Overview
Kiehl’s has been in the business of beauty since before the U.S. Civil War, when the John Kiehl Apothecary, established in New York City in 1851, sold homeopathic and herbal treatments, oils and teas. Numerous fragrances, herbal toners, moisturizers and other skin care products developed since the apothecary’s inception continue to be cornerstones of this popular brand; in 1979, more than 100 Kiehl’s items were placed in the Smithsonian Museum as a part of its permanent collection of U.S. pharmacological products. A relatively new product, Kiehl’s Acne Blemish Control Daily Skin-Clearing Treatment, was released to consumers in September 2008.
Purpose
According to the manufacturer claims, Kiehl’s Acne Blemish Control Daily Skin-Clearing Treatment is an external treatment that heals existing acne blemishes, curbs whitehead and blackhead formation and prevents new acne lesions. The active ingredient in the treatment is salicylic acid, which is recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology and Mayo Clinic experts to treat acne topically.
About Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is the most commonly-used beta hydroxy acid (BHA) in nonprescription skin care products; for this reason, the words salicylic acid, beta hydroxy acid and BHA are often used interchangeably. Unlike alpha hydroxy acids, which are water-soluble, beta hydroxy acids are more soluble in oil, making them the ideal choice for oily, acne-troubled skin. Salicylic acid-based products–such as Kiehl’s Acne Blemish Control Daily Skin-Clearing Treatment–clear up acne by slowing down the rate of skin cells that are shed within the hair follicles, explains the Mayo Clinic. This results in clearer pores. Salicylic acid also breaks down noninflammatory acne lesions such as whiteheads and blackheads.
Cautions
Even over-the-counter topical acne treatments can cause undesirable side effects. The Mayo Clinic notes that these may include stinging and irritation of the skin. Like any other acne treatment with a similar active ingredient (such as benzoyl peroxide), a salicylic acid-based acne treatment such as Kiehl’s works only as long as it’s used regularly. Most nonprescription products contain between 0.5 to 2 percent salicylic acid; Kiehl’s Acne Blemish Control Daily Skin-Clearing Treatment has a concentration of 1.5 percent.
Proper Use
Wash the treatment area well before applying Kiehl’s Acne Blemish Control Daily Skin-Clearing Treatment. Only a thin layer of this topical is required. The treatment can be used between one and three times each day. The manufacturer states that if dryness and peeling occur, you should limit treatment to once daily or once every other day.
Where to Buy
Kiehl’s Acne Blemish Control Daily Skin-Clearing Treatment is sold in a 1 oz. tube and costs $30 (in April 2010). It can be purchased through the manufacturer’s website or at any Kiehl’s brick and mortar specialty stores. Kiehl’s products are also sold at Sephora and large department stores such as Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue.
