The Acne Journal

"Does it matter what cleanser I use?" is a question we get asked often. Of all the products in your skincare routine, your cleanser is probably the most underappreciated. After all, it's only applied to your skin for a few seconds and gets washed right off, so how important is your cleanser, really?

My answer: very important. Using an appropriate cleanser is an opportunity to set your skin up for success and ensure the best possible results from the rest of your products. The...

If you have acne, it's likely you've used salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or retinol on your skin. But mandelic acid? You may have never even heard of this little-known, acne-fighting superstar. Mandelic acid works so well at fighting acne that it is easily one of the most important products in our acne practice. 

What exactly is mandelic acid? Derived from the bitter almond, it's an exfoliating alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that increases cell turnover and smoothes skin...

Vitamin A, or retinol, is considered by many a "wonder" product.

This is because it's proven an effect on both acne and anti-aging and skin rejuvenation. Our acne clients already know how effective Vitamin A is in keeping their pimples at bay. Let's look at how this versatile ingredient can work wonders for anti-aging clients. 

Vitamin A can aid your skin by recalling its proper function. Known as a “cell-communicating ingredient,” vitamin A blocks incorrect messages...