Acne: like crimping irons, awkward first kisses and body glitter, it’s one of those things that should stay dead and buried in our teenage past, never to rear its ugly head again. Unfortunately for many this is not the case with one in five women between 25 and 40 battling breakouts caused by anything from stress, skincare products or hormones.
But enough is enough, Rescu. says NO! to Adult Acne by bringing you eight of the best pimple-fighting products on the market, as well as expert tips and tricks on how to kick pesky pimples to the curb…
Neha Thomas from Mario Badescu shares some expert tips on how to treat adult acne, oily skin, open pores and frequent breakouts…
RESCU: How do we treat hormonal and adult acne?
Neha Thomas: Treatment that is gentle is the key to helping this skin type. Over drying the skin and using many aggressive treatment products can worsen the skin causing it to appear red and irritated. Moisture level balance and incorporating a few Glycolic products in to your regimen can really help clear your skin giving you a nice healthy glow.
RESCU: How do we treat oily skin with open pores?
Neha Thomas: Using a skin care regimen for oily skin along with a clay based mask three times a week for 20 minutes will help to keep pores clear of the excess dirt and oil that can cause blackheads.
Salicylic Acid cleansers and treatments can be used to keep pores from getting congested while lessening the frequency of breakouts. Use a lightweight moisturizer to keep skin balanced and prevent over drying.
RESCU: And lastly, how can we banish frequent breakouts?
Neha Thomas: A consistent regimen twice daily is necessary to make positive changes in your skin. Products that are formulated to eliminate and prevent acne such as cleansers, toners, and masks should be used diligently. Extracting blackheads and pimples at home yourself is something we do not recommend. Scrubs and/ or exfoliants should be avoided on erupted areas.
Rescu. RECOMMENDS: we bring you eight zit zapping wonder products to rid you of adult acne once and for all…
The best-selling acne spot treatment suitable for all skin types…
1. Mario Badescu Drying Lotion
Formulated with salicylic acid, calamine and other quick-drying, pimple-fighting ingredients, this spot treatment will shrink ghastly whiteheads while you snooze without irritating or drying out sensitive skin. It’s your secret weapon to a spot free complexion in 24 hours. Also great for back acne and chest breakouts!
RRP $48.95. Available at Kit Cosmetics stores and www.kitcosmetics.com.au
The 100% natural solution to blemish prone skin…
2. Burt’s Bees Purifying Gel Cleanser
The most important weapon in your acne-fighting arsenal is a great cleanser. This 100% natural Purifying Gel Cleanser is formulated with salicylic acid to penetrate pores helping to prevent breakouts, and alpha-hydroxy acid in a fruit acid complex to give you an extra deep clean without over drying or irritating the skin.
RRP $19.95. Available at David Jones, Myer and Terry White Pharmacies.
The quick and effective breakout fighting skin clearing lotion…
3. Dr Dennis Gross Triflix Acne Clearing Lotion
Need to rid of that acne A-SAP? This zit-zapping Clearing Lotion will quickly rid of untimely breakouts without bleaching or drying out your skin through the use of three acne-fighting ingredients such as colloidal sulfur, willow bark extract (the natural form of salicylic acid) and farnesol (the natural form of benzoyl peroxide).
RRP $54. Available at www.meccacosmetica.com.au or Ph) 1800 007 844.
To exfoliate away impurities and kick blemishes and blackheads to the curb…
4. Garnier Skin Naturals Pure Active ExfoBrusher
This high-tech yet easy to use little gadget was specifically created to help gently cleanse away problematic skin (namely, pimples and blackheads) and exfoliate away impurities through the use of 170 ultra-flexible micro-bristles and a powerful formula enriched with active natural ingredients such as HerbaRepair. It’s also waterproof, so you can use it in the shower. Super convenient!
RRP $11.95. Available at supermarkets, pharmacies and variety stores.
The seriously effective antibacterial cleanser for oily and acne-prone skin…
5. Jan Marini Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% Wash
For those with oily skin, stubborn or frequently reoccurring acne, this antibacterial cleanser has 2.5% benzoyl peroxide to assist in thoroughly removing sebum and cellular debris without stripping or drying out the skin. It will leave even the oiliest of skins feeling thoroughly clean, soft and smooth.
RRP $58. Stockists PH) +61 3 9571 9990
The soothing natural clay-based mask to rid of blemishes and excess oil…
6. Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Oil Control Cleansing Mask
This soothing natural clay mask helps to clear blemishes, prevent future breakouts and keep your skin supple yet completely shine-free. The medicated formula unclogs pores for a seriously deep clean, and rids of excess oil for a smoother, clearer and cleaner complexion in just five minutes flat.
RRP $52.00 Available from all major department stores nationwide.
Damage control: to gently fade discolouration left by blemishes…
7. Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Post Blemish Formula
Another new product from Clinique’s Anti-Blemish range is the Post Blemish Formula- a fuss-free and failsafe spot treatment pen, designed to gently fade the look of marks and discolouration caused by pimples and blemishes. Simply dab on this lightweight oil-free spot treatment after cleansing and toning. Too easy!
RRP $35.00. Available from all major department stores nationwide.
The blemish busting body wash to rid of ‘bacne’ and other body breakouts…
8. Murad Acne Body Wash
This triple-action body wash rids of body breakouts such as chest acne and the dreaded ‘bacne’ through gentle exfoliation. Formulated with fine-grained date seed powder, salicylic acid and triclosan, this acne fighting body wash exfoliates the skin and unclogs the pores for sparkling clean, clear and soft skin.
RRP $59.00. Available at www.meccacosmetica.com.au
Check out our Rescu. ROADTEST of two fabulous ‘bacne’ treatments for a clear, beautiful back here. Also, don’t miss one of Australia’s leading skin therapists, and founder of MV Skincare Sharon McGlinchey’s article on plant oils that can perform skin care miracles here.