Do you really know what you are putting on your skin?

I can't remember the number of times I have bought a product - lotion, moisturizer or make up - thinking, it's oil-free so it's not going to give me more zits, only to find out after a couple of weeks that indeed, yes, this new product IS giving me pimples and I am both aggravated and disappointed. I mean if you suffer from acne, the last thing you want to do is use a product that will make your acne worse.

So why is that? Well, it's all in the label...if only we take the time to read it, and understand a few things about labels and ingredients.

First of all, "oil-free" does not mean "non-comedogenic". Your lovely foundation that's a perfect match to your skin tone may be oil-free, but it does not mean that somewhere in the ingredients there isn't a little something waiting to turn your carefully maintained clear skin into a pimplefest zone.

Second, the order in which the ingredients are listed, and whether or not your product contains active ingredients, is very important. The active and main ingredients are listed first. The active ingredients are also very often listed as such, then the other ingredients. Salicylic Acid, Benzoyl Peroxide, Titanium Dioxide to name a few, are active ingredients.

The ingredients that are listed first, or near the top of the list are the ones in the highest concentration. So if you are buying, let's say, a green tea moisturizer and green tea is listed towards the end, it means there actually is an extremely low concentration of green tea in your product. It may feel good to the touch or on your skin, but don't count on it to deliver powerful anti-oxidant properties. It's just not going to happen.

OK so now that you have a better understanding of how to read a label - lets take a closer look at the nature of the ingredients themselves. I am writing, of course, from the acne sufferer's perspective. These ingredients can be divided in two categories: the ones that are non-acnegenic/comedogenic - a fancy term for "they aren't going to give you zits" - and the ones that are causing or aggravating acne. These, we want to avoid as much as possible. It's a long list... we have it here for you to consult. Read it. Try to remember the most offending names on that list. The rule of thumb is, if you have acne, or are acne prone, avoid products with a ratings of 3 to 5. Products with a 0-1 ratings are safe, a 2 ratings, proceed with caution but you should be OK for the most part, specially if the offending ingredient is listed towards the end.

The list really help weeding out the acne-causing products out there, and there are many. Now when I go to the beauty counter and the sales person is showing me this new product or makeup that's supposed to make me look fantastic, I always ask to read the label. It takes me a few seconds now (I've been doing that for some years) to spot potential trouble. So learn to do the same. You will save money, disappointment, and most important of all, you'll save your skin.

Acne Treatment Basics

One question we get asked often is: what are the basics of a successful acne treatment? Well - each individual is different so there will always be a certain amount of tailoring the treatment to maximize it depending on your skin, but one thing that doesn't change is the basic 1-2-3 step:

1- CLEANSE
The first step in any skin care regimen: always start on clean skin.
Since acne thrives on bacteria, keeping your skin clean is the first step to stop new pimples from developing while treating existing acne. Salicylic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide are the two most efficient agents in the fight against acne. Give the product enough time to work on your skin. Wash gently in a circular motion for at least 30 seconds, then rinse off completely with lukewarm water.
Our Salicylic Wash contains 1% salicylic acid to unclog pores, while our B.P. 2.5 Exfoliating Cleanser contains 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide in a microbeads base to exfoliate dead skin cells. Whatever your choice, make sure your your cleanser contains one of them as the active ingredient.

2 - TREAT
Always apply your treatment on clean skin. Benzoyl peroxide is an effective treatment for mild to moderately severe acne, and works by controlling the bacteria that causes acne. The anti-inflammatory properties will reduce swelling in infected papules and pustules, allowing a relief from the soreness that often accompanies acne outbreaks. The oxidizing factor dries out the thickened sebum or fluid within the acne and helps to alleviate the plugged pores, so that acne may heal without trauma to the area.
Our micro-penetrating B.P. 5% Gel formula uses the finest pharmaceutical grade of Benzoyl Peroxide to effectively target acne-causing bacteria. B.P. 5% Gel clears existing acne lesions and helps prevent the formation of new ones while reducing oil production. One of the most advanced acne bacteria and breakout treatment available.

3 - PROTECT
Because there is always a certain amount of irritation caused by the use of Benzoyl Peroxide, you need to protect your skin as well. You'll need an oil-free, non acnegenic moisturizer to prevent excessive dryness and provide long lasting hydration to your skin to ensure it retains its suppleness. We have developed an advanced hydration formula that is water-based and oil-free. Our Ultra-Hydrating Moisturizer is excellent for acne skin, contains Allantoin to provide a soothing sensation, dries quickly and leaves the skin feeling clean and fresh.