Frustrated by acne-prone skin and pimples popping up at the most inconvenient time? Before you go into a spin trying every acne solution available, our founder, Anna Lahey explains why combatting breakouts from within can deliver the results you’ve been waiting for. One of the biggest misconceptions about acne is that it stops once you out-grow your teens. Unfortunately, that’s not quite the case. Acne, as well as breakouts, blackheads, skin inflammation and oily skin can occur at any age. And while acne shows on the surface, the concern starts much deeper in the skin and body. So, when it comes to the best acne treatment, it’s important to address the causes of breakouts before they reach the surface. Adult acne treatment can take on many forms, from topical pimple creams to in-clinic treatments and medical prescriptions. Here Vida Glow’s founder Anna Lahey discusses the challenges of treating pimples and how our revolutionary acne supplement Clear can reduce symptoms of acne by 50% in just 3 months. This is everything you need to know about supporting a calm, clearer complexion and relieving symptoms of acne with Vida Glow’s latest ingestible innovation, Clear. What is acne? Acne is the most common skin disorder in the world. And it’s estimated to affect 9.4% of the global population, making it the eighth most prevalent disease worldwide. Acne is an umbrella term that can include pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, pustules, papules, cysts and nodules. These usually appear on the complexion, but can also occur on the back, chest and shoulders. Typically, symptoms of acne first appear in our teen years which we know are a result of fluctuating hormones. But they can also persist well into adulthood – and this is particularly common in females. What causes acne?  Acne can be brought on by several factors – like diet, stress, genetics, lifestyle, hormonal changes and medical conditions. And while the triggers of our acne and breakouts vary, the underlying causes are traced back to the same key factors: Excess or high production of oil, overgrowth of acne-causing bacteria and build-up of dead skin cells in the pore. How do you treat acne?  Acne is a skin condition that starts below the surface when pores become clogged with oil, dead skin cells and bacteria. This is why the most effective treatments work deep within skin. By supporting a healthy microbiome from a cellular level, skin concerns are targeted at their cause. [media-and-text-section-1] How does Clear work? Clear works on the gut-skin axis to target the primary symptoms of acne. Using 2-in-1 capsule technology, we were able to combine key vitamins, minerals and omega oil actives with our trademarked probiotic – AcuSolve™ – into one compact capsule. Together, these ingredients work to restore skin health and clarity by reducing the severity of acne and breakouts. What type of acne does Clear address?  We formulated Clear to address symptoms of mild to moderate acne, including hormones, diet and lifestyle triggered breakouts. And as an ingestible supplement, Clear has a systemic effect. Meaning it not only helps to manage symptoms of acne that appear on the face and neck, but other common hard-to-treat areas like your back and chest.  What are the key ingredients in Clear?  The formula contains a powerful blend of skin-clearing ingredients that work alongside key active, AcuSolve™. Including omega-3 fatty acids to help reduce skin inflammation and support skin barrier function. Zinc for its antioxidant properties. Vitamin A, which works like an ingestible retinol to support skin’s structural integrity and regulate oil production. And Selenium, to help protect skin against free radical damage. What is AcuSolve™?  AcuSolve™ is Clear’s trademarked active. It’s a probiotic strain that’s been extensively studied to help nourish beneficial gut flora. Linking calm, clarified skin to good gut health, AcuSolve™ works via the gut-skin axis to support skin and relieve symptoms of acne. What is the gut-skin axis?  The gut microbiome plays a key role in our overall health – especially our skin. When balanced, and beneficial bacteria in the microbiome thrives, it makes for good digestive function and healthy, clear skin. Our microbiome maintains homeostasis throughout the body. Meaning it helps to keep our body’s systems stable and functioning properly. So, if it becomes imbalanced, we can start to experience things like inflammation, poor digestion and leaky gut.  And often, our skin is usually the first indicator of this. The bacteria in the gut can impact things like skin cell turnover and different skin conditions including rosacea, dermatitis, and acne. More and more studies are linking good skin to gut health. And it’s this constant, bidirectional dialogue between our skin and gut that we refer to as the gut-skin axis. [media-section-1] What results will I see from taking Clear?  You can expect smoother, calmer and clearer skin.  With consistency, improvements in acne symptoms can be seen from as early as 1 month. And in clinical trials, participants reported a reduction in symptoms of acne by 50% after just 3 months of daily supplementation. Will my skin purge when I first start supplementing Clear? Skin purging is a response to an active ingredient that’s increasing our skin’s cell turnover rate. It helps to heal skin and form new, healthy cells.   Clear contains an active blend of ingredients that target the main causes of acne. When you first start supplementation, these ingredients – particularly vitamin A – can cause breakouts to temporarily increase. But this can be a sign that the active ingredients are doing their job. Reaching their targeted site in the skin to push out excess oil, dead skin cells and acne-causing bacteria for a calm, restored complexion. Can I take Clear and Radiance together to brighten post-acne marks? Yes. Clear and Radiance can be taken together to help reduce acne symptoms and brighten discolouration post breakout. Can Clear replace all my topical acne products?  Acne starts deep beneath the surface but appears on the topmost layer of skin. Meaning topicals should still be an essential part of your daily beauty routine. We recommend a streamlined, topical skincare regime when taking Clear – like a gentle cleanser, vitamin C serum and a hydrating, non-acnegenic moisturiser. Use SPF daily, and if needed, incorporate a spot treatment to help calm inflamed pimples. How do I take Clear? Clear is a science-backed formula for real results. You only need to supplement one capsule a day to see visible improvements in skin. Take Clear with a meal, morning or evening, at a time that suits you best. Who do you recommend Clear for?  We formulated Clear as a tangible, convenient solution for those dealing with acne, breakouts, blackheads, skin inflammation and oily skin. And while we don’t recommend Clear for pregnant and breastfeeding women, it is suitable for those 15 years and above looking to address these concerns.