5.6 million Canadians are affected by acne according to the Canadian Dermatology Association.  Everyone wants acne to clear up, and while we may not have an immediate solution, we are here to empower you with essential knowledge, including the best skin care products for acne, to give you the upper hand on blemish-prone skin. 

Read more to learn how to reduce sebum production, minimize inflammation, and clear your congested pores! 

The Best Skin Care Products for Acne 

Whether you have blackheads that persistently appear in your T-zone or  bumpy breakouts that occur each month, acne has a cyclical nature.  The smartest adoption for addressing acne is to adopt a routine that has two goals: to reduce current blemishes and prevent future ones from developing. In addition, you will also reduce acne scarring, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation!  The best skin care products for acne contain effective ingredients that clear pores on an on-going basis, breakdown down the mixture of oil or sebum, and dead skin cells that result in blemishes.  Different ingredients are effective for different types of breakouts.  That’s why it’s so important to understand the type of acne you are dealing with!

What Causes Acne and How to Prevent It

Acne is an inflammatory skin condition that occurs when a hair follicle or pore becomes plugged with buildup of sebum and dead skin cells.  It is an umbrella term used to describe blemishes, whiteheads, blackheads, pimples and cysts.  Sebum, produced by sebaceous glands, is a sticky oily substance that moisturizes and protects the skin barrier.  If you have oily skin (excess sebum) your pores are more likely to clog which can lead to breakouts.  Hormonal shifts can send sebaceous glands into overdrive.  A type of bacteria known as propionibacterium acnes (p. acnes) can thrive in clogged pores and can cause breakouts to spread.  Being able to identify acne will help prevent it, leading you to choose the best skin care products for your needs.

The Most Powerful Ingredients for Acne

From reducing sebum production, to minimizing the spread of pimples and keeping pores clear, these are the best ingredients for acne to have in your skin care routine. 

Salicylic Acid

Beta hydroxy acid (BHA) can be found in the medication which is highly known to be effective for acne treatments. This oil-soluble ingredient can reduce both whiteheads and blackheads, it can break down sebum and dissolve the sticky bonds that trap dead skin cells in the pores. This chemical exfoliant can improve the surface of the skin, transforming your complexion to uneven and dull to smooth and radiant. 

Benzoyl Peroxide 

Benzoyl Peroxide (BP) is an effective antibacterial treatment for pimples, penetrates beneath the barrier level.  Benzoyl peroxide not only extends deep within the pore and hair follicle where p. acnes dwells, it can kill the bacteria on site which prevents growth.  This ingredient can be found in the acne treatment lotion.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA)

Chemical exfoliating ingredients, such as glycolic and lactic acids.  Help prevent acne by loosening the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. Glycolic acid can be found in the illuminating enzymatic peel, a night treatment with gentle peeling action to unclog pores and minimize dark spots and breakouts. 

Retinol

Retinol derived from Vitamin A, and is essential to plump fine lines and wrinkles.  It reduces exfoliates, reduces sebum production, and keeps your pores clear.   It is also used for cystic and hormonal acne, acne scars and PIH. 

Kaolin Clay

The Vivier Ultra Purifying Clay mask helps to minimize blackheads and oversize pores.  It is known for its exfoliating ingredients such as AHA, it acts like a sponge and absorbs sebum leaving smooth and refreshed skin

Vitamin C

Known for its anti-inflammatory effects, Vitamin C is a powerhouse antioxidant found in our Radiance Serum may be well-known for boosting collagen production and protecting against free radical damage, but it can also reduce inflammation in the skin that helps alleviate acne.

Your Acne Routine

Now that you understand a little more about acne, you’re ready to build your skin care routine.  Choosing a cleanser and moisturizer is an easy way to start seeing results.  If you have oily/combination skin that’s prone to pimples, blackheads and whiteheads, the Vivier Acne Treatment System is an effective two-step acne clearing kit that has everything you need.  It contains an oil free Medicated Wash and 2% salicylic acid which removes bacteria, excess oil and thoroughly deep cleans pores while leaving skin smooth and hydrated.  The system also includes Acne Treatment Lotion, made with 5% BP to control blemishes and boost radiance.  Don’t forget to moisturize as dehydration can cause sebaceous glands to become over productive, and clog pores.  An oil-free moisturizer with hyaluronic acid can help keep acne -prone skin hydrated and smooth.

Contact our clinic today, and let us help you feel confident in the skin you’re in!