A Grown Up Solution for Adult Acne

Filed under: Skin Care, Beauty

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You're not a teenager anymore, so why are you still dealing with a teenage problem? Acne can be an issue for adult skin as well as adolescent (don't tell me you've never contemplated wrapping up in a scarf to hide an embarrassing blemish!), but because grown up skin has different needs, adult acne requires a different solution than the OTC products marketed at those entering puberty. We've got the scoop on exactly what you should be looking for.

Here's the thing -- most products you find at the drugstore or see in TV (like Proactiv) rely on benzoyl peroxide to get rid of the acne. And it works. However, according to Dr. Brown, founder of RèVive skincare, "Most acne preparations actually accelerate aging. Anything that has benzoyl peroxide in it, and most acne preparations do, actually create free radicals which enhance aging."

acne reparatifSo, even though ingredients may be treating your acne, they may actually be damaging your skin. As you get older (and by older, we mean not a teenager anymore), you want to make sure the products you choose are good for your skin. Dr. Amy Wechsler, a noted NYC dermatologist, stresses that products shouldn't dry out your skin because dry skin appears wrinklier.

There are other options available, though, that use Oligopeptide-10 instead of benzoyl peroxide, which eliminate acne by killing the bacteria, without creating free radicals. RèVive Acne Reparatif is one example. And, as an added bonus, it contains anti-aging ingredients (including Epidermal Growth Factor), so not only does it get rid of your zits, but helps you look younger, too.

Dr. Wechsler had some recommendations as well: "Topical retinoids will tackle both the acne and the aging. Stick with salicylic acid OTC instead of benzoyl peroxide (too drying). The Isolaz laser is a great adjuct for adult acne."

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