Image via Clearogen

While we're all sitting around twiddling our thumbs waiting for the so-called "cure for acne" SMT D002 in cream form, I'll settle for the next best thing: Clearogen, a new three-part acne system that claims to address not just clogged pores and bacteria, but hormonal acne as well. And for all of us adult acne sufferers out there who've scrubbed our faces with benzoyl, salicylic and everything else under the sun in vain, only to wake up with horrifying PMS- or other fluctuating hormone-related fallout, this new trio might just give us tired, weary, acne-fighting warriors some hope.

Here's how it works: according to the company literature, the products certainly make use of traditional antibacterials, but the creator, Dr. Alex Khadavi, also wanted to take into account that excessive oil production due to stimulation of the sebaceous glands by the hormone DHT (or, dihydrotestosterone)--mouthful!--is the root cause of hormonal acne. Bear with me here. So, to address this, the product formulas also incorporate natural ingredients intended to inhibit the conversion of testosterone to DHT and block it from binding to androgen receptors to normalize oil production. In other words, these bad boys contain compounds aimed at blocking androgen receptors, you know, so you don't break out and stuff. There's more, but I think we've had enough science lab for today.

Basically, I've been breathlessly waiting for my Clearogen to arrive (why, it's just like the old Proactiv days!) and I suppose, because I'm so excited, I just couldn't wait to write about it. Obviously, I'll let you know how it works out after sober, consistent use, but it's only been a few days and so far, I like it, and um, obviously, I really, really want it to work. Although, the cynic in me wonders if it really is possible to fight hormonal acne topically, so ahh...science tells me no, but if we're lucky, this new technology is magical, or at the very least, just plain works. Fingers crossed!