September skin edit - Acne
Acne is no longer just a teenage problem and in recent times it has become more prevalent in adults. If you have acne, you’ve likely tried every lotion, potion and serum out there.
Sometimes though, taking it back to basics can really help. A more simplified regimen will help you see where the problems are originating and perhaps prevent flare ups. Perhaps you need to switch out a cleanser or use a serum to target the problem. Here are some new or tried and tested products to help you with your acne concerns:
Pharmacy trio
Relife PapiX range is a new release into pharmacies. PapiXTM cleanser is a delicate cleanser with purifying action for acne-prone skin. The absence of surfactants provides thorough and non-aggressive cleansing, while also reducing excess sebum. PapiXTM High is a purifying gel that treats oily, blemished or acne prone skin. Its synergistic formula contains salicylic acid, urea peroxide, zinc gluconate and taurine. It acts on blemishes, smoothing the surface of the skin. PapiXTM high helps to reduce sebum production and improve acne lesions within 30 days of use. PapiXTM Long is a hydrating gel improves the appearance of acne-prone skin with the hydrating effect of saccharide isomerate and the sebo-regulating action of nicotinamide. Due to its moisturising effect, PapiX long can be used in combination with treatments that cause skin dehydration or as maintenance treatment for acne.
Stand out for sensitive
Neostrata Clarifying Mandelic Cleanser is a soap-free, non-irritating foaming gel cleanser is formulated with Mandelic Acid, a gentle yet effective Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that is ideal for exfoliating oily skin. It also contains a Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) and Salicylic Acid, known to help cleanse pores, eliminate black heads, control excessive shine and improve skin texture. Ideal for dull, oily/acne-prone skin and to reduce the redness often caused by rosacea. It is a great introduction to your skin routine and a little goes a long way.
Once per day wonder
La Roche Posay’s Effaclar Ultra Concentrated Serum combines a highly effective blend of clinically proven resurfacing acids with renowned compensating molecules, tailored to target decongestion and smooth the skin’s surface without causing discomfort. With an exclusive multi-acid complex of pore-penetrating and unclogging salicylic acid, gently exfoliating LHA and skin-renewing glycolic acid, its Effaclar Duo+ Ultra Concentrated Serum efficiently combats blemishes, blackheads and breakouts, and refines skin texture while reparative niacinamide and soothing La Roche-Posay Thermal Water reinforce and restore the skin’s natural barrier. Thanks to niacinamide’s soothing and repairing action, this potent serum targets and treats blemish prone skin, without causing discomfort. It is used once per day to help treat the skin and calm. There is a whole range supporting this serum too.
Skin clinic trio
Image Skincare’s Clear Cell Salicylic Gel Cleanser is an excellent choice because it includes salicylic acid as a key ingredient. Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that has been shown to help reduce acne lesions. It works by helping to accelerate cell turnover so that dead skin cells shed more readily and don’t go on to clog pores. With this cleanser, skin becomes soft and clean without the dry, tight feeling that can sometimes accompany acne cleansers. Follow up the cleanser with the Clear Cell Salicylic Clarifying Tonic, which contains a combination of alpha and beta hydroxy acids to help unclog pores. Alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic acid is one, for example) are also good at unclogging pores by improving cell turnover. This tonic may cause dryness, so start out using it once a week and gradually increase usage as your skin adjusts. You can then follow up with the Clear Cell Medicated Lotion. It also features salicylic acid as a key ingredient. The lotion will help target existing lesions while helping to prevent new ones. Regular use can help you be more in control of your acne, as opposed to letting the breakouts run their course. This is a spot treatment so apply it directly onto the lesion.