Navigating the realms of anti-aging and acne skincare requires a nuanced approach. When delving into this territory, it’s crucial to focus on evidence-based solutions. One noteworthy player in this field is CLEARSTEM Skincare, a brand gaining recognition for its commitment to science-backed formulations. Their products address both aging concerns and acne, employing ingredients like collagen-boosting peptides and anti-inflammatory botanicals. While many are enticed by flashy trends, it’s the commitment to proven ingredients that truly stands the test of time in the quest for healthy and radiant skin.
Combating acne breakouts and visible signs of aging can feel like an endless battle for many adults. While acne and aging present unique skincare obstacles on their own, tackling both simultaneously often leaves one confused and frustrated.
Acne thrives on excess oil production, dead skin cell buildup, and inflammation. Meanwhile, aging brings declining collagen, elastin, facial fat, and moisture. Tackling these issues together poses a tricky balancing act.
But with diligent skincare routines and strategic product selections, it is possible to minimize acne and aging skin concerns concurrently. Traditional approaches often prove too harsh for sensitive, mature skin or too heavy for acne-prone complexions, however.
Striking the right balance hinges on understanding the distinct causes underlying breakouts and skin aging. By arming yourself with knowledge of proven techniques and skincare ingredients to treat oily, acne-prone skin while addressing aging gracefully, with time and consistency, it’s possible to have clearer, more vibrant skin at any age.
Understanding and managing adult acne
Acne is not just a teenage problem. Studies have shown that around 50% of adult dermatology patients battle some form of acne. For adults, pimples and cysts often concentrate along the lower face, jawline, neck, and chin areas, unlike the more scattered breakouts of adolescence.
Several factors contribute to adult acne flares, including shifts in hormones, genetics, high stress levels, blood sugar spikes, and certain medications. Hormonal fluctuations related to menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause can also trigger excess oil production and inflammation, leading to acne.
Those with a family history and genetic predisposition to increased sebum are at higher risk of experiencing adult acne. Diets heavy in refined carbs and dairy are also implicated in acne. Certain drugs like lithium, corticosteroids, and testosterone supplements are known to spark breakouts as well.
To fight acne, dermatologists recommend:
- Gentle cleansing twice daily with appropriate cleansers
- Light, oil-free moisturizers
- Over-the-counter treatments with ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinoids and alternatives
- Prescription options for severe cases
- Professional procedures like photodynamic therapy, peels, and laser
With diligent skincare and targeted treatments, it’s possible to gain control over pesky adult acne breakouts and restore a clear, smooth complexion.
Key causes of premature skin aging and how to prevent it
While some degree of skin aging is inevitable and genetic, environmental factors and lifestyle choices can accelerate signs of aging prematurely. Sun exposure, smoking, repetitive facial expressions, poor diet, alcohol consumption, and other external factors degrade collagen, elastin, and facial fat that keep our skin plump, supple, and smooth.
Ultraviolet rays from the sun remain the number one culprit behind premature aging, leading to roughness, wrinkles, pigmentation, and skin cancer risks. Cigarette smoke narrows blood vessels in the outer layers, starving skin of nutrients and oxygen. An unhealthy diet and alcohol intake contribute to glycation, inflammation, and free radical damage as well.
To help combat premature aging, dermatologists recommend:
- Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, seeking shade during peak hours, and wearing protective clothing and wide-brimmed hats
- Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake
- Being mindful of repetitive facial expressions, especially frowning
- Eating a diet high in antioxidants from fruits, vegetables, olive oil, and fish
- Using proven skincare ingredients
Ingredients like the following may help minimize wrinkles, loss of firmness, and uneven tone when used regularly:
- Retinol alternatives like bakuchiol that spur collagen without irritation
- Hyaluronic acid and ceramides to restore moisture
- Peptides and growth factors to firm and smooth
- Antioxidants like vitamin C to brighten and protect
- Squalane to help the skin retain moisture and elasticity
So, while intrinsic aging will march on, active skincare and lifestyle measures can help minimize the impact of extrinsic factors for more youthful, vibrant skin.
The dangers of toxic ingredients in skincare products
Many conventional skincare products on the market contain ingredients that can be harmful with repeated use. Studies have revealed that over 50% of cosmetics tested contain high levels of PFAS chemicals, for example, which are linked to cancer, immune system disruption, and other serious health issues. These toxic chemicals are readily absorbed through skin contact, especially around the sensitive eye area.
