Madelyn Cline is a cast member from Outer banks. She provided a skincare routine that has a few acne-focused products. So, let’s analyze, scrutinize, and learn from her routine!
Madelyn’s uses the PanOxyl Foaming Benzoyl Peroxide Wash. She says, “I’ve been using it since I was 13. I use it for my blackheads.” Cassandra loves PanOxyl. It’s a vegan and cruelty-free benzoyl peroxide that truly helps with acne, and the brand has different strengths. In the routine, she used the maximum strength one. Because the maximum strength one is more drying, Cassandra would recommend the maximum strength one for teenage acne rather than adult acne. Benzoyl peroxide works by introducing oxygen into the skin. Acne is anaerobic meaning it cannot live in the presence of oxygen. Likewise, when this Panoxyl enters the skin, it kills acne bacteria.
PanOxyl Foaming Benzoyl Peroxide Wash -$10.99
As mentioned before, PanOxyl helps whiteheads and blackheads. Both are caused by the same acne bacteria even though they look very different. Whiteheads are covered by a thin layer of skin, and they’re very inflamed whereas blackheads don’t have skin over the top. Once the acne bacteria is exposed to the air, it gets dark due to oxidation like an apple on a countertop.
So, Madelyn is right. Using benzoyl peroxide will kill this bacteria, and it will also help remove sebaceous filament (normal white stuff in pores).
Even though this is a wonderful product, it can be a little intense. So, another great option to use for this purpose is salicylic acid.
Biologique Recherche p50 1970 - $51
This is what she uses as a moisturizer. People have said this works pretty well, but Cassandra does not understand why this costs over $150. This has water, glycerin, and phenol. Phenol is a deeply exfoliating ingredient, and there is something called a phenol peel which is very intense.
Madelyn's moisturizer also has niacinamide, vinegar, magnesium chloride, lactic acid, and sulfur. The ingredients are very good. But, given that the ingredients are majorly diluted, this price is not justified. However, it is good to see a phenol product on the OTC market. It’s very rare to find this option on the non-medical market.
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic - $182
Madelyn really likes this serum, and it's a good product. But, Cassandra believes it has a strange smell. This includes vitamins C, E, and ferulic acid. Since the price is very high, here are a few dupes.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma - $78
The Ordinary Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F - $19.80
Maelove Glow Maker - $29.95
This is the best, less expensive dupe.
Perricone MD CCC Ester + Ferulic Acid 20% -$159
It’s a little more expensive, but if you truly want something that’s less irritating and penetrates deeply into the skin, this is overall the best dupe. And because it’s oil-soluble, it sinks deeply into the skin too.
Madelyn's Vitamin A moisturizer
SkinCeuticals Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment -$105
This product has a lot of active ingredients. Vitamin A is known as a retinoid. Vitamin A includes everything from retinol, retinaldehyde, tretinoin, and retin A. There's also a synthetic retinoid called Adapalene. Retinoids are a great addition to a skincare routine, but Cassandra doesn’t recommend this specific product because it’s not cruelty-free and very expensive.
Alternative suggestions for the Skinceuticals Brightening Treatment
Dermalogica Retinol Clearing Oil -$86
This is a great vegan and cruelty-free alternative to a vitamin A product.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal - $53
This is great for OTC retinaldehyde, a synthetic retinoid.
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion - $11.70
This is most inexpensive.
The Inkey List Retinol Serum - $12.99
This is inexpensive and OTC.
Versed Smooth Landing Eye Balm - $17.99
This is a retinol eye balm that you can use all over the face, especially if you want to use retinoids and get the benefits. Cassandra would recommend this much more than the Skinceutical Phyto-A treatment.
Dr. Barbara Sturm Super Anti-Aging Face Cream - $360
Cassandra thinks these products are really expensive. And if you're someone who‘s looking for effective acne products, but doesn’t want to overspend, this would be a pass. You shouldn’t be spending this much especially when the main ingredients are water, caprylic triglyceride, decyl oleate, shea butter, olive oil, avocado oil, and glycerin. There’s squalane, ceramide NP, and plankton extract, which are amazing, but you could get something similar and even better from Biossance. Essentially, while the ingredients are good, they are so unbelievably basic.
Dr. Barbara Sturm Sun Drops SPF 50 - $150
It’s good that she uses SPF, but Cassandra does not think this product is worth the price. If you look at the ingredients, it is one of the most basic sunscreens that you could get even though it’s in a nice, pretty glass bottle.
So, make sure you’re buying something because you know what’s in it, it works for you, and it aligns with your morals.
Clarins Double Serum Eye - $82
This product doesn’t state its purpose even though it’s very expensive. If an undereye product is for wrinkles, that’s very different than an undereye product for discoloration or even undereye bags. Also, do her under eyes look good because of this serum, or is it because she doesn't even need it?
Overall, Madelyn has a good skincare routine, especially compared to other celebrities. Cassandra just wouldn’t spend her money on a lot of the products she's chosen although they do have some effective actives.
Cassandra likes that Madelyn uses a lot of active ingredients, but if someone follows it directly, they might be using too many actives for their skin. Her routine seems to be geared towards texture or blemishes, but while this routine works for her, it may sensitize the skin of others.
So, make sure you’re buying something because you know what’s in it, it works for you, and it aligns with your morals.