Getting rid of acne can be a challenge. It’s even more challenging in Calgary, where the cold, dry weather means we need to take extra precautions to not over dry skin that is breaking out. (Over drying skin can cause skin to compensate for the dryness by producing more oil, which in turn can cause more breakouts! Eeeeekkkk!)
So many acne products are geared towards “drying acne out ” which unfortunately doesn’t work very well, and in this lovely city can often make breakouts so much worse. As always, SkinScience to the rescue! Here are our top three acne-fighting ingredients, Calgary Winter version!
Ingredient: Hexamidine
Products that have it: VivierSkin Hexam Cleanser, Lexxel Redness & Irritation Relief Moisturizer and Redness Solution Complex
Why we love it:
Hexamidine kills bacteria, but gently. It is a broad spectrum anti-microbial, meaning it kills a broad range of different bacteria, spores and other lovely microbes that no one wants living in their skin. When compared to another commonly used anti-microbial, Hexamidine was significantly more effective, without drying or causing allergic reactions. In addition to being super acne fighting, it also reduces inflammation and redness. This is crucial in acne fighting, as your body cannot heal as effectively when inflammation exists! (Cool side note, this ingredient is also great for Rosacea and Acne Rosacea)
Ingredient: Alpha Hydroxy Acid(s)
Products that have it: Reversa Solution for Oily & Acne-Prone Skin, DermaQuest DermaClear Serum, SkinCeuticals Blemish and Age Solution, NeoCutis NeoCleanse Exfoliating Skin Cleanser.
Why we love it:
Alpha Hydroxy Acids help unclog pores! They increase the rate at which skin cells surface and turn over, leaving your skin glowing and fresher, without pimple causing blackheads and whiteheads. Studies have shown that in addition to removing dead skin build up, some AHA’s can increase water retention in the skin! There are many different alpha hydroxy acids, the most familiar being glycolic acid. Some of our other favorites are Mandelic acid and Lactic acid.
Ingredients: Kaolin Clay
Products that have it: DermaQuest DermaClear Masque, SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Masque , Patchology Smart Mud Masque.
Why we love it:
Kaolin Clay pulls oils and impurities out of the skin, while cleaning and detoxifying. It leaves oily skin looking smoother and fresher, while removing excess oil before they turn into clogged pores. It reduces the appearance of large pores (especially over the nose and cheeks) and with continued use can leave skin less bumpy and more even.
We would love to help you find the best acne-fighting ingredients for your skin! Call today (or email) and let us help you have the clearest skin you have ever had!