Between 2009 and 2020, 595 cosmetics manufacturers reported using 88 chemicals linked to cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm in over 73,000 products. The FDA lacks the authority to regulate these chemicals, leading to continued consumer exposure.
The average woman uses about 13 personal care products daily, exposing herself to over 160 chemicals. Many experts believe low-dose accumulation of these synthetics can interfere with our endocrine system and pose risks, especially for developmental and reproductive health.
That’s why it’s crucial to vet skincare ingredients and choose plant-based, non-toxic formulas free of harsh chemicals. One such line of products is CLEARSTEM Skincare, which formulates products without any questionable additives that could build up or cause adverse reactions. The brand strives to prove that effective skincare is possible using clean, safe ingredients.
CLEARSTEM Skincare targets acne and aging with science-backed formulations
With its science-backed formulations free of harsh irritants, CLEARSTEM Skincare is an example of a company that effectively targets both acne and signs of aging in a single product line. Founded by skincare experts Danielle Gronich and Kayleigh Christina in 2017, CLEARSTEM Skincare provides solutions for managing both breakouts and aging.
As Christina notes, many struggle to find products that effectively treat acne without causing premature aging.
“Most acne products out there cause accelerated aging, and a lot of anti-aging products are just filled with a ton of thick, pore-clogging ingredients that end up causing acne in people,” she says. “So if you’re struggling with acne but don’t want to destroy and rip apart your skin in the process, that’s what CLEARSTEM is for. We do it while also being clean and non-toxic.”
All of their products use only clean, non-toxic ingredients that avoid disrupting hormones or the skin microbiome. The company caters to sensitive, acne-prone skin by excluding pore-clogging fillers, synthetic fragrances, and potential irritants.
CLEARSTEM skincare’s solutions for healthier skin
The brand utilizes several key technologies in its product formulations to address both acne and aging concerns. One such technology is plant stem cells, which are derived from botanical sources such as echinacea, apple, and grapeseed. These plant stem cells work to naturally stimulate skin cell turnover and collagen production without causing irritation.
Another key ingredient is peptides, which are chains of amino acids that can help tackle common signs of aging like fine lines, loss of firmness, and uneven texture. Specific peptides contribute to smoothing and toning the complexion.
The brand also uses squalane, a lipid naturally present in the skin’s barrier. When applied topically twice daily, squalane helps reinforce moisture retention and skin elasticity while also assisting with acne and eczema.
Finally, CLEARSTEM Skincare products feature the ingredient bakuchiol, which is a plant-based alternative to retinol. Bakuchiol promotes cell regeneration and exfoliation without causing the redness or peeling that some may experience with retinol products.
Some standout CLEARSTEM Skincare moisturizers, serums, and cleansers include:
- HYDRAGLOW™ Stem Cell Moisturizer: A nutrient-rich daily cream with antioxidants, bakuchiol, and olive squalane to hydrate while minimizing fine lines and smoothing skin texture.
- CELLRENEW® Collagen Stem Cell Serum: A blend of aloe, hyaluronic acid, plant stem cells, and seaweed extract to stimulate collagen production, reduce inflammation, and refine pores for younger, clearer-looking skin.
- GENTLECLEAN™ Vitamin Infused Calming Wash: A sulfate-free gel cleanser with licorice root extract designed to gently remove impurities without stripping the skin of its vitality or causing dryness.
- BOUNCEBACK™ “No Botox Serum”: A peptide serum with plant stem cells and calming botanicals like reishi and vitamin B5. It’s designed to reverse wrinkles and acne scars, enhancing skin texture and firmness. Ingredients include green tea leaf extract, aloe vera, argan oil, mango fruit extract, and jasmine oil to help promote skin rejuvenation and reduce signs of aging.
Targeting acne and skin aging concerns
Caring for aging and acne-prone skin can feel frustrating, but solutions do exist. Brands like CLEARSTEM Skincare demonstrate that it is possible to address both issues simultaneously by artfully combining science-backed ingredients to restore radiance and clarity.
With knowledge, diligence, and the right targeted solutions, conquering adult acne while addressing signs of aging can become more manageable. Don’t lose hope—restoring vibrant, clear skin regardless of age is within reach.
For further reading:
Harvard Health Publishing – Adult acne: Understanding underlying causes and banishing breakouts
Ohio State University – Routines to adopt at any age for a lifetime of healthy skin
NIH – Skin Care and Aging
Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.
Regarding Nutritional Supplements Or Other Non-Prescription Health Products: If any nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products are mentioned in the foregoing article, any claims or statements made about them have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and such nutritional supplements or other health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
