The Impact of Face Reality Skincare on Acne Treatment and Skin Health

The Impact of Face Reality Skincare on Acne Treatment and Skin Health

The Impact of Face Reality Skincare on Acne Treatment and Skin Health
The Impact of Face Reality Skincare on Acne Treatment and Skin Health

1. Introduction

Acne is one of the most frequent reasons for a patient to seek professional skin care. While there are many resources on the web and in the mainstream press, there are many opposing views, which only add to a person’s confusion about treatment options.

Timely reviews of the biology and treatment options are sorely needed in the research community as well, given that there are many newer prescription products available and the increasing marketing of over-the-counter products.

Face Reality Skincare, an FDA-approved treatment option with proven results, has grown steadily in clients, beginning with referrals and great before-and-after photos. This successful product line deserves a second look, as it could be an excellent option for some patients who fail all other prescriptions.

The Face Reality Skincare line of cosmeceuticals and professional peels was developed by a licensed esthetician with personal and professional experience with stubborn cystic acne and scarring.

Face Reality Skincare was developed as a cleanser, toner, and acne treatment system using ingredients well-supported by clinical studies to help clear the skin and maintain post-acne skin. It has been shown that using such a system can help clear acne without resorting to antibiotics or Accutane 2.

2. Understanding Acne

Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States. Approximately 50 million people in the U.S. battle acne and other skin issues every year. Treatment options can vary depending on age, skin type, severity, potential side effects, and cost.

With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones to try first. To find a treatment that works for anyone, it is essential to start with the basics: understanding acne. The first step is to understand what causes acne.

Two factors contribute to acne: sebocytes producing excessive sebum (an oily, waxy substance) in the skin pores and follicular keratinocytes proliferating, leading to thickening of the pore lining and subsequent hyperkeratinization at the infundibulum.

These factors can be worsened by the retention of the comedones or unreleased sebum in the hair follicles, which then undergo degeneration accompanied by the proliferation of P. acnes. P. acnes colonisation is previously thought to be a necessary and sufficient cause of acne.

Inflammatory acne occurs when inflammatory cytokines produced in response to bacteria and microbial antigens invade and damage the follicular wall.

Additionally, this activation induces the release of proinflammatory mediators into the dermis, causing derogatory chemotaxis of inflammatory cells such as neutrophils and CD4+ T cells, exacerbating acne lesion maturation 3.

Acne comes in two forms: inflammatory acne and non-inflammatory acne. Inflammatory acne is subdivided into papules, pustules, cysts, and nodules, while non-inflammatory acne includes whiteheads and blackheads. Each type forms through different processes and mechanisms, but they all surface and manifest similarly on the skin.

Acne is most common during the teenage years, when the body is undergoing changes that increase hormone production and activity. It is a common misconception that acne is only a teenager’s skin problem; in fact, it affects people of all ages 4.

2.2. Types of Acne

Acne is a multifaceted skin disorder characterised by diverse manifestations that vary in severity, duration, and underlying mechanisms. The American Academy of Dermatology classifies acne into three primary types: non-inflammatory acne (open comedones, closed comedones), inflammatory acne (papules, pustules, and nodules), and severe cystic acne.

Non-inflammatory acne presents as skin-coloured or white bumps without inflammation. Inflammatory acne appears as pink or red bumps. Severe cystic acne, albeit rare, results in large, painful cyst-like lumps and potential scarring. Since each acne type is associated with different skin types, skin concerns, and backgrounds, it is essential to understand acne types to evaluate product effectiveness 7.

Acne is a common inflammatory skin disease that affects the young adult population. Surges in testosterone leading to increased oil production during puberty make the pilosebaceous unit susceptible to blockage by dead skin cells and the development of acne.

The aetiology of acne focuses on four key factors responsible for its development. These include hyperkeratinization, increased sebum production, a specific inflammatory response within the follicle, and the presence of Propionibacterium acnes 4.

3. The Importance of Skincare in Acne Treatment

The Impact of Face Reality Skincare on Acne Treatment and Skin Health
The Impact of Face Reality Skincare on Acne Treatment and Skin Health

Skincare plays a very important role in acne treatment. Along with focusing on correcting internal issues, which can be done with the use of prescription medications and supplements, a comprehensive skincare regimen is crucial in order to properly address external concerns.

