Addicted to...Clear Skin

It's a Science versus Nature Acne Smackdown

By Courtney Dunlop
Published: Feb 21, 2008

Adult acne is annoying because A) who wants zits when they’re 42 and B) there’s so much conflicting information about what will nix it. You know the zit cream from your teenage years is too harsh, but do you listen to the friend who swears monthly holistic facials changed her life, or do you follow your sister who gets her spots peeled away at the dermatologist’s office every six weeks? To get to the bottom of this skin dilemma, we grilled two acne pros with two very different approaches. And since they both have some interesting solutions to our pimple woes, we’ll let you decide whether to try the hippie or the medicinal route. And, hey, you can always mix and match to find your perfect clear-skin combo.

The experts:

Dr. Kenneth Beer,
cosmetic dermatologist and author of Palm Beach Perfect Skin

Daniel Pry
CEO and formulator for Organic Complexion Skincare

Round 1:
So why puberty all over again?

Dr. Beer: Stress, hormone fluctuation, bacteria, and oil production. Using products that are non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic. And scrubbing—it irritates the skin and makes it broken
out and red.

Daniel: Stress! Also, hair products can migrate down throughout the day and clog pores. Scrubs, acids, soaps or sulfates of any origin are also all exceptionally harsh on the skin and add to the overall problem.

Buy it at: Aveda, $21, www.aveda.com

Round 2:
What do you recommend for clear skin?

Dr. Beer: Prescription medications such as antibiotics and retinoids, including Retin A. Over the counter ingredients that work well include salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and sulfur. Medications that change the hormonal levels (including birth control pills) also help.

Buy it at: DHC, $9, www.dhccare.com, Neutrogena, $12, www.drugstore.com

Daniel: First, make sure you thoroughly rinse shampoos and conditioners from your hair. Frequently, when my
clients pay better attention to how they rinse their hair and start using styling products that don’t contain harmful
chemicals, their complexions begin to clear very quickly. I also love Fuller’s earth and kaolin clay with a blend of
organic rosemary, oregano, goldenseal, thyme, bergamot, and lavender—I’ve seen exceptional success with this
combination of clays and herbs. Also, lightly massaging select organic oils onto the complexion will trigger the sebaceous
glands to slow production of sebum, which results in balanced skin. Holistic facials that are 100% natural, clay-based, and
non-abrasive are great.

Buy it at: Sampar, $19, www.skinstore.com

Round 3:
What are your favorite at-home products?

Dr. Beer: I love the Ideal Skin acne line, and I like Proactiv and Neutrogena products.

Buy it at: Palm Beach, $19.95, www.idealskin.com Proactiv, $25, www.proactiv.com

Daniel: Organic Complexion Advanced Cleansing Clay every day, Ultimate Solution for breakouts,
and Rosewood Wonder Drops 2-3 times per week to balance shine.