Q: What is acne?

A: Acne is an extremely common skin condition that causes blackheads, pimples, pustules (pus-filled bumps) and redness and can lead to scarring and discoloration if left untreated.

There are two other types of acne that are less common but still seen by dermatologists daily: Cysts and Nodules.

• Cystic Acne and Nodules are the most severe type of acne and are the largest, hardest bumps underneath the surface of the skin that can last for several weeks, even months. Unlike most whiteheads and blackheads, nodules can last long enough to injure skin and leave scars behind. For this reason, individuals should be very careful when they treat nodules. It is highly recommended that you consult a dermatologist to treat cystic acne and nodules.

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Q: How common is acne?

A: Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States. Almost 90% of teenagers suffer from acne at some point, as their bodies are transitioning through rapid hormonal changes. However, more and more adults are beginning to see acne develop for the first time. Return to top

Q: Why do individuals get acne later in adulthood?

A: Acne is becoming more and more common in adults. A growing number of women have acne in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond. No matter the age, if the body’s hormonal levels fluctuate, it can lead to breakouts. Even women that are going through menopause may experience acne due to hormonal fluctuations. Return to top

Q: Are there different types of acne?

A: Yes. There are two main types of acne: Inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne. Inflammatory acne includes the development of papules and pustules. Non-inflammatory acne, known as comedonal acne, includes the appearance of closed and open comedones.

• Papules: are hard, red, and elevated bumps that form deep in the surface of the skin (sometimes patients confuse papules with cysts, which are deep-seated tender lumps that often take weeks to resolve).
• Pustules: are similar to Papules but occasionally fill with visible bacterial residue at the peak of the elevated inflamed bump. These cause the much concern for acne patients as they are highly visible.
• Open Comedones: commonly called blackheads are when pores fill too much with oil and dead skin cells but remain open (no inflammation).
• Closed Comedones: are when pores fill too much with oil and dead skin cells but remain closed filling with bacterial residue. There is no elevation of the bump (no inflammation).

There are two other less common types of acne: Cysts and nodules.

• Cystic Acne and Nodules are the most severe type of acne and are the largest, hardest bumps underneath the surface of the skin that can last for several weeks, even months. Unlike most whiteheads and blackheads, nodules can last long enough to injure skin and leave scars behind. For this reason, individuals should be very careful when they treat nodules. It is highly recommended that you consult a dermatologist to treat cystic acne and nodules.

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Q: What are the main causes of acne?

A: There are three main causes of acne as observed by dermatologists:
1) Hyperseborrhea or Excess Oil
2) Hyperkeratinization or Excess Dead Skin Cells (clogging pores)
3) Acne Bacteria (Germs that specifically target the oil in a clogged pore and grow to cause acne) Return to top

Q: How do dermatologists treat acne?

A: Dermatologists use topical treatments to reduce excess oil on the surface of the skin and unclog pores by clearing away dead skin cells. They also use topical treatments to kill acne-causing triggers deep in the pores. In certain cases medications like oral antibiotics are prescribed to help with inflammation and redness associated with acne. They can even recommend medication to control the hormonal shifts that cause excessive oil production. Return to top

Q: What makes Effaclar an effective treatment for acne?

A: The Effaclar Acne System has been developed with dermatologist to target the 3 main causes of acne: Hyperseborrhea/excess oil, hyperkeratinization/clogged pores, and acne deep in the surface of the skin. The Effaclar Acne System has three unique products that were formulated with dermatologist to work synergistically and clinically reduce up to 60% of acne in just 10 days, with continuous improvement week after week. It starts with the Medicated Gel Cleanser with Salicylic Acid and exclusive Lipo-Hydroxy Acid to remove excess oil and dead skin debris one cell at a time for precise and gentle exfoliation. Next, the Clarifying Solution works deep to unclog even stubborn pores leaving skin refreshed and smooth. Finally, Effaclar Duo with Micronized Benzoyl Peroxide penetrates deep into pores to eliminate the triggers that cause acne.

• Hyperseborrhea / Excess Oil: Medicated Gel Cleanser with Salicylic Acid + Lipo Hydroxy Acid
• Hyperkeratinization: Clarifying Solution with Glycolic Acid + Salicylic Acid
• Acne: Effaclar Duo with Micronized Benzoyl Peroxide + Lipo Hydroxy Acid

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Q: What makes Effaclar gentle on skin?

A: Dermatologists recommend that any product to treat acne needs to be effective but also has to be gentle on skin. The Effaclar Acne System has been formulated with no harsh scrubs or microbeads that can potentially damage and irritate acne-prone skin. Dermatologists do not recommend harsh scrubs or even cleansers with microbeads as they can potentially make skin even more sensitive. The Effaclar Acne System has also been clinically tested to be suitable for sensitive skin. Return to top

Q: How is Effaclar different from other leading acne brands?

A: Effaclar is designed to treat acne effectively while minimizing irritation, which is a commonly seen side effect of other brands that do not focus their research on sensitive or reactive skin types. Return to top

Q: Will Effaclar work on my neck and back, too?

A: Yes, if you apply the system to your neck and back you should also see results, but it may take longer depending on the thickness of the skin of the treated area. Please note however, that the Effaclar System has been specifically formulated to treat acne on the face and the usage rate has only been tested for face only. Therefore, you may use up the system more quickly if you choose to apply to your neck and back. Return to top

Q: Are there medical conditions that would prevent me from using Effaclar?

A: People with a known allergy to Benzoyl Peroxide should not use Effaclar. Also, women who are pregnant and nursing should not use Effaclar, unless directed by a board certified dermatologist/doctor. Return to top