Excess oil, acne-causing bacteria and inflammation are the culprits, and you need to treat all three.

Unlike most other acne treatment systems on the market, Perricone MD Acne Relief selectively targets and gently treats all three causes of acne - excess oil, acne-causing bacteria and inflammation. Many other brands rely on harsh chemicals that just kill all bacteria, or aggressively strip your skin of necessary hydration, which can upset skin’s natural microbiome and lead to irritation and dryness. Rather than wash away all oil and bacteria, Acne Relief is designed to work symbiotically with skin’s microbiome to remove excess oil while simultaneously depositing hydrators that won’t dry skin out.

The microbiome is the skin’s natural environment, and it needs balance.

Believe it or not, your skin is covered with bacteria. By some estimates, ten times more bacteria than actual skin cells. You can’t see it or feel it, but it’s there. But don’t worry, the bacteria help your skin do its job. We call this collection of diverse bacteria the skin microbiome, which is skin’s natural protective layer that helps it stay healthy, calm and clear. Sometimes our microbiome gets out of balance, and in the case of acne, a certain type of bacteria called “P.acnes” grows out of control and can cause acne. Maintaining a healthy microbiome and balancing skin is key to keeping skin clear, healthy and functioning properly.

Understand the science and benefits behind creating a healthy microbiome and balanced skin.

The patent-pending science behind Acne Relief is our prebiotic approach, a system that adapts to your skin’s unique microbiome to target troublesome acne. Using naturally occurring prebiotics, Acne Relief helps your skin safely and gently fight back against acne without disrupting its natural balance. The result? An effective defense against acne-causing bacteria that promotes a clear, blemish-free complexion.

Below are some of the key ingredients in Acne Relief behind our prebiotic approach:

Sucrose is made from ultra-fine sugar and is a mild exfoliant that helps unclog pores and remove excess dirt and oil without over-drying or stripping skin. Sucrose helps support a healthy skin microbiome by encouraging good bacteria, and rinses off quickly and easily, making it ideal for gentle yet effective cleansing.

Citrulline was first discovered in watermelon, this alpha-amino acid visibly calms skin for a clearer, more even-looking complexion. Nourishing and soothing, it is an ideal way to counteract the drying effect of anti-acne ingredients.

Lactic & Succinic Acids are short chain fatty acids help quickly shrink blemishes by working alongside salicylic acid to attack acne-causing bacteria and encourage good bacteria necessary for a healthy microbiome. They also provide gentle yet effective exfoliation for smoother, more even-looking skin.

Niacinamide also known as Vitamin B3 and is found in foods such as tomatoes. This skin-clearing powerhouse helps to gently and visibly erase imperfections, unclog oily pores, and minimize the redness and uneven tone that can be left behind after breakouts by improving skin’s moisture barrier.

Squalane is found naturally in the human body but also can be derived from olive oil. It hydrates skin without making it look or feel greasy. This lightweight hydration is ideal for oil and acne prone skin as it helps maintain optimal hydration without clogging pores or causing blemishes.

Salicylic Acid is a beta-hydroxy acid and is considered the best non-prescription treatment for acne and oil-prone skin. It quickly and effectively exfoliates and removes dead skin which can clog pores and cause breakouts. Because it is oil-soluble, salicylic acid is easily absorbed for targeted, more effective treatment.

Retinol is an ultra-powerful, non-prescription Vitamin-A derivative that helps prevent breakouts by unclogging pores and accelerating surface skin exfoliation and renewal. Unique slow-release carrier system helps preserve this unstable ingredient and calm skin.