Acne treatments have come a long way since the days of harsh, drying formulas that aggressively tackled blemishes at the expense of your skin’s health. If you still rely on those outdated acne-fighting solutions, it’s time for a skin care update. Here’s why the old-school approach – loaded with benzoyl peroxide and designed to strip away every last trace of oil – should be left in the past.

1. Your skin barrier deserves better

Imagine your skin barrier as a delicate, protective shield. When functioning properly, it acts as your skin’s security guard – keeping bad things out and protecting the good inside. Old-school acne treatments are like a wrecking ball to this fragile barrier, damaging it in the name of acne clearing. They strip away the natural oils, leaving your skin vulnerable, irritated and more prone to inflammation. The result? A compromised barrier that makes it even harder to combat acne in the long run. 

An acne cycle can never improve if the barrier is damaged. When the skin barrier becomes compromised, it slows the healing process. When the barrier is weakened, it cannot respond correctly to active acne ingredients. A compromised barrier will actually over respond as it can no longer protect itself. So it becomes dry, tight, flaky and red – creating an atmosphere where acne bacteria will thrive.

2. Drying out isn't the answer

We all know the drill: dry out those zits, and they’ll disappear, right? Wrong! The problem with this logic is that it treats your skin like a sponge, squeezing out all the moisture and leaving it parched. While it’s true that excess oil can contribute to breakouts, completely dehydrating your skin is not the solution. In fact, stripping away moisture can trigger your skin to produce even more oil as it tries to compensate, creating a vicious cycle of dryness and oiliness.

3. Modern, clinical formulas prioritize soothing care

The classic approach to acne treatment might have been effective in the short term, but it often came at the expense of your skin’s overall health. Harsh ingredients can leave your skin irritated and inflamed, making matters worse. Rather than just drying out blemishes, look for formulations incorporating calming botanicals and hydrating agents to reduce redness and irritation. Addressing acne with a gentler touch supports your skin’s natural healing processes, leading to a healthier and more balanced complexion.

At this point, you’re probably wondering: “So what’s the secret to clear, healthy skin without sacrificing my barrier?” Well, we’ve got great news! Our new proof-based, innovative line has revolutionized acne care, leaving those harsh formulas in the dust. Say hello to our four acne solutions designed with your skin’s barrier in mind: 

• Pore Thing: A barrier-friendly, daily cleansing gel with multi-level exfoliators to target problem pores and clarify skin. 
• Peel Breaker: A 2% BHA + PHA leave-on liquid exfoliating treatment to break up pore blockage oils + dead cells.
• Daily Meds: An acne-clearing serum with medicinal beta + alpha hydroxy acids plus niacinamide to target lines, tone + dullness.
• Spot Defy: A 5% sulfur overnight acne spot treatment to clear + heal active acne breakouts.

“We were inspired by the philosophy of corneotherapy while developing these formulas, aiming our focus on repairing, maintaining and safeguarding the skin barrier,” said Terry Schatz, CEO of the independently-owned Bioelements brand. “We’ve omitted harsh ingredients like alcohol and surfactants, and prioritized skin health with non-stripping cleansers, barrier-friendly botanicals, and milder, large-molecule acids, and carefully calibrated pH levels to ensure effectiveness without irritation.”

Ditch the old-school acne methods that leave your skin feeling defeated rather than healed – it’s time to clear the breakouts + repair the barrier.