What Exactly Is Acne?

ALL ABOUT ACNE — AND HOW TO STOP IT 

What is acne? Most people know acne as the annoying blemishes almost everyone has experienced at one time or another. What you may not know is that the pimple that appears on your face is actually the final step of a multiple-step process that Rodan + Fields founders Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields call the acne cycle. To break the cycle, it’s good to know what’s lurking beneath — and on top of — the surface.

It starts with your individual genetics and hormones, which control how much oil your skin produces. When oil production is excessive it mixes with dead skin cells to form a plug that clumps together in a pore. Trapped underneath this plug of debris, a type of bacteria found on skin called Propionibacterium acnes — P. acnes for short — begins to get busy. P. acnes thrives in environments that lack oxygen, like a clogged pore. 

Happy inside its oxygen-free environment, the bacteria feeds on the oil and multiplies. Eventually, our skin reacts to the overgrowth of bacteria and its byproducts with inflammation or swelling, and voila: A pimple. 

Many people think it’s the bacteria that is the main culprit, but without oil, oxygen would be able to get into the pore to kill the bacteria. And our hormones trigger the oil production. So all the steps are connected.

Since blemishes start forming days or even weeks before reaching the surface of the skin, the secret to controlling them is to keep them from forming in the first place. That means interrupting the acne cycle so the blemishes never get to the surface.

ACNE IS COMPLICATED, BUT TREATMENT ISN’T

Early in their dermatology careers, Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields realized that though the acne cycle is complicated, the treatment didn’t have to be. Now, the Doctors have created two Rodan + Fields Regimens to break the acne cycle by unclogging pores, removing acne-causing bacteria and oil and preventing future breakouts. Both SPOTLESS, for teen and young adult acne, and UNBLEMISH, for adult acne and visible signs of aging, combine over-the-counter and cosmetic ingredients meant to be used twice a day over the entire face. 

Both Regimens clear existing acne and prevent new blemishes from forming. The big news is the Doctors are bringing their effective acne solutions to even more people, perhaps you or someone you love. 

From Refinery 29: The Creators of Proactiv Have Figured Out a New Way to Fight Acne

 After spending the past several years dominating the anti-aging skin-care industry, the Stanford-trained dermatologists who created every American teenager's go-to acne fighter are going back to their roots. Drs. Katie Rodan and Kathy Fields of Rodan + Fields, who founded Proactiv together in 1995, announced today that they're once again creating new inroads in acne-fighting skin care, launching two separate product ranges aimed at teen and adult acne.

The doctors' secret weapon? Benzoyl peroxide. That's right: the stuff we've used for ages to kill acne-causing bacteria. The main ingredient stays the same, but according to the brand, it's the way it's been formulated that may bring acne to its knees once and for all. The new Rodan + Fields Spotless two-step system for teen acne — which will be sold as a bundle — pairs a high-dosage 5% benzoyl peroxide face wash with a treatment that dispenses oxygen-boosting gel and 2.5% benzoyl peroxide in twin chambers. The breakthrough is in the gel format, which works to liquefy large, crystallized benzoyl peroxide molecules so that the ingredient is better able to penetrate the skin. 

Meanwhile, the brand’s four-product Unblemish line — sold as a bundle or individually — is developed for adults who are working to ward off not just zits, but increased sensitivity, loss of elasticity, and other aspects of aging. The cleanser, toner, and moisturizer formulations balance proven pore-clearers like salicylic acid and glycolic acid with skin soothers like colloidal sulfur, green tea, and aloe. Like with Spotless, the Unblemish line’s marquee product is a double-chambered acne treatment that dispenses stabilized 2.5% benzoyl peroxide from one side and calming and hydrating ingredients like pomegranate, chamomile, and ceramides from the other — all in an effort to maximize medicated treatment without harsh effects on the skin.

Can this new twist on O.G. acne-fighting ingredient benzoyl peroxide finally clear zits, and mange to shake up a multi-billion dollar industry that keeps millions of teens and adults in search of a cure? While the company’s early clinicals are promising (the brand reports that, after one week of using the Spotless system, 100% of teens and young adults experienced a reduction in blemish size and visible redness), only time will tell. In the meantime, get a first peek at each of the brand’s new products before the official launch on February 21st, ahead.

From New Beauty: This New Acne-Fighting Treatment is a Major Game Changer for Inflamed Skin

Photo Credits: Rodan + Fields

Even with a surplus of over-the-counter products claiming to zap zits instantly, successfully dealing with acne is no easy feat. As a result, we’ve kept an eye on the beauty market for effective acne treatments for quite some time now, but even the most promising treatments we’ve seen tend to be harsh on those with sensitive skin, leaving a large percentage of acne-sufferers out of luck.

