Regardless of when it occurs, acne can have a significant impact on an individual’s physical and mental well-being where both discomfort and stigma around the condition can lead to depression and anxiety, low self-esteem, poor self-image, and a sense of lonelinessb.
In the last two decades, consumers’ expectations towards skin and acne care have evolved. Old solutions no longer resonate. Consumers are looking for innovation; new formulas and new textures; more convenient multifunctional products; natural solutions and easier skin care regimes.
They are also looking for options that help address the significant emotional impacts of acne, that normalize the condition and integrate acne treatment into their regular beauty and wellness routine.
As we rethink acne across generations, the most successful brands will be the ones who can not only create skin relief but who offer excitement, nourishing self-care rituals and even bring joy.
Acne is a Lifelong Concern
While it is often viewed as a rite of passage during the awkward adolescent years, acne can persist well into adulthood.Vantage
Acne Unfiltered: Breaking the Stigma
Today, skin-care solutions can play a role in breaking the stigma that surrounds the skin condition, by creating options that not only treat acne but are part of an overall beauty and wellness routine. By normalizing and giving visibility to the condition, mental health side effects like depression, anxiety or low self-esteem can be addressed through a holistic approach to acne.
Some brands are building supportive communities around the condition where consumers can share their individual experiences. The Envio Skin Health brandc, for example, has launched a range of pharmaceutical-grade skin care that is paired with free mental health care to holistically treat the “internal and external causes ” of those suffering from acne.
Brands are also supporting self-care by incorporating acne-focused solutions into larger skincare and wellness routines. Jori’s Daily Leave-On Acne Treatment Mask puts these principles into action, offering consumers a product that can treat pimples as a spot treatment or as a leave-on mask for day or overnight use. Its core micronized 2.5% benzoyl peroxide addresses acne resulting from hormones, diet, stress and other issues that typically impact adult acne sufferers.
Vantage formulators have created a range of skincare solutions that can support stigma-free acne care routines. The “Glow for the Gold” Exfoliating Powder is a transformative exfoliant powder featuring biodegradable, exfoliating JOJOBA SCRUBEADS®; BP-SA NIACINAMIDE SALICYLATE COMPLEX to gently address acne and hyperpigmentation; and two encapsulated technologies, LIPOBEAD® PINK PRINCESS, a delivery system for vitamins A, E and C, and LIPOBEAD GOLDEN PEARL, a delivery system for jojoba oil. This conceptual prototype not only treats acne, but its attractive appearance also puts the “fun” in functional.
Taking inspiration from clear aqua gels and gel patches, Vantage has formulated the Spot On Acne Treatment. Designed to be worn under makeup or sunscreen, the transparent acne formulation uses actives CURAZELIC® 44 and CURCYLIC® 40. Combining nature with science, the product also features ingredients for hydration, skin barrier and anti-inflammation with its BIOSIGNALTM LIPID 10 and jojoba-ester-rich LIPONATE® JOJOBA NATFILM.
“At Vantage, we’re reimagining acne treatment solutions by creating ingredients that bring a positive focus to an acne routine,” says Beto Pino, Vice President of Product Innovation & Technical Marketing, Vantage. “Studies show that 58% of U.S. consumers believe beauty brands can help with destigmatizing chronic skin conditions through their market appeal and audience. We are helping to provide both active ingredients and traditional exfoliants to support this consumer demand.”
Clear for All: Inclusive Acne Care
“The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists finds that acne affects about 40% of women during pregnancy,” says Beto Pino, Vice President of Product Innovation & Technical Marketing, Vantage.Vantage
Kanu Skincare for example offers acne and dark spot solutions for women of color, while Y’our offers a skin care system designed specifically for pregnancy acne. These brands demonstrate the importance of listening to customers and developing new products that make lives better.
