Exfoliation is an important step in any acne-fighting at-home agenda, but it’s all about finding the right balance. The perfect exfoliator for acne prone skin should gently remove dead skin cells and break up clogging oils while keeping your skin hydrated, healthy and non-irritated. Choosing the right exfoliator can help treat existing acne while also preventing future breakouts. Ready to reveal your best skin? Here’s what you need to know.
What is an exfoliator for acne prone skin?
An exfoliator for acne prone skin is designed to gently slough off dead skin cells, clear clogged pores and reduce acne-related issues like blackheads and whiteheads. Exfoliators also help prevent future breakouts and improve texture to reveal a smoother, brighter complexion.
Who needs an exfoliator?
An exfoliator is essential for acne prone skin because dead skin cells, excess sebum and other clogging debris can accumulate, leading to enlarged pores, breakouts and more. Even if your skin isn’t acne prone, exfoliating can help prevent future breakouts and refine your skin’s appearance. Anyone dealing with persistent breakouts, blackheads or uneven texture will benefit from using an acne exfoliator regularly.
Sensitive skin types can also partake in exfoliation – but tread carefully. Harsh or too frequent exfoliation can irritate and inflame the skin, exacerbating acne. The key is to find a gentle formula that exfoliates without causing damage or dryness.
How to choose the best exfoliator for acne prone skin
- Choose chemical exfoliants: Omni-benefit, modern chemical exfoliant formulas are a game changer. They can smooth texture, improve the appearance of wrinkles, brighten the skin, increase firmness and much more – without the flaking, redness or peeling that would make you want to go into hiding.
- Look for barrier-soothing ingredients: Herbs and extracts like aloe vera and oregano can help calm and hydrate your skin, allowing active ingredients to target your skin concerns without irritation.
- Keep clinical studies in mind: It’s best practice to review the formula’s clinical studies whenever available. Glowing reviews and transformational before-and-afters are a great sign but always double-check that the formula aligns with your skin type and omits harsh, irritating ingredients.
Key ingredients to look for in an exfoliator
Not all exfoliating ingredients are created equal. Here are the top ones to seek out when shopping for an acne exfoliator:
- Salicylic Acid: This beta hydroxy acid is a go-to for unclogging pores and reducing inflammation. It penetrates deep into the skin to exfoliate and prevent future breakouts.
- Gluconolactone: This large molecule poly-hydroxy acid is known for its gentle exfoliating abilities. It works by dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells, which helps remove surface flakes and smooth out rough textures – revealing a brighter and more even complexion.
- Aloe Vera: Known for its soothing properties, this ingredient is an excellent natural remedy for calming irritated skin. It also helps hydrate and nourish the skin, promoting healing and reducing redness.
- Thyme Extract: Derived from thyme leaves, this pure extract targets excess sebum like a vacuum. Its powerful antioxidant properties make it a great option for promoting a clearer complexion while providing soothing benefits for irritated or acne prone skin.
Why Peel Breaker?
This liquid leave-on exfoliator was designed to minimize pore appearance and maintain clarified skin. Formulated with salicylic acid, a sebum-soluble BHA, and gluconolactone, a large molecule PHA, this acne exfoliator breaks down blockage oils and gently dissolves the bonds of dead skin cells to eliminate bumps, rough texture and congestion. It’s balanced with barrier-building aloe vera, willowherb, hibiscus, oregano + thyme, so skin appears smoother and brighter – without irritation.
“This leave-on exfoliator has an absolute symphony of ingredients, like BHA, PHA, aloe vera, willowherb, hibiscus, and oregano, that work in harmony to improve the look of pores, without sacrificing skin’s barrier integrity; and that’s a crucial difference in peel breaker from other exfoliators on the market,” explains Beth Bialko, esthetician and Bioelements Senior Director of Education. “Clogged pores and breakouts can be a sign of a weakened skin barrier, which requires pore-cleansing benefits without the irritation.”
See the proof:
86% say overall pore appearance is minimized
83% say it helps maintain clear skin
86% say it provides pore-cleansing exfoliation without irritation
89% say pores look less clogged
86% say it helped minimize the appearance of blackheads + prevent new breakouts
81% say it visibly reduced the size + redness of blemishes
81% say skin clarity + texture has improved
81% say skin appears more radiant
92% say it’s easy to use
*based on a 14-day consumer perception study of 36 men and women ages 18-55 of all Fitzpatrick levels. see bioelements.com for full study results.
