How To Safely Heal Acne
Before I transitioned to a healthier lifestyle, I knew nothing of the importance of having safer skincare products. I have always suffered with extreme acne breakouts and could never figure out what caused them. By that I mean, I went to doctor to doctor trying to be told what my issue was. After researching for myself, I have found the true cause of acne. Over production of serum (read below to find out more), thickening of the outer layer of the skin (build up of dead skin cells), excessive and unbalanced bacterial growth and skin inflammation.
I should have taken my health into my own hands and started researching then but this didn’t happen until I was pregnant with my first child. I had been prescribed a well known acne regimen and was not aware of the ingredients. Now, there are tons of acne regimens available to purchase but they kill the good and the bad bacteria which leaves skin dry, irritated and red. It’s also very toxic. My OBGYN told me when I went in for my first prenatal visit that I shouldn’t continue using that acne line because the ingredients were not safe for my unborn child.
Hearing that, changed my views on everything and I spiraled down the rabbit hole of “organic” and “natural” products from the stores. I didn’t know (until after I invested a lot of my money) that most of those wouldn’t perform well and they were also not so clean ingredient wise. Companies were marking their products to people like me who were looking for safer but didn’t know to actually check the ingredients on the labels.
Years of trial and error led me to Beautycounter. A company that focuses on performance and safety. I’ve used their charcoal products for the past year but I’ve been hiding a secret! I was able to be one of the first people to try their new acne regimen. For the past three months, this has been my skincare product line up morning and night. I’ve been dying to share this with y’all and now I finally can!
A twice-daily regimen is required to effectively control oil, treat acne, prevent future breakouts and promote healthy looking skin.
Countercontrol is a powerful regimen for oily and blemish prone skin without the irritation that can result from conventional treatments. Approximately 70% of people between 15-29 experience oily skin or moderate acne. While teens and young adults often have oily skin and acne, it can affect people of all ages and ethnicities: ~50% of the population ages 20-40 have oily skin or acne. Additionally, as women age, adult-onset acne can occur often due to a combination of factors including menopause, medication, hormone imbalance, genetics, and stress.
Unlike conventional acne and oil control products which can strip skin of both bad and good bacteria, leaving it red dry and irritated, Countercontrol treats the main causes of acne while maintaining skin’s healthy microf lora to keep skin in balance. Additionally, Countercontrol is formulated without potentially harmful ingredients such as harsh surfactants, benzoyl peroxide, and sulfur commonly found in conventional acne products.
Instead of these ingredients, we’ve formulated Countercontrol with a proprietary blend called SkinBalance Complex, a combination of two extracts:
• Natural salicylic acid from wintergreen helps exfoliate dead skin cells and restore the imbalance of bacteria to a healthy level
• Rosebay willow helps reduce irritation and decrease sebum production
Salicylic acid is a widely used and FDA-approved acid to treat acne. It is a Beta Hydroxy Acid which is water-soluble and is extremely effective in diminishing blackheads, white heads and blemishes. It dissolves skin debris that clogs pores and causes acne. The All Over Acne Treatment and the SOS Acne Spot Treatment each contain 2% salicylic acid.
What are the benefits of using the Countercontrol Collection?
• Controls oil
• Clears breakouts
• Purifies pores
• Helps prevent future breakouts
• Balances skin and keeps it comfortable
The Countercontrol Collection should be used both AM and PM in the following order:
1. Clear Pore Cleanser (cleanse) – exfoliating gel infused with jojoba beds to gently exfoliate skin cells and has soothing aloe vera and a fresh citrus scent.
2. Instant Matte Toner (prep) – alcohol free toner with witch hazel and Pro-vitamin B5 that eliminates excess oil, minimizes pores and instantly mattifys.
3. All Over Acne Treatment (treat) – full facial treatment that clears exsisting blemishes and prevents future breakouts.
4. SOS Acne Spot Treatment (treat) – invisible gel clears break outs. Apply only to the spots you need it.
5. Matte Effect Gel Cream (protect) – oil free moisturizer that helps maintain moisture levels and controls oil for up to 8 hours. Feels weightless on the skin. Also a makeup primer.
It is recommended to use the SOS Acne Spot Treatment as a rescue treatment for the surprise breakout. This invisible, fast-acting formula can be added to any regimen after the treat step before applying a moisturizer. In an independent clinical study of twice daily use, blemish size, redness, and irritation was significantly reduced in just three days* of using the SOS Acne Spot Treatment.
*Results obtained from an independent consumer panel study of 30 people
The All Over Acne Treatment should be used on the entire face to help clear skin while also addressing the main causes of acne to prevent future breakouts from forming. The SOS Acne Spot Treatment is a targeted treatment to help clear active blemishes and should only be spot-applied on breakouts. The combination of the two will help clear skin and keep it clear.
The mattifying toner removes residual impurities, eliminates excess oil, and minimizes the appearance of pores – all without alcohol. Alcohol-free toners are much more gentle on skin as alcohol in toners can dry and strip skin.
The key to clearing acne is consistent, twice daily use of a regimen. The products work together to not only clear existing breakouts but also to control oil and prevent future breakouts from forming. For people with this concern, you’ll see the full benefits of the regimen after 4 weeks due to the epidermis renewal cycle. Continued use is recommended to keep skin clear and healthy.
In an independent consumer study, after four weeks of using Countercontrol*:
• 95% said skin looks clearer
• 100% stated skin feels healthier
• 100% said skin clarity is improved
• 95% said skin looks less red
*Based on independent 24-subject consumer panel study after four weeks with twice daily usage of Clear Pore Cleanser, All Over Acne Treatment, SOS Acne Spot Treatment, Matte Effect Gel Cream.
If you are currently using the Charcoal Bar and/or mask know that the Charcoal Bar is a great product for oily and blemish-prone skin, you will see the best results for acne and oil control if you use the full Countercontrol regimen including the Countercontrol Cleanser. If you are already seeing the desired cleansing results from the Charcoal Bar, we recommend pairing this cleanser with the Countercontrol Instant Matte Toner, All Over Acne Treatment, Matte Effect Gel Cream and the SOS Acne Spot Treatment for targeted blemishes. The No. 3 Balancing Facial Mask can be incorporated into your weekly regimen 2-3 times per week to draw out impurities, while the No. 3 Balancing Facial Mist is great to refresh and balance skin throughout the day.
The secret is finally out and the future is CLEAR ya’ll! Head over to my Beautycounter website and take the skincare quiz to learn more about what products would work best for your skin. If you purchase the products recommended, you will receive a 10% off discount on your purchase. Send me your order confirmation via email and I will add you to my Monthly Newsletter that has perks and special gifts just for my subscribers!
