Acne is a skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become congested with excess oil and dead skin cells, leading to pimples and cysts. It’s extraordinarily common. Nearly 80% of Americans between ages 11 and 30 years old will be affected by acne at some point.
Acne most often begins with puberty. Long story short, increase in hormones can cause sebaceous glands to become more active, increasing oil production. Acne can occur anywhere on the body. However, it can happen in areas with higher concentrations of oil glands – and larger pores – including the face, chest, upper back, shoulders, and neck. In addition, acne can often be inherited. Other causes may include hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Even certain drugs and cosmetics can wreak havoc on follicles – the list goes on!
The goal of any acne treatment is to reduce the reoccurrence of new papules and pustules, minimize scarring and improve overall clarity. Acne can leave behind life-long scars, such as ‘ice pick’ pit scars or craters, and hyperpigmentation, or ‘dark spots’. Acne comes in all shapes and sizes, so it’s important to treat acne diligently with the proper products formulated with the most effective ingredients!
Teen
Teen acne is usually characterized with pimples, whiteheads, blackheads or even cysts – and can be truly devastating for a teenager. Clear up acne breakouts with products that will not only stop acne in its tracks, but will prevent irritation and scarring as well.
skinfo® Essential Cleanser Formulated for normal to oily skin types, this cleanser uses a blend of 2% Glycolic and 2% Salicylic acids to dissolve oil from congested pores, as well as prevent future breakouts. This cleanser keeps pores free from debris and tones to prevent hyperpigmentation. Apply to wet skin, rinse with lukewarm water once or twice daily.
skinfo® Clean and Tone Pads These miraculous pads contain giant doses of acne fighting and pore-shrinking ingredients including 2% salicylic and 5% glycolic acid. Excellent for using after sports or working out, the combination of acids will help keep dirt, oil and sweat from getting trapped in pores – just wipe the entire affected area with one pad, one to three times per day!
Avène Skin Recovery Cream Beloved by all, this gentle moisturizer restores skin’s natural barrier and comfort level, while protecting the upper layers of the skin from loss of moisture. It is specifically formulated for skin that is super-sensitive or stressed from environment, treatments, or over-cleansing. It can be used two times a day after cleansing.
Adult
Adult acne can be a real struggle – trust me, I’ve been there. As an adult, dry skin and aging can be huge concerns. Hormonal changes can bring about acne, too. Whether dry, oily, or sensitive, there are several solutions that address all these issues!
Revision® Papaya Enzyme Cleanser This energizing cleanser is activated with papaya enzyme and salicylic acid to smooth and exfoliate the skin without irritation. Papain, the enzyme derived from papaya, leaves skin feeling refreshed, deeply cleansed and illuminated! Apply a dime size amount of cleanser to face, work in circles, and then rinse. Use once or twice daily.
SkinMedica Retinol Complex .25 Retinol is quite the buzzword lately – with good reason! This retinol is formulated with encapsulated antioxidants to improve the skin’s overall texture, firmness, elasticity and tone. This clever retinol releases antioxidants throughout the day, while the retinol gives your skin the exfoliation that it needs. thus resulting in no irritation! Avoiding the eye area, apply at night after cleansing, but before treatment and moisturizer.
skinfo® Vita Lite Moisturizer Rich in antioxidant and completely oil-free, this formulation has it all – vitamins A, C, E, Green Tea Extract, and Coenzyme Q-10 to assist in minimizing free-radical damage and promoting overall healthy-looking skin. Apply twice a day to cleansed skin. When using in the morning, be sure to apply SPF!
Body
With spring and summer steadily approaching, everyone’s looking forward to baring their skin in bathing suits, tanks and shorts. Well, not everyone. Chest or back acne can be embarrassing and downright painful! Get rid of it for good.
Glytone Acne Treatment Back Spray This convenient, spray-on formulation is perfect for controlling back acne. It’s formulated with potent 2% salicylic acid for keeping back and shoulders free of acne. It sloughs off dead skin cells while deeply cleansing pores to heal and prevent acne. This pump works upside down for secure application while spraying onto back and shoulders. Allow product to dry before dressing and applying SPF.
