The Lowdown With Lisa Leigh!

We asked skincare regulation expert & Peace Out consultant, Lisa Leigh, to give us the down low on our OTC (over-the-counter) Acne Dots––what makes them different, the importance of OTC-level active ingredients, and how they work...fast!

Lisa's an entrepreneur, attorney, and founder of Amplify the Drop, a sustainability and compliance consulting firm that works directly with beauty brands! Since she joins the Peace Out team with extensive experience in the FDA-regulated cosmetic & drug industry, we consider her our in-house expert on clean, over-the-counter ingredients! 

Here's what she had to say about our Acne Dots: 

Let's break down the basics––what is the difference between a cosmetic skincare product vs. an 'OTC' or 'over-the-counter'  topical skincare drug product? 

“Whether a product is a cosmetic or a drug is determined by a product's intended use.  

The FDA defines the intended use of a cosmetic as to be ‘applied to the body to cleanse, beautify or alter the appearance’–– things like skin moisturizers, perfumes, lipsticks, makeup, cleansers etc. 

The FDA defines the intended use of an over-the-counter topical drug ‘as to cure, mitigate, treat or prevent a disease.’ Peace Out’s Acne Dots are considered an over-the-counter topical drug.”

Can a product be both a cosmetic AND a drug?  

“Yes, Peace Out’s Acne Dots are both a cosmetic and a drug because their intended use is not only to ‘beautify’ by providing clearer-looking skin, but they also heal breakouts, which is the treatment of a functional disease (acne).”

So, what makes Peace Out’s Acne Dots different from other patches on the market? Is it their OTC-levels of acne-fighting ingredients?

“There are a few reasons why Peace Out Acne Dots stand out above others on the market. First, Peace Out’s dots are clear, so they can be used on almost any type of skin tone and not be visible. I’ve walked out of my front door before with a dot on my face and nobody even noticed!  

Because the dots are made of a hydrocolloid polymer technology and are packed with OTC-levels of acne fighting ingredients, they work so much faster than any other acne dot I’ve tried. They leave your skin looking clearer in under 6 hours.”

How important is it to have OTC-level and FDA-approved ingredients packed into our Acne Dots?

“If your product doesn't have OTC-levels (over the counter) of active ingredients, specifically tested and approved for treating acne, all you have is a cosmetic product with empty and unapproved claims. What I like about Peace Out’s Acne Dots is that they’re packed with OTC-levels of salicylic acid. I prefer salicylic acid over benzoyl peroxide, another acne active,  because it is more efficacious and less irritating.”

How would you recommend incorporating Acne Dots into a nighttime routine for someone with acne-prone skin? 

“For someone with acne-prone skin, I can't think of an easier way to preemptively strike a zit from your face than by strategically applying a dot to your acne-prone zone right before you go to bed.  Nobody can see it, you can’t feel it, and it's working hard while you sleep to bust and prevent any breakouts.”

Let’s start with the question everyone wants to know…how can you treat a new breakout (and fast!?)

“I can knock out a new breakout in 1-to-2 days max with just a few simple steps. First, I use an exfoliating cleanser to wash my face, slough off dead skin and open up my pores. The Peace Out Blemish Balm is hands down the best exfoliating cleanser I have ever used, so that is what I always reach for. Next, I swipe off any remaining dirt with a toner! 

The last step after my skin is cleansed is to stick a Peace Out Acne Dot onto my breakout. I put it on before bed and keep it on overnight to let it do its work.”

Got more questions for Lisa? Shoot her a message on Instagram @lisaaleigh and she’ll answer any Peace Out questions you’ve got. Now, shop our first-of-their-kind Acne Dots now to bust your breakouts QUICK!

Have more questions for Lisa Leigh? Give her a shoutout via email, on Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn!

Got a skin concern? We’ve got a solution. Just text us & we’ll walk you through your personalized step-by-step solution. Your skincare coach will ask for a quick selfie to ensure we find the perfect regimen for your skin concerns! Let’s Chat >