It's geek-out time, lovelies, especially if mild or moderate breakouts are an issue for you. In the fight against adult acne, new Avène TriAcnéal Expert could be your super-soldier.

avène triacnéal expert's anti-bacterial molecule

The key to Avène TriAcnéal Expert's formula is something called Diolenyl, a devious new Trojan-horse molecule that functions like ant bait for P. acnes bacteria, the nasties that cause pimples.

Avène's umbrella company Pierre Fabre designed Diolenyl to resemble skin's triglyceride lipid molecules, which contain a sugar that P. acnes bacteria sees as breakfast, lunch and dinner. Diolenyl's sugar component is similar, with a diabolical twist: when zit bacteria starts munching, it activates two agents within the molecule. One is an anti-inflammatory ingredient to protect the skin and the other hamstrings acne bacteria's ability to multiply. Sneak attack!

smoothing and anti-aging benefits

Diolenyl doesn't appear in the ingredients as "diolenyl" but its compenents are listed: caprylyl glycol, caprylyl glycol linseedate, and potassium sorbate.

As well as Diolenyl, this new Avène TriAcnéal Expert includes an exfoliation-boosting papaya-derived enzyme instead of glycolic acid. Just 1% in the formula is equivalent to 9% glycolic acid, with a four times lower risk of irritation.

Anti-aging benefits come from 0.1% Retinaldehyde, a more advanced precursor of prescription retinoic acid than retinol. Gentle on skin, retinaldehyde keeps pores clear, reduces scarring and the risk of scarring, and minimizes hyperpigmentation. Side effect: it softens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles too.

Avène TriAcnéal Expert Emulsion ($31.50 at drugstores) launches in early May. (It's replacing Avène TriAcnéal Skin Care cream, which is very likely on sale everywhere now.)