By: Lauren White
Acne-prone skin is not dissimilar to a sleepy toddler: bratty, stubborn, disobedient. And with today’s overwhelming ecosystem of skincare products, it’s easy to sink into a cave of confusion about what you should be (gently) slapping on your face. We're here to clear things up for you. What you really need to be (gently) slapping on your face is our new acid-rich clay mask for congested skin: PORE VAC. She's a deep-diving multi-masker that sinks into pores to unclog dirt and grime. Your standard clay mask could neverrrr.
Like your great grandmother’s legendary apple pie recipe that hits the spot every time, PORE VAC contains a perfect list of ingredients to alleviate skin woes like persistent breakouts, congested pores, blackheads and oiliness. Let’s get into the specifics.
The Ingredients:
Kaolin Clay
Clay is one of the oldest known oily skin and acne-fighting ingredients around. But some versions can excessively dry out your complexion—ouch. But kaolin clay? She’s a winner who absorbs excess oil from your skin without drying. Kaolin benefits skin prone to acne by nixing impurities that build up in & around the hair follicle without causing more irritation & redness. Antibacterial properties means it treats active breakouts, too.
Bentonite Clay
Detoxifying the skin is bentonite’s clay-m to fame. It also absorbs excess oil, reduces, tightens and mattifies the appearance of pores, and soothes the skin with anti-inflammatory properties. It’s another mineral-rich clay with stronger absorptive power than Kaolin, this volcanic clay excels in pulling out deeply rooted impurities/oil within the pores. A mix of both clays is ideal for every skin type from normal to oily—provided you counter their drying properties with nourishing, moisturizing ingredients!
Acid Blend
A symphony of dermatologist-loved chemical acids can work wonders to exfoliate the skin and renew its barrier. Here’s the gentle power combo:
- Salicylic Acid: A BHA that burrows right inside the pore to unclog dirt and debris
- Lactic Acid: An AHA that increases cell turnover and helps eliminate accumulated dead skin cells
- Tartaric Acid: Hydrates and moisturizes the skin, stimulates the metabolism, promotes regeneration and renewal
- Acetic Acid: Exfoliates the skin and helps smooth and improve skin texture, helps to absorb excess oils of the skin
- Malic Acid: Exfoliates dead cells on the outermost layer of the skin and promotes cell turnover, leaving skin brighter and more even
Sulfur
With antimicrobial effects against the baddies that cause breakouts, sulfur also helps promote the loosening and shedding of old skin for fresher, softer skin to take its place. It’s a powerful ingredient to fight current and future breakouts.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Truth: ACV isn’t only good for the gut! In topical form, it has powerful antimicrobial properties that help to calm and soothe irritation. As a mild acid, ACV may also help restore the natural pH balance of your skin.
Niacinamide
Many are familiar with this OG skincare ingredient, and for a reason. Niacinamide is a major hydrating agent and has calming and soothing properties. It supports the skin barrier by replenishing the lipids in the skin and adding moisture and suppleness.
Jojoba Esters
This bad boy is a complex mixture of esters from jojoba oil and hydrogenated jojoba oil. The result is an ingredient with a waxy-like texture that functions as a magnificent emollient (softens and hydrates) and occlusive agent for skin. It prevents over-drying and helps reduce redness, leaving a stupidly soft skin barrier.
Orange Peel Extract
Queen Vit C has arrived. Orange peel extract contains antioxidants and vitamin C to help brighten skin, fading dark spots and dullness. Let’s not forget to mention the fresh and bright scent as an added bonus.
So, if you’re on the market for the perfect recipe of acne-prone ingredients, we’d suggest you start PORE VAC. Let's just say she is ready and willing to chef up some healthy skin.
