Pimples, zits, breakouts, blemishes, bumps, blackheads, whiteheads, and those painful cystic things! Those pesky Vesuvius-type domes filled with sebum, pus, and blood, ready to erupt as if they haven’t done enough aesthetic and mental harm have been the bane of teen existence and smooth complexions since forever. I’m sure in some folkloric traditions it’s a sign of demonic possession. I’m not superstitious, but I sometimes wonder. In modern folklore, everything from soda, to chocolate have been scapegoated for acneic skin, which 50 million Americans suffer from at any given moment. But it’s not only teens, and it’s not just chins, foreheads, and noses that are afflicted. Adults well into their 40s also suffer from acne, and it can strike anywhere, especially the chest, back, and even our precious derrieres. How’s a girl supposed to send her beloved(s) posterior mirror shots if her squat-perfected behind is blemished?
Thanks to modern science we know that acne vulgaris, the zits and pimples on our faces, and Truncal acne, the kind on our bodies, are caused by an unholy storm of genetic predisposition, dead skin, sebum, and the presence of P. acnes, a gram-positive bacteria that prefers anaerobic growth conditions. (Just writing that sentence made my pores tingle and quiver.) Also thanks to modern science and dermatology, we know that certain exfoliating agents, in the case of Face Reality’s offering, mandelic acid, and Benzoyl Peroxide, an antiseptic known to be inhospitable to p. Acnes, are the best bets in battling the bacteria.
Face Reality has taken this idea and run with it. In addition to a full line of skin care, the brand offers four targeted products, clever duos for skin and body respectively, featuring two mandelic acid-based products and two benzoyl peroxide-based ones.
The Face Reality Mandelic Face and Body Wash, a sulfate-free gel cleanser gently exfoliates and brightens with chirally correct Mandelic Acid, the ever more popular of the AHAs known for its smaller molecular size and a level of exfoliation gentler than the more common salicylic. The duo is complete with the Face Reality Mandelic Face and Body Scrub, formulated with the same chirally correct l-mandelic acid and cellulose beads to help unclog pores, improve tone and texture.
For serious cleansing and p. Acnes warfare, reach for the Face Reality Acne Face and Body Wash, a powerful gel cleanser that works to fight acne bacteria deep within the pores. If you need to go Def-Con 4 on bacne and butt pimples, the Face Reality Acne Face and Body Scrub, a scrub that contains acne-fighting benzoyl peroxide to help unclog pores and prevent them from clogging, is the product you’ll love. For those worried about the deleterious effect of plastic beads on the environment, both Face Reality scrubs contain the more eco-friendly cellulose beads, so feel free to scrub away guilt-free, though still gently – this is powerful stuff.
With so many products, a bacne-busting regimen tailored to your specific needs may seem daunting. It helps that these solution-driven duos and accompanying professional advice are available through Face Reality’s wide network of Acne Experts, most of whom offer Virtual appointments, in addition to in-person consults. The store locator found at least 10 such Acne Experts in close proximity to my usual haunts. After a few days of experimentation, I figured out my rhythm. I use Mandelic face and body cleanser all over most days of the week, with a dab Mandelic Scrub every other day. I save the Face Reality Acne Face and Body Wash for my evening shower every other night, and turn to the Face Reality Acne Face and Body Scrub twice a week. So far, so good. I’ll be ready for my next batch of booty selfies in no time.
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