I'm well versed in the arena of blemished skin. I got my first breakout at 16 and have dealt with adult acne on and off ever since - it's a tragic tale to be totally honest. Acne can be disheartening, nay debilitating, effecting everything from your mood to your confidence. It's even harder for teenagers. The only thing (arguably) worse than acne is the minefield that comes with trying to find the right products to treat it. I've tried them all, from clay masks to spot gels and everything in between, all claiming to remedy my bumpy skin only to fall flat on their promises. It's a dance many acne sufferers will be all too familiar with, but Byoma is seeking to change things with its new blemish range.
Byoma's extensive research reveals that while acne primarily affects adolescents, with about 85% of people aged 12-24 experiencing it at some point, the rate of adult acne has also risen globally with a 10% increase worldwide over the past 10 years. And yet, even with the prevalence of the skin condition among our global population, there is a lack of innovative solutions on the market.
What is the Byoma Blemish range?
Flipping the script on age old single- ingredient remedies that go big on legacy actives like salicylic acid and benzyl peroxide, Byoma's new range (much like its existing line up) focuses on the formula that these hero ingredients sit within, which does much to protect our all important skin barrier – an aspect of acne skincare that is often neglected by harsh formulas that leave you dry, flaky, and irritated.
The Blemish range encompasses six products that span the face and body, so you get the top to toe experience – consider chest and bacne sorted, too. As the brand's first clinically-proven blemish system for all ages, it seeks to target breakouts as each stage of its life cycle, from clogged pores to post-inflammatory pigmentation, while healing the skin barrier. Each product is laced with Byoma's patent-pending Clearamide Complex, a barrier-first approach to treating blemishes, which is loaded with barrier restoring and anti-bacterial ceramide NP and phytosphingosine, sebum regulating ethyl linoleate, and
antioxidants hydroxycinnamic acid and rutin, as well as a clever cocktail of supporting ingredients that are specific to each formula.
Possibly the most impressive feature is the brand's telling clinical results: each product is proven to strengthen the skin barrier by up to 60% in just one hour, and reduces visible redness, hydrates instantly, and cuts blemish numbers by up to 74% for the face and body. With that in mind, I was eager to try this succinct edit of acne-fighting products that I only wished I had when I was 16. These are the products I rate most.
Shop: The Best Byoma Blemish products
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This creamy cleanser is packed with 2% salicylic acid, green tea and bakuchiol, to treat active acne and post-breakout scars, brighten, and sooth inflamed, angry skin.
Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'Cleansing is the foundation of your skincare routine, so I believe in paying close attention to the one you choose. While I'm usually one to opt for non-active loaded cleansers as I prioritise a calming, gentle and thorough cleanse, this cleanser has proved me otherwise. It is certainly gentle and effected at cleaning but provides an additional layer of defence. I also love how creamy it is, which makes for a really soothing experience.'
Pros
- Gentle, yet thorough cleanse
- Doesn't leave you stripped
Cons
- Not a good option if you prefer non-active cleansers
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The brand likens this to a 'chill pill' for your barrier, which works a treat on stressed and irritated skin. Featuring 70% heartleaf water (a K-Beauty hero ingredient), alongside chamomile and panthenol, it calms while leaving you deeply hydrated.
Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'I've once never really understood the need for toners, but since learnt that they are an effective way of getting really targeted with your skincare routine, I thank the rise of K-Beauty for making me privvy to that. If you've long struggled with getting on board too, this toner makes it a breeze thanks to its spray all-over bottle, delicate ultra-fine mist and soothing formula.'
Pros
- Ultra-fine mist
- Soothing formula
Cons
- Not everyone thinks toners are necessary
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Of all the products in the line up, this targetted solution to active acne boasts six major ingredients, pore unclogging 2% salicylic acid, impurity drawing kaolin clay, soothing camphor, hyperpigmentation-busting kojic acid, soothing cica and the brand's Clearamide Complex™.
Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: ' A targeted spot solution is a non-negotiable in my routine and this one is as impressive as it gets. It is clinically proven to reduce visible redness in 30 minutes and reduce the size of spots in 24 hours. It's a must in any acne-combatting skincare routine.'
Pros
- Packs six hero ingredients including K-Beauty staples
- Targets active and post-active acne marks
Cons
- Small size
www.boots.com
This moisturiser will seal in all the hard work. Oil-free, featherweight, and super hydrating, it packs 1.5% salicylic acid and bakuchiol to keep skin clear and balanced.
Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'If you prefer a traceless moisturiser that won't leave your skin feeling heavy, this is the one for you. It blends in with ease and dries instantly to an undetectable finish all while leaving skin hydrated and calm.'
Pros
- Ultra-light finish
- Clinically proven to instantly hydrate by 131%
Cons
- Might not be nourishing enough for dry and dehydrated skin types
www.boots.com
To complete the top to toe treatment, use this. The powerhouse formula boasts 2% salicylic acid,
bakuchiol, and a prebiotic complex, to control excess oil on the body and balance skin, while tending to post-blemish marks over time.
Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'This is what I call an effortless treatment for acne. It takes minimal effort to swap into your shower routine and makes for maximum results. I now no longer worry about pesky spots that could arise on my back, knowing this is doing all the hard work for me.'
Pros
- Helps to tacke acne top to toe
- Leaves skin hydrated
Cons
- Bottle not ideal for travel
Sameeha Shaikh is Grazia's beauty writer, covering all categories to bring you insights on the latest trends, industry news and the products you need to know about, viral or not (most probably viral).