Unfortunately, it is easy for products that are not backlist approved to have negative interactions with prescription medications, worsening the skin rather than healing it. This highlights the significance of having the right skincare regimen, one that focuses on the root causes of acne as well as the external symptoms 8.

Face Reality Skincare is a lot more than just a line of products and is often the largest component to seeing success in acne management. By utilising products that are backlist-approved (there are products from other companies that are on this list as well), the client will avoid products that will irritate the skin, clog pores, and cause the client to break out.

Face Reality has different lines of products that cater to the needs of different skin types, all with acne-safe options, giving everyone the chance to find products that will work for them.

Face Reality also has other methods of skincare that can assist with healing the skin, such as post peel skin care, spot treatment gel, and microdermabrasion, which can be done in conjunction with the regular skincare regimen 7.

4. Face Reality Skincare Approach

The holistic Face Reality Skincare approach consists of a different way to think about acne-prone skin instead of an acne treatment routine.

Rather than focusing solely on killing bacteria, reducing inflammation, or keeping skin super dry, the Face Reality method addresses acne through five key principles: avoiding pore-clogging ingredients, reducing excess oil production, encouraging normal cell turnover, targeting acne bacteria, and maintaining a healthy skin barrier.

Another hallmark of the Face Reality approach is that no one-size-fits-all answers exist; when it comes to treating acne, one type of product doesn’t fit all. This method isn’t about using just your prescribed products: It recognises the fact that everyone has different skin types, and combining skincare products for your specific skin type is vital in treating acne 9 , 8.

As such, there are different groups (or skin types) within the Face Reality method to address everyone’s skin. Understanding what skin type you have (or what combination of a few skin types) is the key to understanding how to properly treat acne.

4.1. Key Principles and Ingredients

The Face Reality Skincare Approach is based on 13 principles developed by Kim to actually kick acne bacteria out of the skin to create a comedolytic environment 8. These principles can be used as a guideline in developing a homecare routine for clients with active acne.

The key ingredients in the Face Reality Skincare line are topical prescription medications such as retinoids and benzoyl peroxide. Non-comedogenic OTC products include cleansers, chemical exfoliators, and sunscreens with zinc oxide. Additional products are offered for post-acne marks or to treat skin types more prone to rosacea. ​​

Topical Vitamin A (Retinoid) (15 products) Functions: cell-communicating, anti-inflammatory, comedolytic, anti-aging, and skin renewing. Tretinoin, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, is considered the gold standard in treating acne and is the most researched anti-acne ingredient 9. Benzoyl Peroxide (7 products) Functions: antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, exfoliating, safety, non-comedolytic, comedolytic, and skin normalising.

Over-the-counter products come in 2.5%, 5%, and 10% concentrations but 2.5% is effective enough to treat acne without skin irritation. Salicylic Acid (4 products) Functions: exfoliating, antibacterial, and comedolytic. It is believed to penetrate well and exfoliate the inside of follicle pores which is mostly where acne is formed.

4.2. Customisation for Different Skin Types

Each individual has a different skin type (i.e., oily, dry, sensitive, combination, etc.), and understanding one’s skin type is extremely important in selecting products that are effective, as well as preventing irritation and aggravation to the skin. Face Reality has tailored strategies and products for each skin type.

When seeing a client for the first time, the acne professional will ask comprehensive pre-skincare treatment and habit questions that help determine skin type and product selection. It is important to understand that skin types can change, and it is the professional’s responsibility to be aware of the signs that may indicate a transition from one skin type to another.

In addition to pre-skin treatment questions, a thorough facial examination is done. Face Reality has a facial protocol of four steps: visual examination while discussing skin care steps and products used; citrus cleanser with gauze for individual x 3; skin pH check; and skin texture testing with a ruler.

Once skin types are determined, the professional will educate and discuss with the client why these products were selected for their home care. A practitioner’s role is to educate and guide a client on how to achieve and maintain healthy skin 8.

Also Read: The Benefits of Natural Ingredients for Achieving More Even Skin

5. Clinical Studies and Evidence

The Impact of Face Reality Skincare on Acne Treatment and Skin Health
The Impact of Face Reality Skincare on Acne Treatment and Skin Health

Face Reality Skincare has amassed a dedicated following among skin care professionals and their clients. Formulated specifically for acne, the ten-product line allows estheticians to offer customised facial treatments with superior results compared with drugstore products in the same price range 4.

An early article, “Inside the Face Reality Skincare Line,” explains the scientific rationale behind these products and highlights their advantages. The main active ingredients are noted here, along with the corresponding products containing them.

The products are intended to be used in conjunction with clinical treatment and, therefore, are sold exclusively to licenced professionals.

Aestheticians interested in offering Face Reality to clients must complete a comprehensive training course, which includes information on product ingredients, formulas, protocols for in-office treatments, and necessary home care products 10. This course must be retaken every two years to keep up with new ingredients, research, and recommendations.

6. Conclusion: The Impact of Face Reality Skincare on Acne Treatment and Skin Health

Acne is a common skin condition, especially among teenagers, that can significantly affect a person’s self-esteem and overall quality of life. There are various treatments and remedies available, but not all of them are effective for everyone.

One of the newer acne treatment lines on the market is Face Reality Skincare, developed by a licenced esthetician and son of an acne sufferer, who claims to have acne-clearing results in as little as three to four months. This study investigates the potential impact of the Face Reality Skincare product line on acne treatment.

Face Reality Skincare is a 3-part system consisting of gel cleansers, acne medication products and treatment products. In a controlled study of individuals who solely treated their acne with Face Reality Skincare, a significant reduction in the number of acne lesions was documented.

On average, individuals experience an 83.5% reduction in acne lesions in three months using Face Reality Skincare. Results suggest that Face Reality Skincare can effectively decrease acne lesions on the skin surface 9.

There are various pathophysiologies of acne, including increased sebum production, bacterial overgrowth of Cutibacterium acnes, aberrant keratinization & comedonal formation, and inflammation. As of October 5, 2023, there are currently 12 products cleared for use in treating acne in the U.S.; of these twelve, only six would be applicable to the formulation of a skincare regimen. Each of the approved medications target one or more of the four pathophysiologies of acne vulgaris.

Daily skincare routines potentially can have a significant long-term impact on the overall quality of a person’s complexion. While skincare routines such as washing with soap and applying moisturiser may at first glance seem innocuous, the wrong products can aggravate pre-existing signs of skin aging 8.

Thus, skincare has emerged as a burgeoning business, particularly as it relates to the facial area, and media endorsed skincare regimens have been developed and advertised. In recent years, a lot of research has been invested into the development of protocols/products to promote a clear complexion.

Combined topical and oral antibiotics decrease the number of Cutibacterium acnes microbial colony-forming units (CFU) and are widely considered to be the first line of defense against acne vulgaris. On the other hand, increased skin irritation has been shown to cause increased hyperkeratinization, which aggravates pre-existing acne.

The double-edged sword of topical and oral antibiotics driving up antibiotic and C. acnes resistance, combined with a worsening acne severity due to hyperkeratinization from irritants, indicates the need for investigation into a different treatment strategy against acne.

References:

1. Murray C, Rhodes K. The experience and meaning of adult acne.. 2005. [PDF]

2. Tan J, Chavda R, Leclerc M, Dréno B. Projective Personification Approach to the Experience of People With Acne and Acne Scarring—Expressing the Unspoken. 2022. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

3. Cruz S, Vecerek N, Elbuluk N. Targeting Inflammation in Acne: Current Treatments and Future Prospects. 2023. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

4. Manfredini M, Sticchi A, Lippolis N, Pedroni G et al. Characterization of Acne-Prone Skin with Reflectance Confocal Microscopy and Optical Coherence Tomography and Modifications Induced by Topical Treatment and Probiotic Supplementation. 2023. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

5. Picardo M, F. Eichenfield L, Tan J. Acne and Rosacea. 2017. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

6. K. Clark A, N. Haas K, K. Sivamani R. Edible Plants and Their Influence on the Gut Microbiome and Acne. 2017. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

7. Fox L, Csongradi C, Aucamp M, du Plessis J et al. Treatment Modalities for Acne. 2016. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

8. Rodan K, Fields K, Majewski G, Falla T. Skincare Bootcamp: The Evolving Role of Skincare. 2016. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

9. Falla T, Rodan K, Fields K, Ong D et al. Safety and efficacy of a novel three-step anti-acne regimen formulated specifically for women. 2020. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

10. Garofalo V, Vittoria Cannizzaro M, Mazzilli S, Bianchi L et al. Clinical evidence on the efficacy and tolerability of a topical medical device containing benzoylperoxide 4%, retinol 0.5%, mandelic acid 1% and lactobionic acid 1% in the treatment of mild facial acne: an open label pilot study. 2019. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

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