VS. INORGANIC ACNE PRODUCTS

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too sensitive, these can be harsh on those with little to no acne that just want a polished look.
Using these with precaution is smart and advised.
Side Effects
Inorganic can have side-effects that inhibit their intentional purpose. Benzoyl peroxide,
include signs of dryness, redness and fine scaling (Decker & Graber, 2012). First hand, I have
experienced these effects. When using the product Epiduo continually every night for a month, I
developed dry flaky skin. My opinion was that it was not worth the adverse effects than having a
few small pimples. Salicylic acid provides similar effects as well, with that being slight burning,
skin redness, and peeling (First Databank, Inc., 2013, March). Use inorganic acne products in
small doses and with caution and your acne should start to get better, if it worsens or causes
severe side effects, see a physician as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Inorganic acne products provide side-effects that are not apparent in that of organic acne
products. Therefore, inorganic acne products should be avoided unless acne is severe. Both
inorganic and organic face products prove to reduce acne in two different purposes. Namely it is
a preference choice, would you rather have itchy and dry skin versus radiant skin? The answer is
in your hands and so are the tools to decide provided in this composition.

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References
Admin. (2012, April 4). What does jojoba oil do for skin?. Retrieved from
http://www.lexiskincare.com/what_does_jojoba_oil_do_for_skin
American Academy of Dermatology. (n.d.) Acne. Retrieved from
https://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/diseases-and-treatments/a---d/acne
Baxi, S. (2007, July 13). OTC products for the treatment of acne. University of Connecticut
School of Pharmacy, Retrieved from http://www.uspharmacist.com/content/ c/10277/?
t=men%27s_health,dermatology
Decker, A., & Graber, E. M. (2012). Over-the-counter acne treatments. Journal Of Clinical &
Aesthetic Dermatology, 5(5), 32-40.
Desmolysis. (n.d.). Mosby's Dental Dictionary, 2nd edition. (2008). Retrieved from
http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/desmolysis
First Databank, Inc. (2013, March). Salicylic acid topical. Retrieved from
http://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-18-866/salicylic-acid-top/salicylicacidkeratolytictopical/details#
Geertsen. L. (2012, December 13). 7 Secrets that cured my acne without chemicals. Retrieved
from http://empoweredsustenance.com/7-secrets-to-cure-acne-without-chemicals/
Juanwei. (2014, June 29). Acne treatment. Retrieved from http://www.medi-klinik.com/wpcontent/uploads/2013/09/Acne.jpg
Keratolytic. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved from
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/keratolytic

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Mario Badescu. (2012). Benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid for acne. Retrieved from
http://www.mariobadescu.com/Benzoyl-Peroxide-Or-Salicylic-Acid
Mayo Clinic Staff. (n.d.) Over-the-counter acne products: What works and why. Retrieved from
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/in-depth/acne-products/art20045814
MedicineNet. (2014, October 17). Acne (pimples). Retrieved from
http://www.medicinenet.com /acne/article.htm
Organic Facts. (2014) Home remedies for acne. Retrieved from
https://www.organicfacts.net/home-remedies/home-remedies-for-acne.html
Organic. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved from http://dictionary.reference.com
/browse/organic
Palmer, Angela. (2014, June 23). Comedolytic. Retrieved from http://acne.about.com
/od/ag/g/comedolytic.htm
Seppo. (2014, February 19). 3 Scientific reasons why everyone with acne should try zinc.
Retrieved from http://www.acneeinstein.com/zinc-for-acne/
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise. (2014, March 12). Acne- topic overview. Retrieved
from http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/acne-vulgaris-topicoverview

ORGANIC ACNE PRODUCTS VS. INORGANIC ACNE PRODUCTS

Appendix A: Acne Levels

Figure A1. Acne Mild to Severe Breakdown: What Kind of Acne Do You Have?
All acne can be classified by these parameters, this is important for dermatologist to assess a
patients acne level, to provide them with proper medication for treatment (Baxi, S. 2007, July
13).

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