By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter
Skin blemishes, such as pimples and blackheads, are always a concern among women who desire clear, smooth skin. It takes a lot of effort to keep the skin clear and blemish-free during the hot summer months, when pollution and the sun's harsh rays can wreak havoc.
Clinique, an international cosmetics brand, said that nearly 103 million people suffer from skin blemishes around the world. In a ``Global Truth in Beauty'' survey conducted by Clinique last year, women in Korea, China and Japan cited blemishes as their top skin care challenge. The survey asked 10,000 women in 12 countries about their beauty habits and concerns.
In particular, 40 percent of Korean women surveyed expressed concern about pimples, acne and other skin blemishes. Korean, Chinese and Japanese women also emphasized the importance of beautiful, clear skin rather than pretty facial features.
Blemishes arise when the skin's sebaceous glands produce excess oil and clog the pores _ clogged pores become unsightly breakouts.
To address these concerns, Clinique has come up with a new Anti-Blemish Solutions 3-Step System. It is a dermatologist-recommended approach featuring exfoliation to unclog the pores, control oil and blemishes and calm down irritated skin.
First, start with Clinique's Anti-Blemish Solutions Cleansing Foam, a gentle cleanser that is designed to remove dirt, unclog pores and kill the causes of blemishes.
The next step is the Anti-Blemish Solutions Clarifying Lotion, specifically formulated for blemish-prone skin. It exfoliates to reveal clearer skin and reduces excess oil that leads to breakouts.
The final step is the Anti-Blemish Solutions Clearing Moisturizer, an oil-free formula that hydrates the skin. Clinique said it uses a ``blocking technology'' that protects the skin from blemish-causing agents.
Clinique recommends using the Anti-Blemish products on the entire face, twice a day. ``It's important to remember that each step builds on the one before, providing skin with the best possible treatment. With diligent and consistent use, you'll see a real difference: skin becomes clearer, smoother and healthier, without irritation, tightness or dryness,'' Clinique said.
At the same time, Origins offers a line of skin care solutions to rid the face of blemishes and to help control shine. Origins recommends using the refreshing Mint Wash to cleanse the face, and Matte Scientist oil controlling lotion.
If you need an instant fix to remove shine on your face, use Zero Oil that creates a smooth finish for the skin and stays matte all day long.
Out of Trouble is a 10-minute mask that helps keep skin clear and trouble free. It contains Zinc Oxide, Sulfur, Camphor and Salicylic Acid which all act to slough off dead skin cells, smoothen skin's texture and remove dirt.