SkinCeuticals Blemish and Age Defense

The Issue: You're stuck in the middle... with skin that's still acne prone, but already starting to show signs of aging. Brutal combo... pick a team and play for it, face!

The Fix: SkinCeuticals Blemish and Age Defense exfoliant, a favorite of our expert, Miami dermatologist Dr. Debra Price.

Before we delve into why this product rocks, here's some background on how exfoliating works and why it's important. Dr. Price explains, "Exfoliating can refresh the skin surface and improve the appearance of dull, lackluster, aged and hyperpigmented skin. There are two categories of exfoliants: chemical and physical. The former contain acids such as salicylic acid, lipohydroxy acid and glycolic acid and the latter contains granules. Some exfoliants contain a mix of acids and granules."

Now, when choosing an exfoliant, Dr. Price advises that "it's important to consider your skin type and skin condition." If your skin is acne prone and/or showing signs of aging (yep, that starts happening in your 20s... WTF), Dr. Price recommends SkinCeuticals Blemish and Age Defense.

This product contains a unique blend of oil-controlling, exfoliating and pore-unclogging acids including dioic acid, lipohydroxy acid, salicylic acid, glycolic acid and citric acid. The best way to use the product, according to the company's website, is to clean skin thoroughly and apply a thin layer to the entire affected area. (Since this is a chemical exfoliant, rather than one that contains physical granules, you don't have to scrub it into your skin for it to work.)

Dr. Price reminds us that "an alternative option is mechanical exfoliation with abrasive scrubs, which can also smooth the skin surface, stimulate cell renewal and enhance the penetration of topical medications and skin care products. If you have acne, rosacea or sensitive skin you should choose a facial scrub containing smooth polyethylene beads or sodium decahydrate granule instead of rough-edged granules such as aluminum oxide particles or ground fruit pits."

Whether you prefer an abrasive scrub or chemical exfoliant, Dr. Price stresses that it's important to avoid overuse, as either can cause redness and irritation. She also explains, "if you are using a retinoid you will be more sensitive to mechanical abrasion and exfoliants and should consult with your dermatologist before using either."

Seems there's a whole lot to know about exfoliants... but if, like many young women, you're hoping to fight acne and prevent aging, this product is a great way to go. You can buy it online for $78 (for 30 ml). Yeah, it's a lot of pesos; but, like our friend's mom says, "You only get one face."

In Chicks' Picks, we present health-related, non-prescription products that address a common problem and that relevant professionals like. This is not a product endorsement or recommendation on behalf of ChickRx. Please use your own judgment and consult your physician before using any new product.