Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting up to 50 million Americans in a given year. As we get older this unfortunate and prevalent condition can get worse, especially amongst adult women.

According to a study conducted by the AAD, acne affects more than 50% of women between the ages of 20-29, and more than 25% of women between the ages of 40-49. Marisa Vara Arredondo, founder of Phace Bioactive, experienced terrible cystic acne firsthand in her 20’s, leading her her to create the first line of pH Optimized Skin Care that has since cured her adult acne for good.

The 3-step system is comprised of:

Detoxifying Gel Cleanser: A scientifically advanced non-foaming facial wash, free of soaps, detergents and alcohol. Thoroughly removes surface debris and restores pH balance, while gently detoxifying, exfoliating and conditioning the skin, preparing it for optimum treatment results.

Clarifying Serum: A dual-functioning, oil-free serum for blemish-prone and aging skin. Designed to correct the symptoms of adult-acne including clogged pores, excess sebum, scars and uneven skin tone, while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Soothing Day Cream + Primer, SPF 46: A sheer, oil-free moisturizer + primer for soft and deeply hydrated skin without white streaks or oiliness. Designed to reduce the appearance of blemishes, discoloration and photo-damage while providing 100% mineral-based, photo-stable sun defense against UVA/UVB rays.

Here, Marisa shares her journey for creating the miracle product:

Where did your quest for clear skin begin?

I had terrible cystic acne as a teen, which lead me to experiment with anything and everything: buff puffs, soaps, scrubs, sulfur, benzoyl peroxide. Eventually I was prescribed antibiotics, retin-A, corticosteroid injections, and Accutane. The blemishes subsided for a period, only to return at age 22 as adult acne. I didn’t know it at the time, but I was stripping my acid mantle with the alkaline topical cleansers, creams and exfoliants I was told to use, and I was actually exacerbating my symptoms. And so began my quest for the perfect skin care system.

When was your lightbulb moment?

After graduating from Stanford University, I worked as an analyst on Wall Street for 12 years to research and invest in cosmetic, drug and biotech companies. There, I learned about skin biology, ingredient technology, and pH balance as it relates to anti-aging. In a meeting with the head of Research at Merck Pharmaceuticals, he taught me about the critically important role that pH plays both in formulating medicines as well as in skin products and the skin in general. This was my light bulb moment!

Why is balancing the pH so important to getting clear skin?

pH Optimized Skin Care® is designed to instantly bring your skin back into balance. The ideal pH for skin is in a mildly acidic range of pH 4.0-6.0. When skin is mildly acidic, its skin barrier remains in-tact, which helps seal the moisture in, keeping your skin firm and elastic, and also protects from environmental damage, as well as pimples and inflammation.

What is the biggest misconception in skincare?

That acids are bad for your skin. Mild acids are exactly what you want to be applying to your skin to keep it even-toned, healthy and youthful. Mildly acidic skin care, or pH Optimized Skin Care®, is formulated to effectively work with the naturally acidic pH of healthy skin. In other words, it brings your skin back into balance which means you will see a clear, even-toned, glowy complexion in the mirror.

On the outside, our skin has a mildly acidic pH of 4.0-6.0. Internally, our body has an optimal pH range of pH 7.35-7.45. To keep my internal pH balanced, I follow the alkaline diet: 80% alkaline/20% acidic. Alkaline foods consist of leafy green vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds…I try to avoid acid-forming villains like dairy, alcohol, caffeine, red meat, sugar, processed grains. Following the alkaline diet gives me more energy, better sleep, stronger immunity, and a healthy mindset.

Phace Bioactive Clear Face Kit is sold at Saks.com and retails for $112.