Regardless of whether your teen years are in your rear-view mirror, or you're still in school, suffering from acne breakouts is a major downer.
It may not seem fair, but you're certainly not alone. Once considered only a "teenage concern," today acne is one of the most common skin condition affecting adults as well.
Acne is a complex problem with a number of possible causes. Culprits include hormonal shifts, cosmetics, pollution, changing birth control pills and stress.
Of all the possible triggers, stress may actually be one of the most significant, according to recent studies by Stanford University and the Wake Forest School of Medicine. This means that anxiety-inducing situations - a major test, a first date or an important job interview - could lead to breakouts. However, even day-to-day obligations can be stressful enough to cause regular flair ups.
But recent studies on a new acne ingredient may offer hope to millions of Americans suffering with acne. The ingredient, called iQ 101, is a retinoid-based complex that combines Vitamin A with exfoliating agents and sebum regulators.
To understand how iQ 101 works to clear up and prevent acne, it helps to understand what causes acne in the first place. Acne develops inside hair follicles when excess oils and dead skin combine to form a plug. This plug, called a comedo, traps oil beneath the skin's surface. As bacteria multiply and white blood cells flood into the follicle to fight infection, the comedo swells and becomes inflamed, forming a pimple.
iQ 101 is being hailed as a scientific breakthrough because it works on three levels to address all of the root causes of acne. Exfoliating agents work to clear pores; sebum regulators help to reduce surface oils; and Vitamin A works to reduce the presence of bacteria on the skin.
A California company recently secured the world-wide rights to use iQ 101 in its Clear Remedy acne system. Clear Remedy is a 3-step system that combines iQ 101 with other acne-fighting actives such as salicylic acid, plus skin-soothing antioxidants and moisturizing botanicals. It's a unique formulation designed to not only clear away acne, but also allow skin to heal comfortably.
It may not seem fair, but you're certainly not alone. Once considered only a "teenage concern," today acne is one of the most common skin condition affecting adults as well.
Acne is a complex problem with a number of possible causes. Culprits include hormonal shifts, cosmetics, pollution, changing birth control pills and stress.
Of all the possible triggers, stress may actually be one of the most significant, according to recent studies by Stanford University and the Wake Forest School of Medicine. This means that anxiety-inducing situations - a major test, a first date or an important job interview - could lead to breakouts. However, even day-to-day obligations can be stressful enough to cause regular flair ups.
But recent studies on a new acne ingredient may offer hope to millions of Americans suffering with acne. The ingredient, called iQ 101, is a retinoid-based complex that combines Vitamin A with exfoliating agents and sebum regulators.
To understand how iQ 101 works to clear up and prevent acne, it helps to understand what causes acne in the first place. Acne develops inside hair follicles when excess oils and dead skin combine to form a plug. This plug, called a comedo, traps oil beneath the skin's surface. As bacteria multiply and white blood cells flood into the follicle to fight infection, the comedo swells and becomes inflamed, forming a pimple.
iQ 101 is being hailed as a scientific breakthrough because it works on three levels to address all of the root causes of acne. Exfoliating agents work to clear pores; sebum regulators help to reduce surface oils; and Vitamin A works to reduce the presence of bacteria on the skin.
A California company recently secured the world-wide rights to use iQ 101 in its Clear Remedy acne system. Clear Remedy is a 3-step system that combines iQ 101 with other acne-fighting actives such as salicylic acid, plus skin-soothing antioxidants and moisturizing botanicals. It's a unique formulation designed to not only clear away acne, but also allow skin to heal comfortably.