Mario Badescu

I have always had pretty clear skin, but when I get a spot, I get a huge cystic spot that is so big and so red it could be used to navigate from space.

For the past ten years or so I have been using Mario Badescu products – they work miracles on angry spots.  My two go-to products are the buffering lotion and the drying lotion (which is also great for itchy mosquito bites as it contains calamine)

Specifically designed to treat large, deep, cystic acne, the buffering lotion covers large erupted areas for overall treatment. Formulated with nourishing B vitamins and amino acids for healthy skin as well as soothing anti-inflammatory herbal extracts to promote healing. Reduce cystic acne fast with this deep penetrating, fast absorbing formula.

HOW TO USE: Shake bottle until white sediment is completely dissolved, apply solution to areas of cystic breakout with clean fingertips. Use nightly on affected areas.

BEAUTY TIP: For moderate to severe cystic breakouts apply Buffering Lotion before Mario Badescu’s Drying Mask. After removing the mask apply a second application of Buffering Lotion and leave on overnight. May also be used for acne on the chest and back (bacne).

INGREDIENTS: Deionized Water,Isopropyl Alcohol,Sodium Sulfate, Zinc Oxide,Hydrolyzed Serum Protein, Hydrolyzed Yeast Protein,Pyridoxine, Niacinamide, Panthenol,Propylene Glycol, Allantoin, Biotin

The Drying Lotion is a fast acting, effective acne spot treatment. Formulated with salicylic acid, calamine and other quick-drying ingredients, this product will shrink ugly whiteheads virtually overnight while you sleep. While other acne spot treatments can irritate and dry delicate or sensitive skin, this product is safe and effective for all skin types.

HOW TO USE: Before bed, after cleansing, toning and moisturizing apply a dab of lotion directly on the whitehead using a cotton swab. Do not rub in. Let it dry and rinse off in the morning. DO NOT shake the bottle and apply only the pink sediment on the skin.

BEAUTY TIP: Great for back acne and breakouts on the chest. The Drying Lotion will also take the itch out of mosquito bites fast!

INGREDIENTS: Isopropyl Alcohol,Deionized Water (Aqua), Calamine, Camphor, Colloidal Sulfur, Salicylic Acid,Glycerine, Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Talc

This information came from the Mario Badescu website here as does this small ‘about’ paragraph

Mario Badescu was a Romanian-born skin care specialist with a bold vision. Being both a chemist and a cosmetologist, Mario had a very unique perspective about skin care, appreciating both the chemical nature and complexities of the skin, as well as the desire and innate satisfaction and confidence that healthy, clean, radiant skin can give a person.

Mario opened his salon in New York City in 1967 and began to develop his signature skin care product line. The effectiveness of these products and his unparalleled European-style facials did not remain a secret — before long, Mario was rubbing shoulders with the most famous actors, actresses, and celebrities of his day, as they looked to his products and salon as New York City’s very own fountain of youth.

The packaging is nice and simple, the products are no-nonsense and the prices don’t make you wince. I have not tried any of the other products but on the website you can see that they have a pretty extensive range.