Seeing Spots

By Anne Marie Scanlon

Before you go thinking I'm about to launch into some Dan Brown style story about malignant machinations and biblical clues fear not. The Unholy Trinity of which I speak is one that has affected at least one fifth of all Americans. Is it three of Dan Brown's books? Is it reruns of Threes Company? Is it taxation, taxation and taxation? Particularly aggressive blind mice? Three Wise Men arriving unannounced on Christmas Eve? Ditto three kings. Is it the Stooges?

None of the above. The Unholy Trinity that plagues 60 million Americans is Acne, Buttne and Backne. Oh yes. If you are one of the four fifths who aren't afflicted by this curse you might be a bit surprised. Acne has the reputation of afflicting teenagers but for 60 million people it's a condition that lasts beyond the trauma of first love and hormonal mood swings.

If you watch the telly between programs (I don't, I hit the mute button and boil the kettle), you might have the idea that acne is a self-inflicted curse visited upon those too lazy or stupid to wash their faces on a regular basis. That's just one of the myths that surround acne. Another is that sunlight will clear it up. Big mistake. First up, you should never expose unprotected skin to the suns rays. It's aging, damaging and dangerous. In the short term it might look as if it helps but it can exacerbate the condition. Likewise with washing, over-washing or cleansing will dry and irritate the skin and may encourage even more sebum to be secreted. (Sebum is the oil which causes acne).

You Are What You Eat is a popular television program in the U.K. and most people assume that acne is the result of bad diet. The jury is out but no link has been found between acne and chocolate and greasy food (usually cited as causes). Obviously the better your diet and overall health the better your skin. However, acne knows no boundaries and diet is only one factor in its cause and treatment. Scientists are busy beavering away trying to prove or disprove that certain foods 'cause' acne. Until they do, eat sensibly, stay out of the sun and use one of the many products designed to help you.

SkinCeuticals Clarifying Cleanser ($24) is designed specifically for acne and blemish prone skin. The ingredients include salicylic acid to treat blemishes and mandelic acids to exfoliate and unclog pores. Microbeads help remove dead skin cells and other cellular debris. Better yet, this cleanser treats existing whiteheads, blackheads and other acne-related blemishes while at the same time inhibiting future breakouts. Biotherm Acnopur Face Care is a four part anti-acne system. The Cleanser ($16) contains anti-bacterial Triciosan and anti-acne Salicylic Acid. The Toner ($16), Moisturizer ($24.50) and Treatment ($12) are all enriched with the same ingredients.

Proactiv Solution, the acne people, also has an anti-acne moisturizer designed for use on the body. Clear Zone® Body Lotion ($18) has a mildly medicated formula which contains acne-fighter Salicylic Acid; Soothing Green Tea and Chamomile to calm inflammation. Obviously this is a must-have for anyone who suffers from Backne and Buttne. The same goes for Proactiv Solutions Deep Cleansing Wash ($20), a gentle all-over cleanser which contains exfoliating beads, Salicylic Acid and soothing botanicals. Clear Zone® Body Pads ($18 for 75 pads) are 3" are medicated with Salicylic Acid heals existing spots, pimples and other assorted nasties while preventing future breakouts. They also have the advantage of being highly portable. Sometimes no matter how hard you try you'll still fall prey to the odd spot (or two).

Guaranteed said spot will appear on the eve of your wedding, graduation, first modeling shoot - some important occasion when you want to look your best and you're very likely to be photographed. When I was a teen my options were very limited when it came to battling the breakouts. These days the only problem I have is one of choice. There are so many treatments around these days that unsightly spots really could be a thing of the past.

Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Clear Blemish Gel ($13.50) has a fast drying clear formula which is invisible under make up. The Clear Blemish Gel is part of the Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions range which also includes a three-step system (Cleansing Foam, Clarifying Lotion and Clearing Moisturizer); the range also includes Body Spray, Antibacterial Face and Body Soap, Post Blemish Formula (to help fade discoloration and marks left by blemishes) and Concealing Stick. The Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions range pretty much covers all your blemish fighting needs from start to finish.

Comfort Zone Active Pureness Corrector Intensive Blemish Treatment ($18.50) utilizes Salicylic Acid, Bromlain and Sodium Usnate to dry and reduce blemishes. Sodium Usnate has anti-bacterial properties which helps deter the formation of further blemishes. The formula also contains Propolis Complex Resin (rich in flavinoids, mineral salts and amino acids) which works as an anti-oxidant and helps protect skin from free radicals and infections.

Dermalogica Special Clearing Booster ($40) has a 5% concentration of benzoyl, Dermalogica's unique alginated zinc triplex as well as purifying watercress, burdock and ivy. The combination of ingredients speeds up skin clearance while simultaneously calming irritated skin.

Aside from their 3-Step anti-acne system (Cleanser, Toner and Repairing Lotion) Proactiv Solutions have recently expanded into targeted treatments. Daily Oil Control Gel ($18) helps remove oil and other impurities that may clog pores. It also helps prevent make up from streaking during the day. (Three cheers right there!). The formula is oil-free and works with your skin to balance out your oil levels. Sheer Finish® Mattifying Gel ($22) works throughout the day to absorb excess oil and control shine. This is one of those multi-tasking products that does a few different jobs simultaneously. Apart from keeping your face shine-free it contains White Tea extract (a powerful antioxidant) to fight free radicals. And, get this, it helps fill in fine lines and minimize the appearance of pores to give you smooth, smooth skin. You can use it on your own or as a primer for your foundation.

SkinCeuticals Blemish Control Gel ($20) treats existing whiteheads, blackheads and pimples, while helping to prevent future breakouts. The formula contains 1% Salicylic Acid and like the SkinCeauticals Clarifying Cleanser the Blemish Control Gel exfoliates dead skin cells and unclogs pores meaning your chances of future breakouts are reduced. Also, the formula contains sodium hyaluronate to alleviate excessive drying.

Finally, if you do have acne, oily skin or are prone to breakouts then it's a good idea to use a clearing mask regularly. Proactiv Solutions Refining Mask ($20) is designed specifically for people with acne and contains Kaolin (China Clay) which absorbs excess oils. It also helps reduce the appearance of pore size (enlarged pores are not something you want).

So there you are there's plenty of products around to make sure you need never fall victim to the Unholy Trinity again. Even if you do, there are plenty of good remedies to choose from. Fighting evil was never this easy.