Acne: How Bad is it?

Acne is broken down by 4 levels. The products I recommend below will help to treat mild to severe acne. For serious breakouts, it is best to consult with your physician or dermatologist.

Mild

Mild breakouts, blackheads, a few whiteheads, a few papules (inflamed red bumps”> and/or a few pustules (inflamed red bumps containing pus”>

Moderate

Several, blackheads, whiteheads, papules and pustules<

Severe

Red and inflamed areas with many papules, pustules, blackheads, whiteheads on many areas of the face

Serious

Cystic acne with blackheads, whiteheads, inflamed papules & pustules all over. I recommend seeing a dermatologist. Find a dermatologist in your area.

The Zit Zapping Acne Ritual

  1. CLEANSE: Choose a medicated antibacterial cleanser that won’t strip your skin of its natural protective barrier. Gently wash 30 seconds to 1 minute and don’t forget to rinse your hair line.
  2. TONE: This is a step that problem skin must not skip. It insures the skin is thoroughly cleansed and residue free. Choose a toner that is non-drying.
  3. EXFOLIATE: There are two types of exfoliants: manual and chemical. Manual exfoliants are always rinsed off and have some type of polishing agent. Acne skin should steer clear of any harsh “apricot”-type scrubs to avoid making matters worse. A non-abrasive scrub with benzoyl peroxide with do wonders to kill bacteria. Chemical exfoliants are left on the skin and penetrate much deeper than a manual exfoliant. They get into the pore’s lining for thorough exfoliation. Use a chemical exfoliant 3-4 times a week, alternating with a manual exfoliant 2 x’s a week. A chemical exfoliant may cause some peeling that is best removed by manual exfoliants.
  1. DISINFECTANT: Used only on affected areas to control P. Acne Bacteria. Some dryness and slight peeling will occur but can be corrected by a manual exfoliant and applying light weight moisturizer.
  2. MOISTURIZE: 1-2 x’s daily. This step is optional but important if your skin feels taught or dry throughout the treatment and when using a foundation. Choose an oil-free, light-weight lotion or hydrated gel.
  3. MASK: 2-3 times a week. To control excess oil, remove dead skin and refine pores. Many people disregard an at home mask as unimportant step, but do not be fooled! This is the best if not only way to control oil and minimize the appearance of pores.
  4. FACIAL: A facial once a month or biweekly until the skin has cleared will produce results immediately.

The Best Cleansers for Problem Skin

Epicuren: antibacterial cleanser

  • Gelle Cleanser
  • Best for Mild to Severe Acne
  • Key Ingredients: lactic acid, allantoin, aloe vera
  • Description: Mi Amor! This is an excellent and refreshing, antibacterial, sudsing cleanser that does not disturb the skins natural PH. It mildly exfoliates, dissolves oil and helps calm inflammation
  • Price: $10 for 2oz
  • Find: www.epicuren.com

Epicuren: pore cleansing gel

  • Medicated Acne Cleanser
  • Best for Moderate to Serious acne
  • Key Ingredients: lactic acid, allantoin, aloe vera
  • Description: This cleanser bailed my face out of its recession! A medicated, antibacterial, non-irritating, cleansing gel that sterilizes the skin’s surface by lifting and removing residue and loose skin.
  • Find: www.epicuren.com

The Best Toners for Problem Skin

H2O: Anti-Acne

  • Exfoliating Cleansing Pads
  • Best for Mild to Moderate Acne
  • Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, multi-vitamin complex, shine neutralizing algae
  • Description: Oooh la la- I saw a noticeable difference by day 3! 100% oil-free multi-textured pads that remove dead skin cells and kill bacteria. Great for after the gym!
  • Price: $22 for 50 pads
  • Find: www.h2oplus.com

PROACTIVE: eliminates clogged pores

  • Revitalizing Toner
  • Best For Mild to Moderate Acne
  • Key Ingredients: glycolic acid, witch hazel & aloe
  • Description: I ordered the entire system but my skin voted this as the star! Alcohol-free, eliminates clogged pores and balances skin
  • Price: $16 for 6oz
  • Find: www.proactiv.com

The Best Exfoliants for Problem Skin

Cosmedicine: Speedy Recovery

  • Exfoliating Cleanser
  • Best for Mild Acne
  • Key Ingredients: Tea tree oil, oleanilic acid
  • Description: Hellllo Lover… An oil-controlling gentle physical exfoliator that uses microfine granules. Loosens the intercellular glue that hold dead skin together and helps with inflammation
  • Price: $45 for 4.2oz
  • Find: www.skincarerx.com

Philosophy: oil-free smoothing gel

  • The afterglow
  • Best For Mild Acne
  • Key Ingredients: Lactic Acid
  • Description: Yes, my skin did look like I just…well never mind—a lady never tells!! Very gentle but very effective! An oil-free chemical exfoliant gel with lactic acid. Dissolves dead skin and helps with sun damage. This can be used as a night-time treatment and after shaving to reduce blemishes and ingrowns.
  • Price: $20 for 4oz
  • Find: www.philosophy.com

Kate Somerville: Dual action enzymatic

  • Intensive Exfoliating Treatment
  • Best For Moderate to Severe Acne
  • Key ingredients: Lactic Acid
  • Description: I would stand in line in the pouring rain to get another tube of this fancy-pants peel. My skin looked like a million euro! A professional-grade peel that works instantly! A physical and enzymatic blend made to combat acne, eliminate bacteria and blackheads, reduce discoloration and polish skin. Delivers results after one use! Use once or twice a week and allow the enzymes to work without massaging the skin. Not for sensitive skin
  • Price: $85 for 2oz
  • Find: www.sephora.com

Clean & Clear: acne fighting

  • PERSA-GEL 10
  • Best For Mild to Moderate acne
  • Key Ingredients: 10% benzoyl peroxide
  • Description: Don’t let the price tag fool ya! This Persa-Gel is packing some heat! A strong and effective, inexpensive way to fight bacteria.
  • Price: $5.89 for 1oz
  • Available at most major drugstores

Yonka: controls shine

  • Crème PG
  • Best For Mild to Moderate Acne
  • Key Ingredients: Quintessence, burdock, climbing ivy, vitamin A (retinol”>
  • Description: Estheticians all over NYC and makeup artist alike have used this little secret weapon for years and years.. Leaves your skin with a long-lasting matte finish and doubles as an excellent makeup base for oily skin. Softens skin, tightens pores and balances skin.
  • Price: $50 for 1.7 oz
  • Find: www.skincarerx.com

Korres: Cinnamon & Natural Clay

  • Clay Deep Cleansing Mask for Oily Skin
  • Best for Mild to Moderate Acne
  • Key Ingredients: white & pink argils natural clay, cinnamon
  • Description: The product sells itself … I got a sample at Sephora and went back the next day for a full-size. Deeply cleanses and gives and instant cooling effect to calm irritation and absorbs surface oils while decongesting the skin.
  • Price: $27 for 2.3oz
  • Find: www.sephora.com
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