Does your skin need to be schooled? When our skin misbehaves in the form of breakouts, it just needs a little “discipline” – no standing in the corner necessary! You just need to know what acids are best for acne, which are the best calming ingredients for acne redness and irritation, and which natural botanicals work to get your complexion back on track.

What Acids Help Acne?
Salicylic Acid is a natural antiseptic Beta Hydroxy Acid that addresses the excess oil, dead skin, and bacteria that cause breakouts.
What sets it apart from other acids is that it can penetrate deeper and more easily into hair follicles than other acids to exfoliate, prevent clogged pores, minimize acne formation, and help clear existing blemishes.

When naturally derived from the bark of Willow Trees, it doesn’t cause the irritation associated with lower-grade synthetically derived Salicylic Acid. With consistent use, it produces smoother skin texture and more even skin tone. It is also one of the best ingredients for acne prone skin and available in the ProCorrective® Clear-Control Exfoliator, Clear-Control Blemish Treatment, and Clear-Control Moisturizer for daily self-care.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids come in many forms and are active exfoliators due to their low pH.  Glycolic and Lactic Acid are two of the best ingredients for acne skin conditions, frequently used in skincare for their numerous benefits. And there is a new natural source, Caviar Lime Extract, which delivers impressive results for acne-prone skin. Collectively their advantages for acne-prone skin range from exfoliating, unblocking pores, and improving skin tone and texture to minimizing breakouts, scarring, and hyperpigmentation. Some are also used to adjust pH levels in formulas.

They are commonly found in face products for acne care at home and in professional chemical peels.

• Glycolic Acid can penetrate deeply for effective results as it is the smallest Alpha Hydroxy Acid. It supports exfoliation, dissolving the bonds between skin cells and reducing epidermal thickening. It also supports the action of other skin exfoliants, revealing a more even, luminous skin tone.

When extracted from sugar cane, users experience the fabulous benefits of this AHA without the side effects of synthetic, industrial-grade forms. It is found in our ProCorrective® Clear-Control acne spot cream and non comedogenic face moisturizer, or the Resurfacing Glycocides® Cream for a change of pace, and the Micro Retinol® Essential Peel.

• Lactic Acid naturally occurs in the skin as a primary component of the Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF), which is tasked with keeping your skin hydrated and healthy.

It is an antiseptic Alpha-Hydroxy Acid with exfoliating and brightening abilities. It is best when naturally derived from milk, beer, pickles, and more, instead of synthetic versions. When used in skincare, it powerfully attracts water (hygroscopic), moisturizing the skin as it exfoliates and evens out skin tone, making it one of the best acids for acne marks (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) and scarring, revealing a glowing and dewy complexion. It is included in the ProCorrective® Clear-Control spot cream, SpaTeen® Blemished Skin Home Care Kit, and professional Lacto-Flora Peel, YouthRenew™ Hydra Glow Peel, and Micro Retinol® Essential Peel.

• Microcitrus Australasica Fruit Extract (Caviar Lime) is a fruit extract rich in AHAs (Alpha-Hydroxy Acids) widely used in exfoliants. Gentle, yet effective, it smooths the skin surface and eliminates minor imperfections, without stripping away natural moisture, causing damage or irritation.

In addition, this extract has been found to have three times the number of antioxidants as other citrus fruits, helping reduce the effects of environmental stress and UV damage on the skin. Research shows that Caviar Lime Extract produces gentle skin shedding (desquamation) in an exceptionally unique way. It induces an ion overload, creating acidic conditions that activate and open channels in skin cells involved in barrier formation and repair. This increases Calcium ions in the skin, stimulating exfoliation through programmed cell death, and subsequent cellular proliferation and differentiation. In a clinical trial, the skin exfoliation with Caviar Lime was 26% higher than with the placebo, with 100% of the test subjects experiencing positive desquamation. This new AHA is in each of the products in the ProCorrective® Clear-Control acne system.

• Phytic Acid is an exfoliating AHA naturally found in rice and some cereals. It helps stimulate cell turnover, smooths the skin surface, and helps reduce visible pores and hyperpigmentation. It is found exclusively in the ProCorrective® Clear-Control Blemish Treatment.
• Pyruvic Acid, Malic Acid, and Citric Acid are additional types of AHAs beneficial for acne prone skin. Malic Acid from apples and Citric Acid from citrus fruits are used in the Lacto-Flora Peel to soften the skin’s surface. Malic Acid is the third smallest Alpha-Hydroxy Acid, and its effects are best when combined with other AHAs. Citric Acid is a mild AHA with astringent and brightening properties.

Exfoliating Alternatives for Acne
Since acne prone skin typically involves the accumulation of dead skin cells, known as hyperkeratinization, exfoliation is vital in acne clearing products and routines. In addition to acids and granules or buffing beads, Enzymes are effective exfoliants for all skin types. They make an excellent addition to any acne skin care routine and can serve as an alternative to acids for those with hyper-reactive skin.

Enzymes work differently than acids and should not be discounted as weaker or less effective. Whereas acids dissolve the “glues” that hold dead skin cells together, enzymes digest dead skin and hardened proteins. They break down oil, sugars, and other debris, deeply cleansing the skin and unclogging pores. They also smooth skin texture, even skin tone, and encourage absorption and maximum results from other self-care products.

