the B. spot

Hey B spotters!

For all of you who didn’t know, last week was the CEW (Cosmetic Executive Women’s) Product Demonstration.  It’s a show where those who entered their products into the Beauty Awards had the chance to show off their products and let CEW members try them first hand.  It’s a beauty lovers paradise!!!!!

Of course, the Product Demonstration is best known for its swag bag- I get the chills just thinking about it:) But I digress…  I thought that it would be cool to go through some of the categories and let you know which products are in the running for the coveted CEW Beauty Awards Winner seal.  We’ll talk about the point of difference between them and what makes them interesting (or if they’re interesting at all;-D).  Since I left off talking about acne products, let’s start with that category and over time we’ll work our way through- shall we get started?!?!

Amala Purifying Blemish Treatment

This organic approach to blemish control is not actually an “acne” treatment because it does not use an OTC drug approved by the FDA.  Instead it relies on couple of botanicals with antimicrobial activity (like a preservative) to kill acne causing bacteria, propionibacterium acne AKA p. acne.  The two powerhouse in this product is tea tree oil backed up by ginger and lemon.  Tea tree oil has been around since the beginning of time and has wonderful attributes like antimicrobial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.  The downside is the strong medicinal fragrance that is pleasing to some and nauseating to others.  Ginger and lemon both have antiseptic or purifying properties.

Avon Clearskin Professional Invisible Blemish Treatment

Avon’s new approach to treating blemishes is to reduce the inflammation that makes the blemishes stand out (redness, swelling) by flattening the pimple with an invisible film while delivering salicylic acid and a zinc peptide complex.  How are they flattening out the pimple you ask?  They are using a film former that tightens as it dries; while it’s tightening the film is gently pulling the skin which “pushes” against the pimple making it appear flatter.

Burt’s Bees Natural Acne Solutions

BB relies on tea tree oil and salicylic acid to control acne.   Pore purging salicylic acid is clearing the path for tea tree oil to get into the pores and reduce the overflowing p. acne population.  BB also contains other soothing ingredients to offset the sometime drying effect of sal acid.  WARNING- this product has a good deal of tea tree oil and smells just like it!

Clean & Clear Advantage Mark Treatment

Combining the exfoliating power of glycolic acid and the deep cleaning of salicylic acid, Mark Treatment treats both acne the unsightly marks that come along with the territory.  Glycolic acid increases cell turnover to help get remove the scarred skin and replace it with healthier clear skin.  By removing the layer of dead skin cells, the salicylic acid has an easier time getting into the pores.

Dermalogica Clean Start- Hit The Spot

This is the first benzoyl peroxide treatment in the acne category, Clean start is packed with 5% bpo (chemist lingo for benzoyl peroxide)!  P. acne cannot live in an oxygenated environment (can’t survive when oxygen is present); bpo is an oxygen source thus kills p. acne.  With 5% bpo, they also included anti-inflammatories and moisturizers to prevent your skin from drying out!

Clearasil Pimple Blocker Pen

Geared toward a younger market, Clearasil has been the leader in the teen acne scene for years.  Not to be left out, they launched the Pimple Blocker Pen based on salicylic acid and unfortunately- not much else…

DDF Acne Control Treatment

DDF spared no expense with this acne fighting treatment thus the $42 price tag!  Powered by salicylic acid backed by an antimicrobial with moisturizing capabilities.  It also has interference pigments that are doing absolutely nothing at all for your acne but your skin instantly looks better.  Personally I see nothing wrong with a product that makes me look better while its treating my skin!

Dr. Brandt Vacuum Cleaner

Vacuum Cleaner is Dr Brandt’s answer to painful extractions.  Overtime, it gently exfoliates dead skin with glycolic acid and purges the pores of junk and gunk with salicylic acid.  It also contains ejitsu rose extract that tightens up the pores almost “squeezing” the blackhead out- gross but effective visual!

La Roche Posay Effaclar AI Intensive Acne Treatment

I always found the most effective treatments that I mixed for myself in lab contained both sal acid and bpo.  The problem with that combination is that it is not allowed by the FDA so although effective- its technically illegal.  So I was happy to see La Roche Posay working around the “system” and launch a bpo product with a “LHA” instead of a “BHA”- capryloyl salicylic acid as opposed to salicylic acid…smh…ok La Roche Rosay- whatever you say…

Philosophy On a Clear Day Retinol Clarifying Lotion

Another favorite ingredient of mine for overall skin health is retinol; combine it with salicylic acid and you definitely have a LEGAL winner.  Although On a Clear Day doesn’t contain sal acid (what a pity), retinol is pretty powerful on its own for a healthy glow and clear skin.  This would make a great accompaniment to your regular acne program.

Proactiv Clear Purifying Mask

This sulfur based treatment mask dries out existing blemishes while extracting all kinds of pore clogging, pimple causing gunk.  The only issue that I have with sulfur is the rotten egg odor- unappealing but it works!