Lianna Albrizio, Assistant Editor 06.06.22
Some 50 million Americans know the agony of acne vulgaris all too well.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, it is the most common skin disorder in the country. While its cause is not clear, several factors can play a role in its development in consumers young and old. Causes range from hormonal changes in the body linked to puberty and the menstrual cycle, to genetics, pore-clogging agents such as oiled-based body lotions, color cosmetics and hair products, infrequent cleansing, and even chronic stress. The result is comedones, papules, pustules and cysts, the latter of which can be physically painful, too.
Blemish Gel: A Gamechanger for Stubborn Acne
While most effective acne products on the market contain the two pimple-fighting “hero” ingredients, benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, Europe-based skin care company Gladskin, known for its non-prescription eczema and rosacea solutions, entered the acne category with a new formula that eschews these to workhorse components. Its name is as uncomplicated as the product formulation: Blemish Gel. The product debuted in the US in April after a successful launch in Europe.
In lieu of benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, which can dry skin, Blemish Gel uses endolysin technology to reduce irritation and balance the skin microbiome to restore skin health.
Gladskin is a subsidiary of the European biotechnology company Micreos, which develops sustainable alternatives to antibiotics. Antibiotics are notorious for disrupting the gut microbiota, which in turn, have an adverse effect on the skin since the two work in sync.
“When it comes to adult acne, there’s a major factor that’s often overlooked: the skin microbiome,” said Skyler Stein, global president of Gladskin. “The skin microbiome is comprised of thousands of species of bacteria that play a critical role in keeping your skin healthy. But they can also get out of balance: bad bacteria can overgrow, disrupt oil production and drive inflammation, which leads to acne flares. Our patented smart protein Micreobalance brings bacterial balance to the skin, creating an environment where good bacteria can thrive.”
He continued, “Some studies show that benzoyl peroxide can decrease bacterial diversity in the skin microbiome, because it doesn’t distinguish between problem-causing bacteria and bacteria that naturally lives on skin to keep it healthy.”
When a thin layer is applied five minutes following cleansing with Gladskin’s Facial Cleansing Bar twice-daily for four weeks, users noticed a tangible difference in their skin, according to the company. Gladskin Blemish Gel was first studied by Dr. Susanne Pasmans, a dermatologist at the Erasmus Medical Center in The Netherlands. In a case study, 57 patients with acne-prone skin tried Gladskin Blemish Gel for the same amount of time. Pasmans found that after one month of daily use, patients saw a significant reduction in acne symptoms and skin discomfort, Stein said. And with the improvement of their skin was an enhancement in their quality of life. These results were measured by a scientific disease score called The Cardiff Acne Disability Index.
Adult Acne vs. Teen Acne
While teenage acne typically manifests as a phase related to hormonal changes in puberty and diminishes with age, acne can rear its ugly head in adulthood, too. While genetics can play a role in the development of adult acne, chronic stress tends to be the prime culprit, Stein said.
“When you’re stressed, you produce cortisol, which can cause the skin to overproduce oil, resulting in clogged pores,” he said.
Damage control, he added, can also take a toll on skin.
“Over-washing your face and using irritating skincare products can also cause breakouts,” he said.
Blemish Gel, he added, is a more effective treatment for adult acne as teen acne tends to present as oilier and can thus tolerate stronger actives that may cause more dryness in mature skin.
“Adult acne is more sensitive and needs balance and hydration. Harsh products can actually make adult acne worse by dehydrating the skin and leading it to overproduce oil, which just results in more breakouts,” Stein said. “Gladskin Blemish Gel is gentle, hydrating, and designed for adults with acne-prone skin.”
Gladskin Blemish Gel can be purchased on gladskin.com.