CNL Dermatologics Body Wash In addition to treating acne, this body cleanser addresses a multiple of other concerns such as eczema, folliculitis, and infection. This formulation reduces the appearance of redness, dryness and scaly skin, while remaining gentle and non-drying. With visible results in as little as 2 weeks, this body cleanser is suitable for both adults and children.
Pregnancy Safe
A hormonal shift, such as becoming pregnant for instance, can trigger acne, or make existing adult acne worse. Higher levels of hormones can prompt sebaceous glands to get bigger and boost sebum production. Eventually, this can lead to inflammation and acne. Retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, benzoyl peroxide and kojic acid have been known to be harmful during pregnancy – always check with a physician or gynecologist.
Glytone Mild Gel Wash This cleanser is powered with Glycolic Acid to help remove dead skin cells on the skin’s surface, giving it a fresh, healthy appearance! It also assists in decongesting pores and minimizing the frequency of breakouts over time. For optimal results use twice daily, avoiding the eye area.
SkinCeuticals® Retexturing Activator Designed for exfoliation and hydration, this serum visibly diminishes surface lines and smooths rough texture. This oil-free formulation reinforces the skin’s barrier while resurfacing, without any harsh side effects. Use twice daily by applying 4-6 drops to the face, neck, and chest.
SkinMedica® Ultra Sheer Moisturizer This oil-free moisturizer is packed with antioxidants and is completely non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores. It absorbs completely and leaves skin feeling fresh! Apply a small amount morning and evening. If being used during the day, always be sure to apply SPF.
Sunscreens
Everyone needs to protect themselves from UV rays. Sunscreen is the one product no one should be without, no matter what! Most people associate sunscreen with slimy, gooey creams that can inevitably congest and cause breakouts, but not always! These sunscreens are designed to protect oily, acne-prone skin.
skinfo® Vita Matte Tinted SPF 50+ This tinted sunscreen protects against UVA/UVB radiation and free-radical damage, while keeping the skin matte and reducing the appearance of pore size. It’s also loaded with antioxidants including Vitamin C, Co-Q10, and Resveratrol with Green Tea Polyphenols to neutralize redness, plus 16.2% Zinc Oxide for ultimate protection. Apply a dime-size amount to face in the morning.
EltaMD® UV Clear SPF 46 Completely oil-free and lightweight, this formula uses high-purity Niacinamide to calm, soothe, and protect sensitive and/or acne-prone skin. This sunscreen may be worn alone or underneath makeup, just apply after cleansing or after treatment products.
Revision® Intellishade Matte SPF 45 This sunscreen provides a sheer, universal tint with a matte finish, perfect for oily skin. This unique blend of ingredients derived from soy, help retain moisture and minimize the appearance of pores. In addition, peptides work to increase collagen production and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Lastly, Plankton Extract, Green Tea, and White Birch Extract help prevent UV stress and damage. This sunscreen is perfect for a mature skin types who need a little something extra! Apply to face evenly before sun exposure.
Makeup
Acne prone skin makeup should be good for skin and help it look its best, not cause breakouts! Glo Skin Beauty is an excellent option for acne-prone skin types or those with sensitive skin.
Glo Skin Beauty Pressed Base With an antioxidant blend of vitamins A, C, E, and Green Tea Extract, this triple-milled pressed powder corrects, protects, and calms the skin while delivering buildable, flawless, matte coverage. This formula can be applied with either a brush or a sponge to clean, hydrated skin and layered for desired coverage.
Glo Skin Beauty Camouflage Oil-Free Concealer This multi-purpose, oil-free, highly-pigmented formula is ideal for concealing breakouts, scarring, hyperpigmentation, blemishes and even dark circles. Antioxidants like vitamin C and green tea extract protect the skin while vitamin A controls oil to minimize breakouts and vitamin E fights free radicals. Plus, built-in Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide protect against UVA/UVB damage. Apply using a precise brush or sponge.
Colorescience® Even Up Clinical Pigment Perfector SPF 50 Loaded with vitamins, antioxidants and mineral-based sunscreens, this hydrating primer provides UVA/UVB protection that shields you from sun damage and environmental stressors. Vitamins C and E protect and visibly lighten discoloration that give a luminous glow and even skin tone. With continued use, this formulation improves the appearance of age spots and pigmentation. Wear alone or as the perfect creamy base for makeup.
