One possible reason why products may not work as promised is due to a common issue with the skin's protective barrier, known as the stratum corneum.

When dead skin cells and bacteria accumulate on this layer, it can become clogged and prevent active ingredients in skincare products from penetrating to where they are needed.

This build up can also result in pore-clogging oils and creams, further hindering the effectiveness of the product.

Often skincare products contain ingredients that block this layer:  

• Silicones 
• Fillers 
• Petrochemicals
• Mineral Oils
• Harsh Preservatives

These large molecules simply cannot penetrate the top layer and instead sit on the surface of the skin. Even products that contains smaller molecules won’t work if there is a layer of trapped skin, pigmented cells and bacteria to get through.

By using gentle AHA’s and BHA’s, and powerful antioxidants everyday you’ll notice a huge difference to the effect on acne as they are able to remove the trapped skin cells and unclog skin so that active ingredients can actually get to work.  

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) such as Lactic Acid and Glycolic Acid are often derived from fruit. They work by gently dissolving the bonds that bind dead cells, pigment and oil (the entrapment layer) to the surface of your skin so they can be washed away easily. Beta-Hydroxy Acids (BHA's) have a similar purpose, but they also help to regulate natural oils in your skin & can significantly reduce pore size. 

Not just any kind of AHA’s or BHA’s will be effective. Many are too harsh to use every day and cause dryness, sensitivity and reactions as they are simply not stable, have been oxidised, or are poor quality.

The best performing, well tolerated exfoliating ingredients are encapsulated.

The encapsulation process means AHA’s and key actives are released slowly in to the skin over 8 hours, so that the ingredients in your other skincare products can penetrate deeper and work more effectively. 

The microbiome is a complex ecosystem of microorganisms that live on and in our bodies, including the skin. When the microbiome is disrupted, it can lead to a variety of skin issues, including acne & rosacea.

Probiotics can help to strengthen the skin's natural barrier function, which in turn can reduce inflammation and irritation. Prebiotics, on the other hand, can help to create an environment in which the beneficial bacteria can thrive. 

Alongside true moisturisers like Low and Regular Weight Hyaluronic Acid, and Anti-inflammatories like Medicago Sativa, Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate (a.k.a PITERA^TM made famous by a certain skincare brand), they can all help to reduce irritation, improve hydration, and truly put an end to breakouts.

Clarifying Serum contains an exfoliating blend of 10% encapsulated Salicylic Acid, 10% AHA fruit acids, 1% Pure Salicylic Acid and essential moisturising ingredients of both low & regular weight Hyaluronic Acids, and the L-22 Lipid complex that prevents moisture evaporation, along side pre and probiotics Lactobacillus and Bacillus, and Chlorella Vulgaris Extract.

The 23 actives found in Clarifying Serum is safe to use twice daily (alongside an SPF like i • Solar™ Protect and Restore Invisible Zinc Lotion) as the active ingredients are encapsulated and supported by an abundance of naturally soothing ingredients which mean your skin will never become overwhelmed.

My Clarifying Serum is ideal for minimising the appearance of enlarged pores, discolouration, redness and fine lines without upsetting the skin’s delicate microbiome. 

REJUVAUS PRODUCTS CONTAIN ZERO:

• Silicones  
• Fillers 
• Petrochemicals
• Mineral Oils
• Harsh Preservatives

REJUVAUS IS PROUDLY:

• Vegan Friendly  
• Cruelty Free 
• Airless & Lightproof 
• Recyclable 
• Australian Made 

ABOUT DR GARRY CUSSELL

Dr Cussell is the founder of Rejuvaus Skincare and Rejuvenation Clinics of Australia.
He is a member of the Australasian Society of Cosmetic Medicine and has been a qualified cosmetic practitioner for over 45 years.

He is a leading cosmetic medicine expert in a wide range of non-surgical skin procedures such as skin tightening and strengthening, stem cell and growth factor skin, and skin repair lasers.