Are you or someone you know struggling with acne, and you’re seeking treatments that actually work? In this post, we cover some of the best skincare products for acne, starting with SkinMedica’s skincare for acne line.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), acne affects up to 50MM Americans each year, making it the most common skin condition in the United States. About 85% of those between 12 and 24 years of age experience at least minor acne, though acne can occur at any stage and continue into one’s 30s or 40s.
Acne can impact one’s self-esteem and lead to frustration in how to deal with it. Fortunately, several treatments can help reduce acne in teens and adults, including SkinMedica’s new skincare for acne prone skin.
We turn to Aesthetician Ashley Darbonne for her thoughts on this new acne treatment line.
What causes acne?
The primary cause of acnes is the anaerobic bacterium Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). Some of the key factors that can result in acne include:
- Substances clogging the skin’s oil and sebaceous glands
- Hormonal changes
- Substances on hair follicles
Our pores can become filled with bacteria, dead skin cells, and excess oil, inflammation can occur, and the acne could take on the form of an inflamed papule, cyst, or pustule. A break in the follicle or pore can arise if the pore becomes engorged. If this happens close to the skin’s surface, the lesion will likely heal quickly without scarring.
An acne scar can occur when the break in the follicle or pore is deeper in the skin, where the infected material also impacts the surrounding dermis by destroying healthy skin tissue and cells. The skin then forms new fibers of collagen to repair the damage to the dermis as part of our body’s natural healing process, which can leave what we refer to as an acne scar.
What is SkinMedica?
SkinMedica is a medical-grade skincare line. As an Allergan (the makers of popular brands like Botox, Juvederm, and CoolSculpting) brand, SkinMedica is backed by proven science and results. They offer a wide range of products to treat and prevent aging and cleanse and protect the skin.
SkinMedica’s skincare for acne treatments
SkinMedica’s skincare for acne uses innovative technology to provide clearer, smoother, and healthier skin for those struggling with or wanting to prevent acne. Their new Pore Clarifying Cleanser and Acne Clarifying Treatment helps:
- Reduce the appearance of pores
- Reduce redness
- Protect and restore the skin barrier
- Keep your skin barrier healthy
As Darbonne shares, “With SkinMedica’s new acne line, there is a cleanser, and there is an acne treatment. The Pore Clarifying Cleanser has your salicylic acid in it, which is going to give you a gentle exfoliation and help to reduce the appearance of pores.”
Salicylic acid (SA) is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) used in topical medications to treat various skin conditions, including acne. As a keratolytic agent, SA works to exfoliate the skin. It also reduces redness and swelling, softens dry skin, and unclogs pores.
“The cleanser also has bakuchiol in it, which can help with redness and calming inflammation. Additionally, it has antioxidants in it to help protect and restore the skin barrier, as well as aloe that will help to calm the skin down and olive leaf leaves to keep your skin feeling soft and smooth.”
Bakuchiol is derived from the leaves and seeds of the Psoralea corylifolia, or babchi, plant. It’s been used for centuries to help with tumors and inflammation in Chinese and Indian medicient and is not commonly used in skincare. It’s often referred to as a natural alternative to retinol, since it has similar effects to retinoids – like simulating tell turnover and collagen production, yet without the harsher side effects of retinoids.
Antioxidants offer protection and restorative benefits to support skin clarity. Aloe and olive leaf leaves are soothing botanicals used to soften and refresh the skin.
SkinMedica’s Pore Clarifying Cleanser is suitable for all skin types.
“SkinMedica’s Acne Clarifying Treatment also has salicylic acid in it. The treatment is clinically proven to reduce visible oiliness, acne, and redness for all skin types and tones in just 24 hours.”
Additional treatment options for acne
There are several MedSpa treatments that can be used to help treat and reduce acne and acne scarring. Options include:
- Chemical Peels
- Profractional Laser
- Broadband Light Laser (BBL) Clear
- Vivace Radiofrequency Microneedling
Additional SkinMedica skin care treatments that can work well as skincare for acne prone skin include the following:
- AHA/BHA Cleanser: SkinMedica’s AHA/BHA Cleanser gently exfoliates the skin to improve skin tone and texture.
- Retinol Complex 1.0: Retinol products help to improve the skin’s overall appearance to increase the skin’s cellular turnover.
- Ultra Sheer Moisturizer: The Ultra Sheer Moisturizer offered by SkinMedica is a non-comedogenic formula that’s lightweight and tents to work well for acne-prone skin.
- Essential Defense Everyday Clear Sunscreen: Wearing sunscreen daily is vital for skin health. The Essential Defense Everyday Clear Sunscreen is designed specifically for acne prone skin. It provides the highest level of UVA and UVB protection in a sheer sunscreen that won’t clog pores.
Additional topical acne treatments commonly prescribed by medical professionals include:
- Retinoid-like drugs (e.g., tretinoin, retinoic acids)
- Retinoids
- Dapsone
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Azelaic acid
For more information about these additional acne treatments and more, refer to “The Best Acne Treatments: Products & Procedures.”
Schedule an acne treatment consultation
You now have insight into some of the best treatments for acne prone skin. To determine what is most ideal for your particular scenario, it’s best to schedule an acne skincare consultation with your local MedSpa or Clinic. A licensed professional can walk you through your options based on your unique skin type and needs.
Schedule online with DermaTouch RN 24/7!
Ashley Darbonne, Aesthetician
Ashley received her licensure as an aesthetician in 2018 and immediately started expanding her knowledge and experience by obtaining additional certifications including IPL, SkinPen, and holds a license as a Senior Laser Technician with the State of Texas. Seeing improvement in the health and appearance of her clients’ skin, as well as the boost of confidence they gain is what pushes her to perfect her skillset. She loves working in a field that is results-oriented and is thankful to have a career she is passionate about. Prior to 2018, she worked in the medical field.
DermaTouch RN offers minimally invasive and non-invasive treatments for men and women in Houston, San Antonio, Spring and Cypress, as well as the surrounding areas of Texas. We are the largest aesthetic practice in the Houston area, and all of our medical spa treatments are performed by a team of nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and aestheticians who receive continuing education to remain abreast of emerging treatments that benefit our patients. We invite you to learn more about our office before your consultation.
