Skin care much more than acne

MMR, July 26, 2004

NEW YORK -- While acne treatments continue to account for the bulk of the skin care business aimed at teenagers, young consumers today are turning to a wider variety of items to keep their skin fresh.

For girls that has meant a greater use of moisturizers and hand and body lotions. For both boys and girls there has been an upturn in the use of skin care products that protect them from the sun and elements.

Recent research shows that six of 10 teenage girls regularly use facial moisturizers and nine out of 10 include hand and body creams, lotions or oils in their daily care.

With this in mind, suppliers continue to bring new and better products to these segments.

Andrew Jergens Co., for example, recently rolled out Jergens Soft Shimmer Skin Radiance moisturizer. Described as "a new body cosmetic," the product is a blend of moisturizers and subtle light reflectors that work together to keep skin hydrated and radiant.

"This lotion is exceptional because it lasts on the skin throughout the day," notes Jergens spokeswoman, body makeup artist Joanne Gair. "When it comes to enhancing the look of your body the Jergens Soft Shimmer Skin Radiance moisturizer is an easy way to highlight specific areas, much as you would on the face with a cosmetic highlighter, while adding needed moisture to the skin."

While such products are helping to broaden teens' skin care regimens, there is no question that ache treatments remain the central focus for retailers and suppliers.

Market research indicates that nearly 80% of teenage girls use complexion care products, including acne treatments.

Whereas just a few years ago the acne care segment was confined to items to remove pimples and blemishes, today's offerings work below the skin's surface to unclog pores and kill acne-causing bacteria.

For example, Waltman Pharmaceuticals bills its four-SKU Zapzyt line of products as "the most effective product to treat this problem.'

The only over-the-counter acne treatments formulated with 10% benzoyl peroxide, Zapzyt products combat acne and blemishes while working to remove excess oil and unclog pores.

In the meantime, Neutrogena Corp. has developed Neutrogena Rapid Clear Acne Defense face lotion.

The product is a lightweight lotion formulated with 2% salicylic acid that is said to treat breakouts fast by reducing redness, size and swelling.

A spokeswoman contends that the product, used daily, can lead to clearer skin in just two weeks.

Blistex Inc.--marketers of one of the ache treatment category's mainstays, the Stri-Dex line of products--recently debuted Stri-Dex Clear Cycle Deep Wash, a one-week-a-month medicated face cleanser that is said to effectively control acne.

According to a spokeswoman, the cleanser has been clinically proven to normalize skin as it cleans deeper than most other medicated face washes.

In addition, the company has replaced its regular-strength face pads with vitamin-enriched Stri-Dex Essential Care Pads.

In addition to being fortified with vitamins, the new pads are said to contain twice as much acne-fighting medication as the "regular" or "gentle" formulas.

"Pads continue to be very popular with teens because they are so easy to use," says dermatologist Charles Zugerman, who is acting as a Stri-Dex spokesman. "Any formula improvement is welcome news from a medical perspective, since the real challenge is convincing and reminding teens that they need to use acne products consistently if they want to achieve noticeable results."