Solutions for Acne-Prone Skin
For those struggling with acne-prone skin, it can be challenging to find products that won’t further aggravate the situation. With the countless options available in the market, it can become overwhelming to choose which skincare products to use. So how do you find products that won’t clog your pores?
One way to narrow down the choices is by selecting products from a brand you can trust. In this blog post, we will define what non-comedogenic means, how its meaning is misunderstood, and what products are crucial for those with acne-prone skin.
What are Non-Comedogenic Products?
Non-comedogenic products are those that are specially formulated to avoid clogging pores. These products do not contain ingredients that can lead to pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. Non-comedogenic products are typically recommended for people with oily or acne-prone skin.
However, the term non-comedogenic is not regulated by the FDA. Product formulations that will not cause breakouts are far more dependent on the formulator’s knowledge and experience of how ingredients interact together and how the skin will respond to it. The trend of using an acne ingredient checker list is causing problems in the skincare industry because checking ingredients alone is not an accurate guide for whether or not an ingredient or product is acne safe.
“Formulation, context, and usage matter far more than isolated ingredient ratings. Real-world testing—on humans with actual products—is the gold standard for assessing breakout risk.” – Dr. Greg Maguire
Why are they important for Acne-Prone Skin?
When pores are clogged, it can lead to the development of acne. It’s important for those with acne-prone skin to use products that are formulated to reduce and prevent breakouts and not contribute to the problem.
Non-comedogenic products play a crucial role in supporting acne-prone skin by helping to keep the skin balanced and preventing clogged pores. Using products formulated with ingredients that work naturally with the skin can help balance oil production, strengthen the skin’s barrier, and minimize the chances of breakouts, promoting a healthier complexion over time.
Acne Safe Ingredients That Work
Salicylic Acid
This beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) is a go-to ingredient for combating acne. Salicylic acid penetrates deep into the pores, effectively dissolving excess oil and debris that can lead to breakouts.
Regular use of products with salicylic acid can result in fewer clogged pores and a noticeable improvement in skin texture. Spot treating problem areas can also be effective.
For these reasons, salicylic acid is excellent to use on open and closed blackheads and whiteheads, which are small bumps that aren’t red or painful to touch.
Mandelic Acid
A gentler alternative for sensitive skin, mandelic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). It has a larger molecular structure with slower absorption, reducing the likelihood of irritation. Mandelic acid exfoliates the skin’s surface, encouraging surface skin renewal while minimizing acne scars, post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or erythema (you know, the mark that’s left behind after the breakout is gone). Mandelic acid is a more suitable choice for sensitive skin, darker skin tones and for targeting red, painful breakouts.
Some Examples of Non-Comedogenic Products
NeoGenesis offers non-comedogenic products for acne-prone skin. Since NeoGenesis uses ingredients that are native to the skin, it works with the skin not against it. Using products that your skin recognizes as its own supports the skin’s barrier function and helps to reduce breakouts. We recommend the following products for customers with acne-prone skin: Cleanser, Recovery, Barrier Renewal Cream, Salicylic Acid Gel, Mandelic Acid 8%, MB-1, and Volcanic Ash Mask. You can discover more about these products and see testimonials from some of our acne customers and professionals that use our products by clicking here.
How to Get Started
Start with supporting your skin’s barrier function using the NeoGenesis Cleanser, Recovery and Barrier Renewal Cream (or Light Moisturizer if your skin is oily) twice daily. Be sure to use an acne-safe sunscreen on top, during the day.
Once your skin is feeling comfortable (any redness, tightness and dryness has subsided), begin targeting acne bacteria using the Mandelic Acid 8% or Salicylic Acid Gel in the evening. Start slow by introducing it once or twice a week and build to every other evening. For example: Recovery Monday, Mandelic Tuesday, Recovery Wednesday, Mandelic Thursday, Recovery Friday, Mandelic Saturday, Recovery Sunday. Watch for signs of over-exfoliation, such as increased dryness, oiliness or redness; pare back if your skin is presenting these signs.
If your skin is feeling good with the rotation, you can make your protocol more comprehensive by adding Skin Restore Serum. Retinoids help to prevent acne formation in the skin, so it can be helpful to add this product into your skin care routine. Like your exfoliating acid, start slow by first introducing it to your skin a few times per week. Then, you can start to layer your serums to get results faster.
Example: Monday to Friday – layer Recovery, Mandelic Acid 8% and Skin Restore Serum in that order. Saturday and Sunday – layer Recovery and Barrier Renewal Cream (or Light Moisturizer, if your skin prefers).
Learn more about how to cycle your skincare products to maximize your results here.
Conclusion
Choosing the right skincare routine for acne-prone skin starts with understanding the importance of non-comedogenic products and the value of carefully formulated ingredients. By supporting your skin’s natural barrier and incorporating effective solutions like salicylic acid and mandelic acid, you can take control of your skin’s health without causing further irritation. NeoGenesis offers a range of non-comedogenic products designed to work with your skin, helping to reduce breakouts and improve overall skin clarity. Begin your tailored skincare routine today with NeoGenesis and take the first step toward a healthier, more balanced complexion.
You can also consult with a dermatologist or an esthetician for recommendations for non-comedogenic products that are appropriate for your skin type. Take a look at our clinic finder to connect with a NeoGenesis professional near you.
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