Skin So Soft For Acne-Prone Skin
Skin So Soft for Acne-Prone Skin includes powerful acne-fighting ingredients in a gentle formula. The star ingredient is salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid that penetrates deep into pores to dissolve oil and dead skin cells that can cause breakouts.
It also contains rosemary oil and panthenol, which moisturize your skin. Apply it while your skin is wet to lock in moisture. It’s great as a body lotion after your shower or bath.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is a powerful acne-fighting ingredient that is also a great exfoliant for all skin types. It works to unclog pores and break down dead skin cells, as well as reduce excess oil that leads to breakouts.
Unlike AHAs and glycolic acid, which work on the surface of the skin, salicylic acid penetrates deep into pores to dissolve clogs. It’s one of the best ingredients for those with normal to oily skin who are looking to target blemishes like whiteheads and blackheads.
It’s important to note that salicylic acid can be drying for some, so it’s best used in moderation and paired with hydrating products. For example, Byrdie editor Marmur suggests using a salicylic acid treatment for the face, body or hair in combination with an exfoliating serum and a soothing moisturizer.
You can find salicylic acid in many different products, including cleansers, toners, exfoliating pads, leave-on spot treatments and moisturizers. If you’re going to try an over-the-counter (OTC) version, look for a concentration of about 1-5%.
Rosemary Oil
Rosemary Oil is a natural antiseptic and unclogs pores to help prevent acne breakouts. It also contains rosmarinic acid, which offers some UV protection. It’s a great ingredient in facial cleansers, face masks, toners and creams.
It also helps lighten dark spots on the skin, giving it a fresh, youthful glow. You can add it to your favorite body moisturizer or hair oil and massage it into your skin. Just remember to always dilute it with a carrier oil for safe application on your face and do a patch test first.
This soothing essential oil is extracted from the rosemary plant (Rosmarinus Officinalis) by steam distillation. It’s been used for thousands of years for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Inhaling rosemary oil can also lower your stress levels and make you feel more relaxed and calm. It is also good for dandruff control and treating dry, flaky scalp. Its anti-spasmodic properties treat respiratory problems like asthma, bronchitis and sinusitis.
Panthenol
Panthenol is another skincare ingredient that may not get as much attention as hyaluronic acid or niacinamide, but this B vitamin is great for skin. It’s a precursor to vitamin B5, also known as pro-vitamin B5, and has moisturizing properties that play well with other ingredients.
It works as a humectant and an emollient (it holds moisture and fills in cracks with lipids), so it reduces water loss and keeps your skin soft and smooth. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and soothes irritated skin. And, like salicylic acid, it promotes cell turnover and stimulates fibroblasts (which help create structural skin proteins, including collagen), so it speeds up wound healing.
Although it’s a natural compound, panthenol can still cause allergic contact dermatitis in some people, so if you’re concerned about potential irritation, we suggest doing a patch test before using a product with this ingredient. But, it’s generally well-tolerated and a safe ingredient for most people to use.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that can reduce visible redness, soothe irritation and prevent the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin retain moisture and boosts circulation to give you that healthy-looking glow.
Despite its benefits, Vitamin E is not ideal for all skin types. “Because Vitamin E is an oil-soluble product, it can clog pores in certain individuals,” says Zeichner. To minimize this, he recommends using it in more traditionally formulated skincare products.
While it’s found in plenty of foods, like leafy greens, nuts and avocados, it’s also a common ingredient in acne-fighting skincare products. When shopping for the best products, look for ‘Tocopherol’ listed on the ingredients list. This is the most commonly used form of this powerful antioxidant. It can be used by itself or added to a serum or moisturizer. The trick to getting the most out of this natural nutrient is applying it at night to keep skin hydrated while you sleep.