Vantage has tackled inclusive care for acne with concept formulations such as the Glow Skin Essence serum formulation which features gentle acne defense through its BP-SA NIACINAMIDE SALICYLATE COMPLEX as well as the skin brightening ILLUMINATE EFX hydroxycinnamic acid. This formulation also appeals to the consumer for its skin nourishing effect thanks to the moisturizing and anti-aging hyaluronic acid triple threat BP-TRILURONIC ACID POWDER, and anti-inflammaging STRATAPHIX® POLY.
Offering universal efficacy with anti-acne care powered by its CURAZELIC® 44 and CURCYLIC 40, the company’s All Over Body Acne Mist body treatment spray, also offers with inflammaging defense via botanically derived STRATAPHIX POLY, which addresses aggressors such as chemicals and UV exposure.
“A significant number of consumers still struggle to find solutions that meet their specific needs,” says Pino. “Take pregnant women for example. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists finds that acne affects about 40% of women during pregnancy. Retinoid treatments are not an option, and skin dryness during pregnancy can make some treatments less tolerable. Developing products or a routine that can adapt to these specific skin needs during pregnancy, or any other significant hormonal transition is a good strategy to address this part of the market.”
Beyond Acne: Pre- & Post-care Solutions
Preventative acne care addresses the root causes of acne before it becomes a significant issue, aiming to reduce the occurrence and severity of future breakouts. Post-acne care, meanwhile, promotes healthy skin healing to prevent scarring and restore consumers’ confidence after breakouts. These proactive practices can go a long way to boosting individuals’ confidence, self-esteem and clear appearance.
TheInkeyList, for instance, offers the Scar, Mark and Wrinkle Solution, a retinol-rich formulation designed to diminish the appearance of post-acne scars and marks, as well associated discoloration, while Clearstem Skincare’s hair care brand extension recently put a prevention premium on formulations that are free of pore-cloggers that can cause acne breakouts. These creative solutions can help prevent a source of blemishes that is often overlooked.
To address preventative care, Vantage has developed the Clean Slate Makeup Remover formulation. Combining acne treatment technology BP-SA NIACINAMIDE SALICYLATE COMPLEX and CURAZELIC 44, with DISTINCTIVE COCONUT WATER CLEAR, provides a formulation that incorporates both nutrients and antioxidants for the inhibition of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), skin brightening benefits and free radical defense. The formulation also incorporates hydration-boosting METAUPONTM EZ AMIBIO and skin-purifying LIPOBEAD DETOX with COCONUT CHARCOAL.
For post-acne care, Vantage has developed Skin Revival Resurfacing Treatment which features the highly effective CUROXYL® 42 gel, a patented, aqueous based, micronized benzoyl peroxide dispersion (40%), hydrating and skin-barrier-supporting LIPONATE® JOJOBA 20, vegan skin protector TEXTRONTM OLIVE SQUALANE, and skin-brightening ILLUMINATE EFX.
“Studies have shown that many customers prefer using products that improve their overall skin health rather than having to address a specific concern,” says Pino. “A robust healthy beauty routine may recommend the use of mild face cleansers combined with beta hydroxy acids (BHA) or alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) with highly moisturizing ingredients to prevent skin dryness. Healthy skin can be achieved by ensuring skin cell turnover occurs at an appropriate pace using a mild cleansing and exfoliation routine. Keeping pores clear of excessive sebum and dead cells helps prevent C. acnes proliferation and reduces the risk of inflammation.”
Kick-start Your Acne Care Innovation
Modern, inclusive acne care is essential to address diverse skin types and concerns, ensuring equitable access to effective treatments. It acknowledges acne’s impact beyond adolescence, adapting to hormonal changes, lifestyle factors, and more. By prioritizing a new era of innovation, acne care can promote confidence and holistic well-being for everyone. Consumers are watching the market for anti-acne solutions that deliver enhanced efficacy and a positive experience. Be part of the change by developing new products and regimes that make skin healthier and improve overall wellbeing.
Ready to get started on your innovation journey? Visit https://personalcare.vantagegrp.com/
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