Pineapple Enzymes and Papaya Enzymes (Bromelain and Papain) in the Enzymo Sphérides® Peeling Cream, available for self-care and professional treatments, provide immediate removal of impurities, leaving the skin even and luminous. Bromelain also helps reduce redness and irritation, making it a safe exfoliating solution for sensitive skin. They are combined with Lipase in the professional Enzymes Powder Mask and Foam-A-Zym™ Peel with Hyalusphere® and Retinol to ease extractions and break down superficial impurities without irritation.

Mucor Miehei is another enzymatic peeling agent found in the SpaTeen® Blemish-B-Gone. It works with the acid pH of the skin to dissolve oils and de-clog pores. Note: When using acids and enzymes, it is important to use sun protection, avoid the sun and heat, steam, saunas, and hot tubs.  Also, refrain from using enzymes if sunburn is present.

More Natural Acne Helpers
Beyond naturally sourced acids and enzymes, there are several natural, plant-based ingredients that are excellent for managing breakouts and other conditions related to acne.

Niacinamide, or Vitamin B3, is a powerful skin-renewing ingredient naturally found in nuts. It supports skin repair and circulation and helps reduce sebum production and irritation. It moisturizes and smooths fine lines and skin texture, inhibits photo damage, and reduces the appearance of discoloration. It is in all four ProCorrective® Clear-Control products, including the exfoliating cleanser, acne mask, spot cream, and moisturizer.

Tea Tree Extract, a natural antiseptic with anti-free radical and aromatic properties, is derived from Melaleuca Alternifolia shrubs. It reduces irritation, discomfort, and dryness while softening skin texture. It is found in all the products in the ProCorrective® Clear-Control acne regimen.

Clays are excellent ingredients for absorbing oils and mattifying complexions, making them a staple in skincare for oily acne prone skin. Each clay has additional benefits:

• Kaolin is a natural clay from the mineral Kaolinite, ideal in clean skincare face masks. It is non-comedogenic and detoxifies, absorbing excess sebum and impurities while helping the skin regain its optimal pH level. It is available in the ProCorrective® Clear-Control acne mask and dual-action exfoliator and cleanser-in-one.
• Bentonite is a natural clay from volcanic ash rich in Silanol. Pevonia uses micronized Bentonite in the ProCorrective® Clear-Control Mask for its ability to regenerate the extracellular matrix and act as a delivery system for the progressive release of extracts into the skin. It also soothes and moisturizes, making it suitable for sensitive acne prone skin.

Unique Acne Fighting Ingredients
If you’ve tried everything and want to try new acne-fighting actives, Pevonia has created a multifunctional sebum-normalizing complex that targets the causes of acne, working pro-actively on this condition. It includes the best calming ingredients for acne prone skin – Zinc Chloride, Mallow, Witch Hazel, Cinnamon, Thyme, and more. Their synergistic combination is proven to inhibit 99% of the growth of bacteria and fungi within 30 seconds!! Check out how the following ingredients in the ProCorrective® Clear-Control Blemish Treatment and Moisturizer condition and support acne, oily skin, and redness.

• Zinc Chloride, a naturally derived mineral from Zincite, provides antiseptic and sebum-normalizing properties in skincare for acne prone skin. It helps control excess bacteria, soothes, calms, and supports skin repair, expediting breakout resolution.
• Witch Hazel is a naturally derived astringent and emollient from Hamamelis Virginiana shrubs. It helps constrict pores, reduce irritation, itching, and discomfort, and helps reduce damage by free radicals and UV rays.
• Cinnamon is naturally derived from the bark of Cinnamon Trees and has antiseptic, aromatic, and tonic properties. It enhances circulation and provides nutrients (vitamins and minerals). And while Cinnamon seems like it would be stimulating, it soothes and reduces discomfort, as well!
• Thyme is a naturally derived herb known to have antiseptic and aromatic properties. It helps stimulate circulation and has been credited with the capacity to inhibit collagenase and help reduce scarring.
• Mallow is naturally derived from Malva perennial plants and contains high doses of Flavonoids and Vitamins C and E. Mallow is naturally derived from Malva perennial plants and contains high doses of Flavonoids and Vitamins C and E. It possesses calming, emollient, and refreshing properties, reducing irritation, moisturizing, and protecting the skin. The spot cream and moisturizer for sensitive acne prone skin feature this ingredient.
• Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein is derived from non-GMO gluten-free wheat extract and is safe for celiac disorders. It helps bind water and condition the skin, enhances the activity and absorption of other ingredients, and reduces skin discomfort.

Best Calming Ingredients for Acne Redness
Since acne is a disease of inflammation, it is essential that acne skin care products calm irritation and reduce redness. In addition to several of the soothing ingredients above, a few others are found in the best acne clearing products. Rosemary, throughout the ProCorrective® Clear-Control line, is an aromatic herb from Rosmarinus Officinalis plants with antiseptic, balancing, and rejuvenating properties. It soothes and reduces discomfort while boosting circulation. Sensitive acne prone skin will also appreciate the soothing, skin-repairing effects of Calendula, Chamomile, and Cucumber – the best calming ingredients for acne face wash formulas.

Naturally antiseptic Camphor Extract in the ProCorrective® Clear-Control Mask moisturizes, smooths, cools, and refreshes, while calming without the irritation and itching experienced with breakouts. Want to maximize results for your healthiest skin ever? Boost skin health with an in-depth consultation for your ideal products and a series of professional treatments, such as the ProCorrective® Clear-Control Treatment, SpaTeen® Blemished Skin Treatment, YouthRenew™ Hydra-Glow Peel, Lacto-Flora Peel, or the Plantomer® Mask Treatment. Then, visit Find A Spa for an oasis near you offering Pevonia!