Salicylic acid (BHA)
Lipophilic, penetrates sebum-filled pores, reduces blackheads, normalizes sebum secretion. Concentrations: 0.5–2% in COMODEX. The gold standard for anti-acne.
COMODEX Professional Manual
Professional Handbook
COMODEX
Medical anti-acne therapy — targeted solution for acne-prone skin, blackheads, and excessive seborrhea, combining AHA/BHA acids with anti-inflammatory active ingredients.
CHRISTINA — It just works
For whom: acne-prone, seborrheic skin, with active blackheads, papules, pustules, and acne scars. Problem: overproduction of sebum, hyperkeratosis in follicular ostia, colonization of C. acnes, inflammation, PIH. Distinguishing feature: medical therapy with a documented mechanism of action — salicylic acid, glycolic acid, retinol, antiseptics. Ideal salon: clients with hormonal acne, adolescent acne, adult acne; dermatologist support.
Philosophy of the COMODEX line
COMODEX is Christina's medically-oriented anti-acne line — a precise solution for oily and acne-prone skin, combining the effectiveness of chemical acids with the safety of anti-inflammatory active ingredients.
Acne is a multi-variant disease: overproduction of sebum, hyperkeratosis in follicular ostia, colonization of C. acnes, inflammation. COMODEX addresses all 4 mechanisms simultaneously — this is the key to lasting improvement.
Unlike BIO PHYTO (botanical herbal therapy), COMODEX is based on medical chemical acids (salicylic, glycolic, lactic) supported by anti-inflammatory active ingredients (sulfur, niacinamide, zinc, tomato extract). The choice of line depends on the client's profile.
Sebum regulation
Salicylic acid + zinc + tomato extract — sebostatic active ingredients that normalize sebaceous glands.
Chemical exfoliation
AHA + BHA open clogged pores, reduce blackheads, facilitate active ingredient penetration.
Inflammation calming
Niacinamide, allantoin, chamomile extract — reduction of redness and swelling.
PIH correction
Vitamin C + glycolic acid — support for reducing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Who is the COMODEX line for
- Acne-prone skin with active inflammatory lesions (papules, pustules) — mild and moderate acne.
- Skin with numerous open (black) and closed (white) blackheads.
- Oily, seborrheic skin with enlarged pores and excessive shine.
- Post-acne skin with acne scars (atrophic) and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
- Clients with hormonal acne (PCOS, perimenstrual period, perimenopause).
- Men with adult acne and inflammatory problems.
- Clients undergoing dermatological treatment — as complementary care (excluding oral isotretinoin).
- Combination skin with localized acne breakouts.
Key ingredients and technologies
COMODEX is based on medically documented active ingredients with anti-acne and anti-inflammatory profiles.
Glycolic acid (AHA)
Smallest molecular weight AHA — intense exfoliation of the stratum corneum. Evens skin tone, reduces PIH.
Lactic acid (AHA)
Milder AHA with additional moisturizing action. Safe for sensitive skin.
Encapsulated Retinol
Normalizes keratinization, reduces hyperkeratosis in follicular ostia, reduces wrinkles. Liposomal form minimizes irritation.
Sulfur
Classic antibacterial and sebostatic active ingredient — reduces inflammation, supports the healing of pustules. In Correct & Prevent Gel.
Niacinamide (Vit B3)
Regulates sebum, strengthens the barrier, reduces discolouration, has anti-inflammatory effects. Safe for couperose skin.
Zinc PCA
Zinc in organic form — sebostatic, antibacterial, promotes healing.
Tomato extract (lycopene)
Antioxidant, sebostatic, anti-inflammatory. Component of the Correct & Prevent Gel formula.
Stabilized Vitamin C
Brightens PIH, neutralizes free radicals, supports collagen synthesis — crucial in the post-acne scar phase.
Centella Asiatica
Supports healing, stimulates collagen synthesis, reduces atrophic scars.
Professional treatment protocol
The COMODEX salon treatment lasts 60–75 minutes. Cycle: 4–8 treatments every 1–2 weeks, once a month for maintenance.
- STEP 1 — Clean & Clear Cleanser Cleansing gel — removes sebum, dirt, and makeup without disrupting the barrier. Time: 2–3 min · pH 5.0
- STEP 2 — Scrub & Smooth Exfoliator Mechanical scrub with microbeads — preliminary exfoliation, opens pores. Time: 2–3 min · circular massage
- STEP 3A/3B — Treat & Regenerate Peel or Peel & Renew Forte 3A: sensitive skin (5% AHA + niacinamide). 3B: oily, resistant skin (10% AHA + 2% BHA + retinol). Time: 3–10 min · neutralize with water
- STEP 4 — Stimulate & Detox Solution Stimulating detox lotion — activates microcirculation, prepares skin for active ingredients. Time: 5 min · apply with cotton pad
- STEP 5 — Bright & Balance Solution Brightening lotion — Vitamin C, niacinamide, glycolic acid. PIH reduction and evening of skin tone. Time: 5 min
- STEP 6 — Astringe & Regulate Mask Tightening mask — clay, zinc, witch hazel. Tightens pores, regulates sebum, accelerates the maturation of inflammatory lesions. Time: 15 min · rinse with water
- STEP 7 — Mattify & Protect Cream SPF 15 Mattifying cream with photoprotection — matte finish, UV protection, niacinamide. SPF 15 · matte finish
Clinical tip: for skin with active inflammation, skip step 2 (Scrub) — mechanical exfoliation can spread bacteria. SPF 30+ daily is mandatory (acids make skin sensitive to UV). The first treatment in the cycle with a shorter peeling time — observe reaction for 48 hours.
