01 Acnigo Clear Cleanser

Benefits:                                             

The superior foaming properties of this black viscous gel has an elegant slip factor that thoroughly cleanses skin without impairing the sensitive barrier. Organic exfoliating fruit extracts decongest pores whilst the charcoal entraps toxins for exceptional skin purification. Leaves the skin fresh and clean without feeling tight and dry. Sulphate and paraben FREE.

Key Actives:    

The use of activated charcoal in the gel cleanser starts the detoxification process of your skin by absorbing excess oil secretions, neutralising environmental impurities and microbes and calming the inflammation associated with P.acnes bacteria (Turner, 2016).

The superior binding properties of charcoal have been utilised throughout history to treat chemical poisoning internally because it has a molecular structure that adheres to a toxin preventing systemic absorption (Cooney, 2016).

The same property is utilised for topical applications where the equilibrium of the skin’s pH is unbalanced and the researchers at Acnigo found that this innate absorption ability of toxins and chemicals, plus its antibacterial properties makes it great in skin preparations, especially for breakouts and oily-prone skin.

The combination of Hydroxy acids in this cleansing formulation gives your skin a botanical exfoliation without the mechanical abrasion of scrubs, leaving your skin thoroughly cleansed of oil, debris and bacteria.

Botanical exfoliators from the alpha hydroxy acid family of organic sugar cane, bilberry and sugar maple have a keratolytic effect on the skin effectively breaking down the inter-cellular glue that binds corneocytes together (Roberts, 2017). This is a major concern for breakout sufferers because the combination of excess oil and the proliferation of retained keratinocytes (skin cells), is responsible for disrupting this important skin function and results in congestion and plugging of the pilo-sebaceous unit (Draelos, 2016).

The addition of the citrus oils from Lemon and Orange Peel provides an astringent quality to the cleansing gel and are known for their anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial properties (Lawless, 1999). As an astringent, citrus oils are also beneficial in reducing the oil secretions on the skin whilst effectively neutralising the bacteria associated with acne eruptions (Battaglia, 1995).

Tea tree, lavender and chamomile essential oils complete your regimen for anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and cicatrising ingredients. Well known for healing and scar reduction, these oils have a pro-oxidant effect at a cellular level effectively breaking down the bacteria responsible for intra-cellular damage and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (Bakkali et al., 2008).

Hydration is necessary for all normalised skin functions and this is supported by the addition of hydrolysed wheat protein and vitamin B5, Panthenol. These two ingredients act as a humectant to bind and draw moisture to the skin preventing further transepidermal water loss via the inflamed barrier function present with acne (Draelos, 2016).

Acnigo Clear Cleanser is your ultimate detoxifier, neutraliser and exfoliator. This product will allow your skin a better capacity to heal and absorb the actives in your Acnigo Clear Serum.

02 Acnigo Clear Wipes

Benefits:    

Excellent and affordable solution for adolescent and adult  patients. Utilising two potent keratolytic agents to effectively deliver beneficial cosmetic skin care properties, promote desquamation and exfoliation, remove surface oils, decongest pores and break down follicular plugs, soothe and tone the skin to promote a smoother texture.

Key Actives:                

Active Ingredient: 2% Salicylic Acid (indicated to treat acne)

Glycolic Acid and Witch Hazel

(Gluten, Paraben, Oil, Sulfate, Colorant and Fragrance-free)

The two acids in the Acnigo Clear Wipes are Glycolic Acid (Alpha Hydroxy Acid or AHA) and Salicylic acid (Beta Hydroxy Acid or BHA). The action these have on the skin are different due to the chemical nature of each constituent. AHA’s have the ability to promote a more structured and organised epidermis which is important for a more robust barrier function and initiates the regulation of desquamation. This impacts on improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and is a major benefit when treating congestion skin (Kurokawa et al., 2009).  

AHA’s are known as hydrophilic meaning they are attracted to the water component of the lamellar bilayer of the cells. Once on the skin they gently go into action whereas, the BHA or salicylic acid component is lipophilic or lipid-attracting. The unique quality of a BHA in a formulation allows it to micro-exfoliate the follicular congestion and the oily presentation commonly found with oily and combination skin types (Monheit, 2013).

AHA’s and BHA’s are also a keratolytic agent meaning they work by breaking down the intercellular glue that binds dead skin cells together which promotes cell turnover both superficially and inter-follicularly preventing further adhesions and congestion taking place (Kurokawa et al., 2009).

The purpose of using these wipes is to further treat the multi-faceted presentation of breakouts and blemishes. The wipes can be used as an intensive cleansing step or assist in preparing the skin for the Acnigo Clear Serum by degreasing the skin’s surface allowing for better penetration of the active constituents of the formulation.

