While acne can be painful, bothersome, ugly, and completely unpredictable, it can also be tough to treat and manage effectively because there are several different things going on at once that lead to a breakout. I have struggled for years to identify exactly
Let’s break down the 5 ingredients in the Smashing Good Pumpkin that address 5 DIFFERENT components of acne to make this mask the JACK(-o-lantern) of all treatments to avoid breakouts.
Kaolin Clay
Works by reducing the production of sebum (an oily secretion of the sebaceous glands) which helps oily skin remain smooth and dry
Witch Hazel
Interrupts the inflammation process which decreases cellular damage and swelling due to acne-ridden skin
Pumpkin
Fruit is loaded with
Contains antioxidants: Vitamin A and Vitamin C, which boost collagen production and prevent skin breakdown
Contains high levels of zinc which help control hormone levels and oil production to heal skin and prevent acne
Molecular size is so small that it is able to penetrate deeper in the skin when applied topically, allowing it to brighten ad dull complexion
Salicylic Acid
Effective chemical exfoliant which is often used as a “peel” because it loosens keratin
It is a derivative of aspirin, so it is anti-inflammatory for the skin
Anti-microbial = kills germs that cause acne.
Has the ability to penetrate into a pore lining and break up the cells which stick together and clog the pore, exfoliating inside the pore as well as on the surface of the skin which makes it effective for reducing breakouts including blackheads and whiteheads
Tea Tree Oil
Anti-microbial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal = kills germs which are a major cause of acne
Won’t over-strip oils from the skin. (Over-stripping oils from skin may lead to increased oil production and thus increased acne.)
Stimulates the immune system to promote healing