Professional products (salon)
Salon sizes — fully compatible with the treatment protocol described above.
Clean & Clear Cleanser (Step 1)COMODEX — professional
Scrub & Smooth Exfoliator (Step 2)COMODEX — professional
Treat & Regenerate Peel (Step 3A)COMODEX — professional
Peel & Renew Peel Forte (Step 3B)COMODEX — professional
Stimulate & Detox Solution (Step 4)COMODEX — professional
Bright & Balance Solution (Step 5)COMODEX — professional
Astringe & Regulate Mask (Step 6)COMODEX — professional
Mattify & Protect Cream SPF 15 (Step 7)COMODEX — professional
Home care products
Home sizes — designed to maintain and enhance the effects of salon treatments.
Clean & Clear CleanserCOMODEX — home care
Purify & Balance TonerCOMODEX — home care
Scrub & Smooth ExfoliatorCOMODEX — home care
Correct & Prevent GelCOMODEX — home care
Control & Regulate Day TreatmentCOMODEX — home care
Renew & Repair Night TreatmentCOMODEX — home care
Hydrate & Restore SerumCOMODEX — home care
Mattify & Protect Cream SPF 15COMODEX — home care
Cover & Shield Cream SPF 20COMODEX — home care
Soothe & Regulate MaskCOMODEX — home care
Extract & Refine Peel Off MaskCOMODEX — home care
Moist & Illuminate Eye TreatmentCOMODEX — home care
Home routine — morning and evening
Morning Ritual (AM)
- Cleansing — Clean & Clear Cleanser
- Toner — Purify & Balance Toner
- Spot treatment — Correct & Prevent Gel (spot application for blemishes)
- Serum — Hydrate & Restore Serum
- Day cream — Control & Regulate Day Treatment
- SPF — Mattify & Protect Cream SPF 15 (or Cover & Shield SPF 20 with coverage)
Evening Ritual (PM)
- Makeup removal — Clean & Clear Cleanser
- Toner — Purify & Balance Toner
- Peeling 2× a week — Scrub & Smooth Exfoliator
- Spot treatment — Correct & Prevent Gel (spot application)
- Night cream — Renew & Repair Night Treatment (retinol)
- Eye cream — Moist & Illuminate Eye Treatment
- Mask 1–2× a week — Soothe & Regulate or Extract & Refine Peel Off
Common cosmetologist questions
COMODEX or BIO PHYTO for acne?
BIO PHYTO — sensitive skin, vascular skin, teenagers, clients who prefer natural formulations. COMODEX — moderate active acne, adults, chemical acids well tolerated, need for quick results.
Can I use retinol from other brands concurrently?
Not recommended — Renew & Repair Night Treatment already contains retinol. Duplicating retinols leads to dryness, irritation, and worsening of acne.
Is COMODEX suitable for severe (cystic) acne?
No — for grade III-IV acne (nodules, cysts), a dermatologist consultation and systemic therapy (isotretinoin, antibiotics) are necessary. COMODEX can be supportive after completing therapy.
When are results visible?
First improvement after 2–3 treatments (fewer inflammatory lesions, reduced seborrhea). Full stabilization after 6–10 weeks + consistent home care.
Is SPF really necessary?
Absolutely. AHA/BHA acids + retinol increase UV sensitivity. No SPF = burns, PIH, phototoxicity. SPF 30+ daily, even in winter.
How long should I use retinol products?
Renew & Repair Night Treatment — 2–3 times a week initially, gradually increasing to daily. Full course: 3–6 months, then maintenance 2 times a week.
Contraindications
- Active oral isotretinoin therapy and 6 months after its completion — absolute contraindication for peels and retinol.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding — absolute contraindication for retinol products (Renew & Repair Night, Peel Forte). Safe: Clean Cleanser, Purify Toner, Soothe Mask.
- Active rosacea in the exacerbation phase — choose BIO PHYTO Anti-Rougeurs.
- Open wounds, fresh scars, acute infections (herpes, fungal infections).
- Recently performed energy-based treatments (laser, IPL, RF) — minimum 14 days break.
- Atopic dermatitis (AD) in the exacerbation phase.
- Contact allergies to salicylic acid or any other ingredient in the formula.
Discover the COMODEX line in action
Explore the full range of products in the Christina Cosmetics Poland store — for both professional use and home care.
Retail productsPro version for salonsCHRISTINA
It just works
Educational material by the Christina Cosmetics Poland / TOP Cosmetics Europe Sp. z o.o. team. The information is general in nature and does not replace individual consultation with a certified cosmetologist or dermatologist.