03 Acnigo Clear Serum

Benefits:

The combination of potent antioxidants, Vitamin A and B3 (niacinamide) together with botanical extracts specifically selected for their calming and healing properties, clears and soothes inflammation whilst treating the bacteria and damage associated with this condition.

In a hydrating and healing base of Aloe Vera, vitamin A and B3 are scientifically proven to have a normalising effect on keratinocyte proliferation and desquamation and also works to prevent post inflammatory hyperpigmentation associated with scarring and infection (Draelos, 2016).

Key Actives:

The combination of Retinaldehyde and Niacinamide work like a prescription without the negative side effects. Retinaldehyde is one of the variants of retinol and has proven comedolytic properties which significantly reduces comedone formation and follicular congestion (Bukesh et al., 2016). Retinaldehyde is known as the more stable form of vitamin A and is non-irritating and is also safe to use during pregnancy.

Used for normalising and regulating keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation (Graf, 2005), the mechanism of action of this ingredient includes up-regulation of collagen synthesis, regulation of healthy angiogenesis, modulates the skin’s immune responses, anti-inflammatory, inhibits tyrosinase activity impacting on melanosome transfer and pigmentary changes, and has mild anti-bacterial effects (Draelos, 2016).

Niacinamide or vitamin B3 is a necessary nutrient and is involved in many biochemical processes. When used in the Acnigo Clear Serum, the potential for optimum wound healing, scar prevention and pigmentation regulation are optimised. Niacinamide benefits the skin by inhibiting excess oil production, diglycerides, triglycerides and fatty acids effectively reducing acne, pore size and improving texture and colour (Berson et al., 2014).

It also has known anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting cytokines associated with acne inflammation (Draelos, 2016). Collagen production is increased and a stabilising of the excess dermal GAG’s (glycosaminoglycans) is another benefit of niacinamide. The reduction of pigmentation occurs due to the inhibition of melanocyte transfer preventing pigment from reaching the keratinocytes and a reduction of oxidative stress is due to the anti-oxidant property of this ingredient (Berson et al., 2014).

The base for the serum is Aloe Vera and this is a well known humectant with moisture-binding and anti-oxidant properties. This ingredient has been hand selected to assist in the delivery of the active ingredients and to also act as a hydrating agent which superior wound healing capabilities (Draelos, 2016). The suspension of other botanical extracts in this gel serum such as marine collagen, tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E), red algae, rosehip and evening primrose oil, make up a skin firming and healing cocktail that encourages a normalisation of cellular functions and active repair.

References

Bakkali, F., Averbeck, S., Averbeck, D., & Idaomar, M. (2008). Biological effects of essential oils – A review. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 46(2), 446-475. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2007.09.106

Battaglia, S. (1995). The complete guide to aromatherapy. Brisbane, Queensland: The Perfect Potion Pty Ltd.

Chaudhary, M. K., & Chaudhary, M. (2016). A review of treatment options for acne vulgaris. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 5(7), 524-575.

Cooney, D. O. (2016). Activated charcoal: Antidote, remedy and health aid (2nd ed.).

Farris, P. K. (2014). Niacinamide: A topical vitamin with wide-ranging skin appearance benefits. In Cosmeceuticals and cosmetic practice (1st ed., pp. 103-112). Oxford, UK: Wiley-Blackwell.

In Draelos, Z. K. (2016). Cosmetic dermatology: Products and procedures (2nd ed.). John Wiley & Sons, 2015.

In Sivamani, R. K., In Jagdeo, J. R., In Elsner, P., & In Maibach, H. I. (2016). Cosmeceuticals and active cosmetics: Drugs versus cosmetics.

Kurokawa, I., Danby, F. W., Ju, Q., Wang, X., Xiang, L. F., Xia, L., … Zouboulis, C. C. (2009). New developments in our understanding of acne pathogenesis and treatment. Experimental Dermatology, 18(10), 821-832. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0625.2009.00890.x

Lawless, J. (1999). The illustrated encyclopedia of essential oils: The complete guide to the use of oils in aromatherapy and herbalism. Shaftsbury, Dorset: Element Books Limited.

MONHEIT, G. (2013). Commentary: Salicylic Acid Peels Versus Jessner?s Solution Peels for Acne Vulgaris: A Comparative Study. Dermatologic Surgery, 39(2), 253-254. doi:10.1111/j.1524-4725.2012.02458.x

Raut, J. S., & Karuppayil, S. M. (2014). A status review on the medicinal properties of essential oils. Industrial Crops and Products, 62, 250-264. doi:10.1016/j.indcrop.2014.05.055

Robert, B. H. (2017). Textbook of Cosmetic Dermatology (5th ed.). CRC Press.