However, it appears that we’ve finally discovered a breakthrough acne treatment that’s both pimple-clearing and gentle. Enter: The Rodan + Fields Unblemish line. Umblemish is the reformulation of the brand’s original four-step acne regimen. The system includes the Gentle Exfoliating Acne Wash, Clarifying Toner, Dual Intensive Acne Treatment and Shine-Free Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 20 to eliminate breakouts while preventing new ones from occurring. Using a new, stabilized version of benzoyl peroxide(a potent acne-fighting ingredient) and hydrating ingredients like glycerin, the products incorporated into the regimen aren’t as irritating as the typical benzoyl peroxide-based products on the market.  

That’s not all, Rodan + Fields also just launched Spotless, a new, two-step regimen composed of their Daily Acne Wash and Acne Clearing Treatment that utilize a combination of oxygen and benzoyl peroxide to clear away acne while soothing the skin. The benzoyl peroxide used in this formula is a stabilized, liquid form that travels deeper into the pores without drying out  the skin in the way that traditional benzoyl peroxide often do. Additionally, the oxygen used in the formula acts as an antimicrobial that minimizes the inflammatory response in skin that oftentimes leads to breakouts.

While the Spotless set is targeted towards teens and young adults who would benefit from a shorter, simpler skincare routine, the Unblemish line is intended for adult acne-sufferers. Both the Rodan + Fields Spotless ($89) and Unblemish ($186) treatments are available now and can be purchased on the brand’s website. 

Media Buzz . . .

 Our latest breakthrough acne innovation has the media buzzing! The accolades are pouring in about our new SPOTLESS and our improved UNBLEMISH products! These Dermatologists KNOW skin and I am so thrilled to represent them and help everyone no matter your skin concern or needs!

Our brand new Spotless Product is the first ever super oxygenated stable liquid benzoyl peroxide that will add oxygen deep into the pores to normalize and balance the irritated microbiome in a teen’s pores!! Not all acne is created equal. Teen acne is very different. It's oily, tougher, and it requires a more powerful and targeted approach to leave your skin looking selfie-worthy every day! So excited to help with confidence! Healthy skin is beautiful! 

From Allure: Rodan + Fields Launches Spotless, a Game-Changing Acne System

As the beauty industry shifts away from retouched ad images and unrealistic ideals of a so-called perfect complexion, it's time we stopped referring to acne as "flawed skin." In fact, we should probably retire our use of the word flaw when describing any skin condition. After all, we don't call cavities "flawed teeth" or vision that's less than 20/20 "flawed eyes" — we regard these issues as part of the normal course of our health. And when you consider that 85 percent of Americans experience acne between the ages of 12 and 24, it, too, is really just part of the collective human experience.

Of course, it's human nature to also want to look our best, which is why San Francisco dermatologists Katie Rodan and Kathy Fields, cofounders of Rodan + Fields skin care, keep fighting the good fight to help us all achieve clear, radiant skin. Their mission famously began back in 1995 when they launched Proactiv, arguably the first comprehensive skin-care regimen to address breakouts. (Before its three-step system, most over-the-counter acne products were either spot treatments or astringent-soaked facial pads that sucked every last drop of moisture from your skin.)

Now, as Rodan + Fields reveal exclusively to Allure, it's once again reinventing the way we treat acne with Spotless, a new, two-step, patented-technology regimen. Using a combo of oxygen and liquefied benzoyl peroxide, it helps control acne in teens and young adults without the dryness and irritation you often get from traditional benzoyl peroxide. More good news: An update to the brand's popular Unblemish regimen for adult acne now includes additional soothing and brightening ingredients for the ultimate radiance boost.

But the big headliner is Spotless, which was born out of two key findings: the first being that young people today have a shorter attention span than they did back in 1995. "We learned from Proactiv that three steps is too many, especially for teens," says Rodan. "If you don't keep it simple, no one uses it."

The second finding took a little more research to uncover. Rodan + Fields examined how the microbiome — the bacterial colony that lives on skin's surface — plays a role in acne. "We used to think acne was caused by sticky oil plugging up skin's pores and the P. acnes bacteria — which causes breakouts and is naturally in everyone's microbiome — feeding off that plug and overpopulating," says Rodan. "Turns out, that's not the whole story."

Here's the newly discovered plot twist: When the microbiome is on your skin's surface, it's bathed in oxygen. But as it travels down into the pores where oxygen is scarce, the O2-starved P. acnes experience an Incredible Hulk type of transformation, shifting from harmless, mild-mannered bacteria into the angry, destructive kind that kill all the other bacteria around them. This haywire scenario triggers your body's inflammatory response — resulting in zits.

