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August 29, 2006 10:02 AM

Review: Avia Spa Instant Gratification Blemish Remover

What They Say: "Say goodbye to embarrassing and frustrating break-outs!! Oily, Acneic and problem skin types should use this highly effective and gentle formula without interfering with normal skin functions. Active Ingredients include cinnamomum bark extract (soothing and balancing) and Benzyl Peroxide (reduces level of free fatty acids & skin infection, inhibits pustular formation)."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: This serum-type solution comes in a very generous-sized dispenser, especially considering how little you pump out at each use. While you can feel a slight tingle on blemishes, I didn't notice the significant shrinking that I hoped for. There was some reduction of redness, but I felt that after several applications throughout the day (tried on a few blemishes over a period of a several weeks), the blemishes were only mildly reduced a bit more quickly than if I had not used the product at all. Additionally, there was a bit of drying out of my skin on the areas where I applied it.

While this eliminated some rednesss and managed to reduce the size a bit after multiple applications, it isn't the miracle you may be looking for to eliminate the occasional blemish.

Retail Price: $25.00 (aviaspa.com)

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Review: Avia Spa Instant Gratification Blemish Remover:

Hi Melissa,

The majority of the benefit from any acne preparation lies in the salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide in it. Benzoyl peroxide is antibacterial, acting to oxygenate the environment around the bacteria (this is how it decreases the fatty acid production), and can also break down keratin, increasing sloughing off of older skin cells. Benzoyl peroxide can cause mild stinging, burning, redness, and dryness. Applying a good moisturizer can alleviate the dryness, and some hydrocortisone cream can also help. Of course, if the irritation persists or grows severe over a few days, always discontinue use of the product and see a doctor. Salicylic acid acts in a similar way, increasing sloughing off off older skin cells. It also has a mild anti-inflammatory effect, and won't cause as much irritation, but it isn't quite as effective as the benzoyl peroxide. A temporary fix for the blemish can be application of a small bit of Visine, which constricts blood vessels and decreases redness. Any other ingredients are largely auxilary and won't have as much effect as the peroxide--there are many drugstore products that contain benzoyl peroxide, don't be afraid to use them!

Stephanie | August 29, 2006 2:36 PM

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