Acne is one of the most common skin conditions among adults. Much of a skin care professional’s daily function is performing the right treatments and suggesting the right products for a homecare regimen meant to produce clearer skin. From cleansers to serums, there are a myriad of products on the market targeting adult acne. Here are a few products with potent, acne-fighting ingredients. BLACK TEA EXTRACT From producing thicker, stronger hair to the prevention of premature aging, black tea positively influences a lot of the body’s daily functions. It has antioxidant properties, aiding in the expulsion of toxins from the skin. Many people drink the tea, but it can also be used topically. MANDELIC ACID Often used as a gentler alternative to benzoyl peroxide, mandelic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid derived from almonds with a relatively large molecular structure. This renders the acid difficult to penetrate too deep within the skin, making it a gentler alternative to some of the glycolic acids typical to acne products. Mandelic acid is packed full of antibacterial properties and it acts as an exfoliant while unclogging pores, causing cellular turnover. FULVIC ACID This ingredient is a derivative of plant matter that has decayed. It is often utilized as a natural estringent in skin care products because it has cleansing properties without stripping the skin of its natural oils. Because it is an acid, its pH-balance mimics that of the skin, preventing extreme inflammation or breakouts. Its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties smooth fine lines and wrinkles, and sooth the effects of dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema. But, unlike most antioxidants, fulvic acid can be absorbed into the skin without the help of microencapsulation or any other system used to aid in skin penetration. NIACINAMIDE Also known as vitamin B3, or nicotinic acid, is popular in skin care products as it increases skin hydration, improves skin texture, and increases skin hydration without prompting excess production of sebum. Niacinamide enhances the cellular bonds and tightens skin, producing an anti-inflammatory effect, which prevents breakouts. It has also been found to acne lesions and severity, making it an effective ingredient to include in products meant to heal acne scarring. Topical application of vitamin B3 reduces excess oil production and improves the texture of the skin. SALICYLIC ACID This acid is one of the holy grails in acne-clearing. But, just like benzoyl peroxide, the name of the game is consistency. Salicylic acid is able to unclog pores and aid in the healing of lesions – as long as it is being utilized on a consistent basis. It is able to penetrate oily skin, unclogging pores and providing a deep clean. Depending on the ingredients that salicylic acid is paired with in a product, it can also work to reduce sebum production. Commonly found in creams, lotions, and pads, this acid also acts as an anti-inflammatory. Thus, making it a great ingredient for cleansers as it combats acne in four different ways. NANO TECHNOLOGY Though there are numerous products packed with ingredients that are able to penetrate the skin and produce fast-acting results, skin care professionals are also utilizing technology to aid in the process. There are various types of equipment to be used in the spa with clients or at home that utilize LED light, lasers, heat, and more to enhance facial treatments. Nano technology is able to affect change within the skin on a molecular level, rendering the use of products more effective. A Natural Difference Skincare A refreshing, deep pore cleanser is the answer to clearing skin prone to breakouts, acne, and oiliness. A Natural Difference Skincare’s Clarifying Cleanser With Salicylic & Sulphur has gentle antibacterial and antimicrobial properties with phyto-nutrients fortified with niacin, a key vitamin for healthy skin. This superior formula will help improve the appearance of problem skin while assisting in repair at the cellular level. This deep pore cleanser has gentle antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. It contains black tea extract, niacin, Sulphur, salicylic acid, and totarol. 888-568-3150 or anaturaldifference.com BiON Skincare BiON Skincare’s Mandelic 8% Serum dramatically improves acne and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). It also reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles and helps repair sun damaged skin and melasma. Mandelic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that is naturally derived from bitter almonds. The molecular structure of mandelic acid is larger than other alpha hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid. The larger molecule means mandelic acid causes much less irritation with less erythema. Mandelic acid is extremely beneficial in treating acne, reducing fine lines and wrinkles and reducing pigmentation issues. 877-715-2466 or bionresearch.com Elina Organics Elina Organics’ Oil Control Formula minimizes pores, reduces oily shine, cools skin, and helps prevent outbreaks. Clients should use it once or twice a day along the t-zone area or over the entire face after cleansing the skin. It will help tame, sanitize, and prevent skin congestion and irritation while cooling off the skin. Oil Control Formula contains skin restoring fulvic acid, white willow bark extract providing naturally occurring salicylic acid, soothing aloe vera, and detoxifying burdock root, as well as other natural ingredients to help to reduce skin inflammation. 269-384-9040 or elinaorganics.com Face Reality Skincare With niacinamide as a main ingredient, Face Reality’s 8% Mandelic Serum is the first choice in exfoliating serums for acne. The Chiral versions of L-Mandelic acid and L-Lactic acid in the product help calm post-inflammatory pigmentation and reduce the amount of breakouts. This serum exfoliates the skin and has both antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it ideal for clients with acne or fungal folliculitis. It is an excellent alternative to hydroquinone for lightening post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. 510-351-1842 or facerealityacneclinic.com Michele Corley Clinical Skin Care Purifying Oxygen Lotion by Michele Corley Clinical Skin Care is a lightweight lotion, ideal for congested and acne-prone skin containing salicylic acid. Formulated to promote oxygenation, this refreshing treatment improves skin tone and texture, exfoliates, detoxifies, helps clear breakouts, and removes impurities. With consistent twice daily use, it leaves skin smooth, clear, and bright. Skin is left looking invigorated! This product is an alternative for clients who are allergic or overly sensitive to benzoyl peroxide. 707-637-4996 or michelecorleyclinicalskincare.com Rezenerate The Rezenerate NanoFacial is achieving results in many areas! When acne products are coupled with Rezenerate, they become exponentially more effective. Rezenerate’s “product neutral” philosophy is simple: combine innovative device technology with the industry’s highest quality products and achieve next level results. Designed for skin care professionals, Rezenerate utilizes its advancements in Nanotechnology to deliver the greatest facial possible with a safe, effective, and easy to master system. 754-800-4936 or rezenerate.com Want to read more? Subscribe to one of our monthly plans to continue reading this article.