For those who struggle with acne, clear skin may feel like a dream that’s always out of reach, but with the right skincare routine that uses high quality products, achieving clear skin may be easier than expected. Enter the MD Skin Essentials Acne Kit. This simple, four-step treatment system is dermatologist-developed to address the causes of acne and keep skin clear. In this blog, we’ll discuss the benefits of utilizing the MD Skin Essential Acne Kit for daily management of acne-prone skin as well as outlining how to use each product in this acne skincare kit to its maximum affect.
Why Choose the MD Skin Essentials Acne Kit?
If you walk down any skincare aisle at your local big box store or pharmacy, you will be bombarded with products designated as acne-friendly and those that promise clear skin. With all of these products available, why do dermatologists recommend MD Skin Essentials products? The easiest answer is that the products in this acne kit were developed by dermatologists who understand the skincare needs of those with acne-prone skin and what it takes to deliver desired results. The MD Skin Essential Acne Kit offers a strategic approach to clearing skin and preventing future breakouts.
Explore the MD Skin Essentials Acne Kit
Step 1: Cleanse It – A Deep Daily Cleanser
What it does:
The first step in skincare for acne is a gentle cleanser that won’t irritate acneic skin but will remove dead skin cells and cleanse deep into pores. MD Skin Essentials Cleanse It is a morning-and-evening go-to cleanser for removing excess oil, dead skin cells, dirt, sweat, and environmental pollutants that clog pores and contribute to breakouts without causing or worsening skin irritation and inflammation.
Key Ingredients:
The key ingredient in Cleanse It isn’t the harsh acne-fighting ingredient you might be expecting. Colloidal sulfur is a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory powerhouse that decongests pores without over-drying skin. It gently exfoliates, removes excess oil, and targets acne-causing bacteria, all while calming irritation.
Why it works:
Unlike many acne cleansers that strip skin and leave it feeling tight or irritated, Cleanse It’s formula is non-drying, fragrance-free, and ultra-gentle, making it ideal for sensitive or reactive skin types. It creates a clean slate without disrupting the skin barrier, which is crucial for long-term healing.
How to use:
Use this cleanser to start off your morning and evening skincare routines. Massage a small amount onto damp skin. Then, rinse thoroughly with cool to lukewarm water (hot water is drying). Gently pat skin dry with a towel.
Step 2: Control It – Clarifying Toner Pads
What it does:
Toners of the past got a bad reputation for being drying and irritating to skin, but the right toner is great for skin, especially acneic skin. MD Skin Essentials Control It uses pre-soaked toner pads to deep clean into pores, balance skin’s pH, and remove any lingering impurities left behind after cleansing.
Key Ingredients:
Control It combines alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) and beta hydroxy acids (BHA) that deliver a one-two punch to refresh skin. Glycolic acid (the AHA ingredient) is a gentle exfoliant that removes dead and damaged skin cells to prevent clogged pores. Salicylic acid (the BHA component) deep cleans into pores dissolving oil. There are also some natural ingredients that increase the benefits of using Control It toner pads. Witch hazel tightens skin and shrinks pores while chamomile and aloe vera soothe skin.
Why it works:
These toner pads combine exfoliating and soothing ingredients to address skin dullness and unclog pores. The anti-inflammatory botanicals sooth skin to prevent potential irritation that’s sometimes associated with toner.
How to use:
After cleansing, swipe one of the Control It toner pads over the face. If you have sensitive skin or notice irritation, stick with using the Control It toner pads once a day, but most people tolerate twice daily use.
Step 3: Minimize It – Targeted Spot Treatment
What it does:
In addition to the first two dermatologist-developed acne products, a more targeted approach may be necessary for large blemishes. MD Skin Essentials Minimize It offers a concentrated spot treatment that can speed healing of blemishes without irritating or drying skin. For spots where blemishes frequently develop, a small amount of Minimize It used a few days a week can help prevent a breakout.
Key Ingredients:
Colloidal sulfur makes an appearance in this blemish-fighting spot treatment. It reduces bacteria without harsh, drying ingredients common in acne treatments. As an added bonus, this spot treatment contains iron oxide that serves the dual purpose of protecting skin from light damage as well as creating subtle coverage to make blemishes less noticeable.
Why it works:
The slight tint from the zinc makes blemishes look better right away while the sulfur works deep into pores preventing bacteria from multiplying and encourages faster skin healing during breakouts.
How to use:
Apply a light layer of Minimize It spot treatment to blemishes in the morning. For overnight use, apply a slightly thicker layer and allow it to shrink blemishes while you sleep.
Step 4: Crush It – Nightly Treatment with Retinol + Salicylic Acid
What it does:
The final step in this 4-step acne routine, is applying a product with more abrasive actives to encourage skin cell turnover and healing. During the day, skin is exposed to environmental aggressors, so overnight is the best time to utilize these stronger ingredients. MD Skin Essentials Crush It is a retinol and salicylic acid acne treatment that clears blemishes during breakouts, prevents future breakouts, and even fades acne-related hyperpigmentation overtime.
Key Ingredients:
The two main actives in Crush It are retinol and salicylic acid. The retinol in Crush It has a time-released formula that increases cell turnover, unclogs pores, and improves overall skin texture while minimizing irritation. Salicylic acid penetrates deep into pores, reducing oiliness and decreasing risk for breakouts. In addition to these two main actives, niacinamide and ceramides support skin barrier health. Niacinamide fades dark spots and redness and supports barrier function. Ceramides close gaps in the skin’s barrier to strengthen skin and boosts hydration.
Why it works:
This formula blends abrasive ingredients to remove damaged skin cells and dissolve oil and bacteria with calming and soothing ingredients that support hydration and strengthen skin. Think of it as an overnight reset button for your skin.
How to use:
Spread a pea-size amount of Crush It evenly over the face. Don’t use with other exfoliants or products with abrasive active ingredients. To ensure skin tolerates retinol, begin by applying this product every other day.
Conclusion: Build a Smarter Acne Routine
While there is an abundance of acne products on the market, they are not all created equal. The dermatologist-developed MD Skin Essentials Acne Kit truly delivers on its promises. Whether you’re looking to address acne breakouts or maintain general skin health, DermSkincare has dermatologist-backed skincare products to help you achieve your goals. If you’re looking for more skincare tips and tricks from dermatologists, come back to read our blog regularly.