Acne is a common inflammatory skin condition affecting the face, chest, and back, driven by a combination of hormonal, genetic, dietary, and environmental factors – episodic and short-lived in some, persistent and chronic in others. It presents as a range of lesions from non-inflammatory comedones like blackheads and whiteheads to inflammatory pimples like papules and pustules, and in more severe cases deep painful nodules and cysts.
If acne is moderate to severe or resistant to skincare and skin treatments, a medical doctor visit may be required to access prescription medications.
Acne lesions can be divided into non-inflammatory lesions including whitehead and blackheads – also called comadones, and inflammatory red lesions including papules, pustules, and – in more severe acne – nodule and cysts.
Comedones are skin follicles clogged with excess sebum and dead skin cells.
Follicles clogged with excess sebum and dead skin cells that rupture and become inflamed – presenting as raised red bumps in papules, and as raised red bumps with visible pus in pustules.
Clogged follicles which ruptured the follicle wall deep beneath the skin and triggered an intense immune response and inflammation – carrying highest scarring risk.
| INGREDIENT & ACTION | Balances Sebum | Unclogs Follicle | Kills Acne Bacteria | Reduces Skin Inflammation | Strengthens Skin Barrier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retinoids* (Retinol, Retinal, Retinoic Acid) | +++ | +++ | – | +++ | + |
| Salicylic Acid | ++ | +++ | ++ | ++ | – |
| Benzoyl Peroxide | – | ++ | +++ | +++ | – |
| Azelaic Acid | – | ++ | +++ | +++ | – |
| Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) | ++ | – | – | +++ | +++ |
| Mandelic & Lactic Acid (AHAs) | ++ | ++ | ++ | ++ | ++ |
| Zinc | + | – | + | ++ | – |
| Grading: +++ Strong action ++ Moderate action + Mild action – Not applicable *Topical retinoids range in strength and delivery system – prescription-strength retinoic acid delivers faster results but carries a higher irritation potential. |
| INGREDIENT & ACTION | Balances Sebum | Unclogs Follicles | Kills Acne Bacteria | Reduces Skin Inflammation | Strengthens Skin Barrier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bakuchiol | ++ | ++ | – | ++ | ++ |
| Gluconolactone & Lactobionic Acid (PHAs) | – | ++ | + | ++ | +++ |
| Centella Asiatica (Cica) | – | – | – | +++ | +++ |
| Glabridin (from Licorice Root Extract) | – | – | ++ | +++ | – |
| Resveratrol | + | – | ++ | ++ | – |
| Tranexamic Acid | – | – | – | ++ | + |
| Grading: +++ Strong action ++ Moderate action + Mild action – Not applicable |
