Adult acne is on the rise! It is estimated that more than 1/2 of women over 25 experience some type of acne. 

Why are adults (particularly women) experiencing acne as they age? The main contributing factor is STRESS! Most of us have experienced breakouts during times of high stress, but as we age, we are sometimes subject to large amounts of stress for longer periods of time. Other contributing factors can include:

  • genetics
  • cosmetics
  • hormones
  • environment (the sun and pollution can aggravate skin, causing it to overproduce skin cells- these cells can get trapped in the follicle and cause breakouts)
  • heat and humidity (these can increase blood flow and oil production)

The result is adult acne, which is different from teen acne because it typically:

  • is focused around the jaw, chin and neck
  • has increased sensitivity
  • can be accompanied by pigmentation changes
  • heals more slowly

Changes in medication can also result in breakouts. You should check your makeup for comedogenic ingredients (avoid anything with Isopropyl Myristate, Mineral Oil, SD Alcohol, CVP and/or copolymer ingredients). During the day, try to avoid touching your face (ie: resting your chin in your hand). Try not to pick at breakouts, and visit a professional skin therapist for a professional exfoliation and extractions!


Ingredients to Treat Acne

Dermalogica’s MediBac System is designed to treat the many causes of acne, and has the added benefit of many anti-aging ingredients as well! We would like to point out that Precleanse is an important first step in an acne regimen, as it helps to melt away excess oil and makeup, which are big contributing factors to acne.

Let’s take a look at ingredients to treat acne:

Clays

  • ie: Kaolin, Bentonite, Magnesium
  • These help to draw sebum out of the pores, and refine the skin

Hydroxy Acids

  • Both AHA’s and BHA’s are beneficial because they help eliminate buildup in the follicles (in a non-abrasive manner)
  • Salicylic Acid is particularly beneficial „X Dissolves oil „X Anitbacterial

Triclosan

  • Antimicrobial agent that kills bacteria by interfering with their cell membrane function
  • Commonly used in cleansers, toners and wipes

Benzoyl Peroxide

  • Antibacterial
  • On average, 98% of anaerobic bacteria decreases after 14 days of use
  • Over the counter products over 10% or less (high amounts can cause peeling and scaling)

Sulfur

  • Absorbs oil
  • Antibacterial
  • Breaks down keratin, which helps clear follicles

Tea Tree Oil

  • Antibacterial
  • Anti-fungal
  • Powerful essential oil

Menthol

  • Cooling
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • A natural peppermint extract

Camphor

  • Antiseptic
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Extracted from leaves and twigs of Gum Camphor tree

Witch Hazel

  • Natural astringent
  • Soothes inflammation, burns and infections
  • Derived from twigs, leaves and bark of the Hamamelis Virginia Tree

Anti-inflammatories 

  • Have a calming and soothing effect
  • Typically derived from nature
  • ie: Chamomile, Coneflower, Aloe Vera, Allantoin (Comfrey plant), Oat Extract, Spiraea, Green Tea, Red Raspberry, Watercress, Balm Mint, Menthol, Bisabolol (from Chamomile) Zinc Sulfate

Resource: The International Dermal Institute

Click here to Customize Your Own Home Care Routine to Fight Acne!

What's the press saying about MediBac Clearing?

 

In Style, July 2009

In Style's summer skin saver? Clearing Mattifier to "keep oily skin in check".

 

Genlux, December 2008

Genlux says Overnight Clearing Gel is an "overnight treatment with salicylic acid", and is listed as a nighttime must-have!

 

Us Weekly, August 2008

Skin Purifying Wipes "get rid of oil and dirt fast."

 

Nylon, June 2008

"Skin health expert Annet King suggests blending Special Clearing Booster into Sebum Clearing Masque for a super masque that wipes out acne."

 

Life and Style, February 2008

Clearing Skin Wash is LeAnn Rimes' "beauty must-have for the tour" because it "keeps my skin clear after all the makeup and sweat" from being on stage.


Click here to learn how to pop a pimple the right way...

Watch the founder of Dermalogica talk about the MediBac Clearing Adult Acne line: