We have already discussed how our approach addresses the microbial imbalance created by our industrial lifestyles, so let’s take a closer look at the ingredients used in the Esse Clarifying Range and how these target the root causes of acne.
LIVE MICROBIOME SUPPORT
Probiotics and microbiome support are always at the top of Esse’s agenda. Lactobacillus has long been known as a healthy contributor to the skin microbiome. The Clarifying Oil includes 4 species of live Lactobacillus at over 1 billion colony forming units per millilitre. This probiotic consortium works to reduce the inflammation that underlies acne, while also improving skin hydration and speeding up the wound healing process.
YOU WILL FIND SOME FORM OF PROBIOTIC BOOST AND SUPPORT IN ALL 4 CLARIFYING PRODUCTS.
The sunshine vitamin
Staying with the Clarifying Oil, Esse has included another first in the world of skincare. Acne severity correlates closely with low levels of vitamin D, so ensuring that the skin has an adequate supply of this vitamin is important. Oral supplementation will increase vitamin D levels in blood serum, but the body is not trained to send it to skin, as this is the site where vitamin D is supposed to be made. In the Clarifying Oil, we’ve included an active known as Provitamin D (listed as 7-Dehydrocholesterol on the ingredient list). When exposed to sunlight, this active converts to biologically available vitamin D, helping to establish healthy levels of this essential immune regulator in the skin. Some unprotected sun exposure is necessary for this process, but the presence of this active means that around 15 minutes a day is enough to provide the vitamin D boost needed.
FIND PRO-VITAMIN D IN THE CLARIFYLING OIL
Nature’s answer to retinoids
Retinoids have long been used in the management of acne, but they’re associated with a high risk of adverse reactions – something best avoided in already-inflamed skin. Bakuchiol, extracted and purified from the seeds of Psoralea corylifolia, has been shown to deliver results as effectively as retinol, at the same concentration. The best part is that it achieves this with a much lower chance of adverse reactions – less risk, all the reward.
FIND BAKUCHIOL IN THE CLARIFYING OIL AND SPOT CORRECTOR
A little cleaning up
Salicylic Acid provides a means of managing yeast populations on the skin. Fungal acne is an underdiagnosed condition caused by an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast, so approaching this contributor to acne is important. Salicylic Acid also helps to loosen the binding between dead and damaged skin cells, helping them shed and reducing pore blockage. An additional benefit is that it helps to keep sebum production under control – acne skin is often prone to overproduction of oils.
FIND SALICYLIC ACID 2% IN THE CLARIFYING CLEANSER, CLARIFYING SERUM AND SPOT CORRECTOR
Vitamin boost
Niacinamide is a type of Vitamin B3 and boosts skin health on a number of levels. In connection to acne, it is especially prized for its anti-inflammatory properties, and over time it may reduce lesion occurrence and improve the overall texture of the skin’s surface. Although you can supplement orally, there is a chance that your body won’t absorb enough to provide an adequate supply to skin, so topical application is beneficial. Other skin benefits are numerous, so it is a worthwhile ingredient to include in your routine.
FIND NIACINAMIDE IN THE CLARIFYING SERUM AND SPOT CORRECTOR
For more info on each or the products in the Clarifying Range, click here
