Oily, blemish-prone skin isn’t a concern only during the teenage years– it’s the most common skin condition in the United States.1 Many people struggle with problem skin while noticing the signs of aging like wrinkles and uneven skin tone. Although these two concerns are distinct, addressing them simultaneously is possible with the right approach.
In an attempt to dry up blemishes and oil, patients sometimes end up over cleansing and over treating, which can lead to a compromised skin barrier, dehydration and even further irritation and redness. Rather, problem skin can be addressed with a streamlined and gentle, but effective regimen. Look for treatment products that contain retinoids and alpha/beta-hydroxy acids, both of which can target signs of aging AND problem skin. Importantly, choose products for your regimen that nourish and hydrate your complexion, supporting the skin barrier without clogging pores.
TAKE IT EASY
A gentle face wash supports a healthy barrier function by balancing oils and moisture, without stripping the skin. Our Cleansing Gel is a soothing, foaming gel cleanser that gently and thoroughly cleanses the skin while removing makeup. It is soap and sulfate free and can be used morning and evening as the first step of your skincare regimen.
TREAT AGING, OIL, AND BLEMISHES IN ONE STEP
Retinoids are often the first recommendation for blemish-prone skin to help improve and maintain visible skin clarity.2 In addition to enhanced skin clarity, retinoids contribute to improvements in the overall quality and health of skin.3 However, many people discontinue use due to erythema, dryness, flaking and irritation. AlphaRet is a revolutionary, patented molecule that is made up of a retinoid and an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) lactic acid. The proprietary technology provides visible skin rejuvenation, addressing problem skin and aging concerns with exceptional results with little-to-no irritation.
AlphaRet Clearing Serum is a balanced solution for visible rejuvenation and clarity. It contains AlphaRet technology and is formulated with salicylic acid, niacinamide, zinc, and green tea extract to soothe and hydrate the skin while rejuvenating and clarifying the appearance of oily, blemish-prone skin without the irritation often experienced with retinoids.
Topical retinoids improve the appearance and quality of skin by visibly:4
+ Improving skin elasticity
+ Improving skin texture
+ Improving discoloration and pigmentation
EXFOLIATE
Regular exfoliation, at least once a week, is highly recommended to slough away dry, flaky skin, cleanse pores, and help promote a fresher, brighter complexion. When it comes to problem skin, chemical exfoliators are the ideal choice (over physical exfoliators) because they do not involve physically or mechanically disrupting the skin, which can cause irritation to already- sensitive, blemish-prone areas of the skin.
Our AlphaRet Exfoliating Peel Pads feature AlphaRet along with a triple-acid complex of glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids, in individually packaged pads. 
HYDRATE
Incorporating a moisturizer is important for maintaining a healthy moisture barrier. A lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer like Hydration Boosting Cream will help deliver hydration while minimizing dryness and nurturing a healthy-looking appearance. Yes, oily, blemish-prone skin needs moisture too! Overly dehydrated skin can trigger your skin to produce more oil to compensate, leading to congested pores. Hydration Boosting Cream is a lightweight, dual-action moisturizer that has been shown to deliver immediate and long-lasting benefits for up to 72 hours,5 providing two times more hydration benefits when compared to using hyaluronic acid alone at one and two weeks.6
A FEW ADDITIONAL TAKEAWAYS
Due to the retinoid contained in AlphaRet Clearing Serum and AlphaRet Exfoliating Peel Pads, they should only be used in the evening. Using a product that contains AHAs or BHAs, like AlphaRet Clearing Serum and AlphaRet Exfoliating Peel Pads, may increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun and particularly the possibility of sunburn. Use a sunscreen, (our sunbetter collection is an excellent choice for blemish-prone skin because it features 100% mineral actives that are known for being less irritating to the skin compared to chemical sunscreens), wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure while using this product and for a week afterwards. It’s also important to note that because AlphaRet Clearing Serum and AlphaRet Exfoliating Peel Pads contain a retinoid in a topical form – please consult a physician before use if you are pregnant, lactating or planning to become pregnant.
REFERENCES FOR THIS INFORMATION:
1 Titus S, et al. Am Fam Physician 2012;86(8): 730-40.
2 Del Rosso JQ, et al. Cutis. 2015 Oct;96(4):236-41.
3 Mukherjee S, et al. Clin Interv Aging 2006:1(4);327-348.
4 Darlenski R, et al. Br J Dermatol. 2010;163(6):1157-1165.
5 Improvement in signs of dry skin were measured at 72 hours after 4 weeks, twice daily application, in 12 subjects according to Kligman clinical grading scale.
6 Hydration levels were evaluated in 30 subjects using a corneometer with twice daily application for two weeks.