Lianna Albrizio, Assistant Editor06.29.23
Whether triggered by hormones, genetics, stress, a poor diet or even just touching the face, acne can affect anyone at any age. In fact, 9.4% of the global population are affected, making acne the eighth most prevalent disease worldwide. The condition can be chronic or occasional, acute or mild—and for most, it is a self-confidence killer.
Happi has rounded up some recently launched solutions for Acne Awareness Month.
Elina Organics
Cosmetic chemist and aesthetician Elina Fedotova has been studying the properties of various sponges from around the world – her first product line with sponges extracts and their spicules being from Lake Baikal in South Siberia. After spending a lot of time in the Atlantic Ocean in Southeast Florida, she was inspired to use Atlantic sponges in her acne line, Elina Organics.
“No one knows the exact answer about which sponges are the most effective for acne because there are over 8,000 types of sponges in the planet and not all of them have ever been studied,” Fedotova said. “I preferred to use the sponges from the Atlantic Ocean in my formulations because I can sustainably source the sponges and get my hands on them to study.”
Elina Organics’ acne system includes the Oceanic Resurfacing Mask, face cooling infusion and defense lotion. The mask contains marine extracts and minerals that detoxify and gently cleanse skin without soaps or chemical surfactants, and spicules to exfoliate to prep skin to better absorb the active ingredients to fight acne. Spicules penetrate skin and deliver micronutrients that accelerate natural skin-renewing processes, according to the brand. Copper peptides promote collagen production and skin elasticity to firm, tighten and minimize fine lines and wrinkles in those with adult acne.
The Oceanic Face Cooling Infusion delivers water soluble pearl powder to help treat and calm the skin, targeting red and inflamed complexions.
The Oceanic Acne Defense Lotion uses spicules from the Caribbean sponges, fermented minerals and natural retinol to improve skin texture and reduce hyperpigmentation.
“Spicules affect the skin mechanically, similar to micro-needling, by creating micro channels of different levels of depth and shapes,” explained Fedotova. “The micro-channels enforce the natural skin regenerative process, which forces the body to regenerate more collagen and elastin. This leads to healing and firming of the skin. Skin care treatments with different sizes of natural micro-crystals (spicules) resurface and polish skin and create passages and multiple channels into deeper skin layers.
AviClear
AviClear was introduced to the market a year ago by Cutera, Inc. This FDA-cleared, energy-based device treats mild, moderate and severe acne. The laser selectively targets and suppresses the sebaceous glands, eliminating acne at the source, according to Cutera.
“Until now, the only other treatment that targeted sebaceous glands came with significant side effects – it’s safe to say that AviClear has revolutionized the way my practice treats acne patients,” said board-certified dermatologist Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank, founder of bespoke aesthetics provider PFRANKMD. “Cutera’s recent 12-month data further confirms what I have observed with my patients – AviClear is a highly-effective, non-invasive treatment option for acne that truly delivers long-term results.”
The results speak for themselves. In clinical trials, 90% of patients experienced visible improvement in their acne six months after their third treatment session. Improvement continued to increase steadily at the 12-month mark at 92%.
Eau Thermale Avène
Acne Medicated Clearing Gel Cleanser and Acne Medicated Clearing Treatment.
A worldwide leader in the care of sensitive skin with more than 275 years of expertise rooted in dermatology and hydrotherapy, Avène recently introduced its first medicated acne clearing products. The newest additions to join its Cleanance Collection include the
Designed to clear acne and prevent future breakouts without disrupting the skin barrier, the clinical strength products include
dermatologist-grade actives combined with rebalancing ingredients that are hard on acne but gentle, even on sensitive skin. Active ingredients include 2% salicylic acid and 5.5% micronized benzoyl peroxide to clear out pores without irritation. The formula also contains IBR Dragon, which reinforces the skin barrier; lactobacillius ferment lysas, to preserve the diversity of the skin microbiota and Avène thermal spring water which is clinically proven to reinforce the skin barrier as well as soothe, soften and calm irritation, according to the company.Oh Beauty
Oh Beauty offers a range of skincare brands. The e-commerce retailer says it aims to bridge the gap between the medical spa and e-
beauty boutique. Acne products sold on the site include Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads, an enzyme gel cleanser that gently exfoliates and removes pollutants from the skin to reveal a brighter, smoother complexion; Replenix Glycolic Acid 20% Resurfacing Gel, which is scientifically formulated and pre-medicated with crystalline glycolic acid to exfoliate skin, even tone and visibly reduce the appearance of age spots and acne; and PCA Skin Acne Cream, which serves as a spot treatment to target large, isolated pimples with benzoyl peroxide, poly hydroxy acid gluconolactone and a bevy of soothing botanicals to reduce potential irritation. Perricone MD's Acne Relief Calming and Soothing Clay Mask is also sold. The Calming & Soothing Clay Mask can be used several times a week to gently boost existing acne-fighting regimen, or as an overnight spot treatment. It instantly detoxifies, soothes and hydrates blemish-prone skin.
Oh Beauty also sells the currently sold-out Peter Thomas Roth Acne Clear Oil-Free Matte Moisturizer. Lightweight, matte gel moisturizer helps clear up, hydrate and soothe the look of dry, flaky overly treated acne prone skin.
Hydrocolloid Stickers by Plumpie
Brands from Biore to Hero Mighty Patch launched hydrocolloid patches to purge the pores of dirt, oil and impurities. Now, beauty brand Plumpie Skin created designer hydrocolloid stickers to fight problematic zits. Containing acne-fighting ingredients like azelaic acid, zinc PCA and salicylic acid, Plumpie’s patch can be worn 8-12 hours to conceal blemishes as it fights the pimple.
Unlike traditional acne patches, Plumpies are thicker and made with medical grade hydrocolloid that protect skin from bacteria, pollution and inflammation and soothe skin from redness while absorbing excess oils and pus, according to the brand.
Knock Out, Fade Away and Super Clear by Bubble
The blemish patch is the trendy weapon in the fight against acne. Gen Z-centric skincare brand Bubble is taking a different tack.
Among its acne hero products is Super Clear, a clinically-proven cleanser that contains Centella asiatica leaf extract, squalane and neem seed oil, which contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to promote glowing skin.
Earlier this year, the brand released two new spot treatments—Knock Out and Fade Away. Knock Out contains 1.8% salicylic acid, Sambucus nigra fruit and willow bark extract. Fade Away is a comedolytic. It contains 5% benzoyl peroxide as well as Sambucus nigra fruit.