Beauty anti-a in
GettyImages(^1).LAST RESORTWHEN AT-HOME ACNE REMEDIES
JUST AREN’T WORKING
A regimented skincare routine (vs. treating issues only when they appear)
is key, as results may take time, Dr. Mauricio says. If at-home
changes aren’t making a difference, a dermatologist can pinpoint
the best Rx and pro treatment options for you, such as:32 GH APRIL 2020
DIY FIXESANTI-AGING
ACNE FIGHTERS
These ingredients pack a
one-two punch, addressing
both breakouts and linesretinol
“The active form of vitamin A in the body,
retinol and retinoids increase cell turnover,
build collagen, improve discoloration and
reduce acne by preventing pores from clog-
ging,” Dr. Engelman says. This formula
is the first Rx-strength one available OTC.
GH Beauty Lab Pick: Differin Adapalene Gel
0.1% Acne Treatment, $13, drugstoresglycolic acid
This chemical exfoliating ingredient helps
loosen and remove dead cells and oil
from skin’s surface, improving clarity, texture
and radiance. This glycolic peel reduced
breakout-causing bacteria by 13% and visible
pore count by 11% in Beauty Lab testing.
GH Beauty Lab Pick: GH Seal star
Mary Kay TimeWise Repair Revealing
Radiance Facial Peel, $65, marykay.comsalicylic acid
Also a chemical exfoliator that can smooth
skin, “salicylic acid has antibacterial and
pore-clearing properties,” Dr. Engelman
says. GH Beauty Lab Chemist Danusia Wnek
swears by the salicylic acid cleanser here
for keeping breakouts at bay.
GH Beauty Lab Pick: Vichy Normaderm
Gel Cleanser, $18, Walgreenshyaluronic acid
“Moisturizers with ingredients like hyaluronic
acid are critical to help skin tolerate strong
treatment actives and replenish the natural
hydration that can diminish with age,”
Dr. Marchbein explains. Look for light-
weight, gel-like noncomedogenic formulas,
she suggests, such as the one below.
GH Beauty Lab Pick: GH Seal star
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel,
$21, drugstoresA cortisone shot,
which reduces
inflammation, is “the best
option for same-day
results” to treat a stubborn
breakout, Dr. Engelman
says. “It should be clearing
up within six hours.”Blue light therapy
can kill acne-causing
bacteria within pores,
as do some professional
exfoliating treatments
like chemical peels andAntibiotics are
sometimes prescribed
in combination with a
topical treatment like retinol
to treat more severe cystic
acne. Another Rx option:
the diuretic spironolactone,
which “blocks hormones
from stimulating oil glands,
which can dramatically
reduce breakouts,”Oral contraceptives
with low-dose estrogen
can sometimes balance women’s
hormone levels, helping clear
acne. In fact, 55% of females
have clear skin after six months
of use, says Carl Thornfeldt,
M.D., a dermatologist in
Fruitland, ID.laser resurfacing, which
also smooth skin’s texture
and improve discoloration.Dr. Marchbein says.
“I recommend this for more
severe acne that doesn’t
respond to antibiotics,”
Dr. Engelman explains.