To put the brakes on this blemish-producing cycle, Rodan + Fields rejiggered a tried-and-true acne fighter: benzoyl peroxide. "We know it's the best treatment for killing acne bacteria and unclogging pores, but it's notoriously irritating," says Fields. "Plus, the typical crystal BP molecule has trouble penetrating past skin's surface down into the pores where it needs to be to do its job."

Spotless features the next generation of benzoyl peroxide. Called BPO2 technology and exclusive to Rodan + Fields, it's a stabilized, liquid form of benzoyl peroxide that travels past the microbiome deep into pores, causing less irritation and dryness while being a whole lot more effective. At the same time, oxygen — another antimicrobial — is whooshed into pores to stop the P. acnesfrom shifting into Hulk destructive mode. "This two-step approach accomplishes more than just traditional benzoyl peroxide alone," says Fields. "Getting oxygen down into the pores normalizes the microbiome there, which, in turn, stops the inflammatory response that leads to pimples."

What's equally remarkable is that Spotless does this all in two quick steps: The Daily Acne Wash is a gently exfoliating, 5 percent benzoyl peroxide cleanser that cuts through oil and other surface film to prep skin for receiving the Acne Clearing Treatment. That dual-chamber bottle delivers the powerful BPO2 technology along with hydrating glycerin and soothing bisabolol, allantoin, and blueberry to reduce inflammation.

COURTESY OF BRAND

According to the cofounders, this two-step regimen is designed to work on mild to moderate acne in teens and young adults and should be used twice a day, followed by a sunscreen in the morning. (We like the Best of Beauty Award-winning Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40. Both dermatologists emphasize that you need to continue using the system even after your acne improves to maintain clear skin and that the products, which were tested across a wide variety of skin tones, are safe on everyone.

In an eight-week clinical and consumer study of twice-daily use of both Spotless products by teens and young adults, 100 percent of participants — yep, every single person — experienced a reduction in blemish size and visible redness after just one week. After eight weeks, 97 percent saw an improvement in their overall inflammatory acne and 90 percent had skin that was clearer, smoother, and less shiny. (The doctors are presenting their clinical data on BPO2 technology at the 2019 American Academy of Dermatology annual meeting in March.)

For those of you past young-adulthood, Rodan + Fields has something new for you, too. Also launching is a newly updated version of the brand's hugely popular Unblemish regimen for adult acne. "The two big changes are that the Unblemish Acne Treatment Sulfur Wash is now exfoliating, which our consumers kept requesting," says Rodan. "The second is that we added more brightening, soothing, and nourishing ingredients such as vitamins B and C, hyaluronic acid, and allantoin to the system's other products to give adults the most comprehensive approach to acne."

Though the revamped Unblemish doesn't include the brand's BPO2 technology (that specifically targets the oiliness and thick outer layer of teenage skin), the products still feature the system's signature triple whammy of all-star acne busters: benzoyl peroxide, colloidal sulfur, and salicylic acid.

Reflecting on both of the launches, Fields says, "Katie and I really understand what causes and reduces acne, so with Spotless, we're now breaking out into the teen category."

"Hold on — let's not say we're breaking out!" says Rodan, with a laugh at the double entendre. "It's more like we're breaking through and redefining what acne treatments can do at every single age."

The Rodan + Fields Spotless two-step treatment system is $89 at rodanandfields.com.

Introducing . . . SPOTLESS

I am SO THRILLED to announce Rodan + Fields’ NEWEST Product specifically created for Teen and Young Adults! Developed by Dr. Rodan and Dr. Fields, SPOTLESS is specially formulated to effectively break through the acne cycle! This powerful 2-step Regimen starts to kill acne-causing bacteria on Day 1, fighting existing breakouts and preventing new ones from forming!

2 STEPS! 
2 MINUTES! 
2 TIMES A DAY!

If your teen or young adult struggles with acne, I can help!! I have seen first hand the results of this new product and am BLOWN AWAY! In clinical studies, 100% of participants saw a reduction in blemish size and redness in ONE week! 

Love what these Doctors have created to help with teen confidence!!!

Winter Skincare Tip: Skip the Hot Shower!

When the weather outside is frightful’ it’s tempting to cram the water temp too high - but long, steamy showers can strip skin of its natural oils and moisture barrier.  For best results use lukewarm water and moisturize when skin is still damp to help lock-in extra moisture! Don’t forget our Active Hydration Body Cream on the body this time of year - amazing!