Product Review: Clinique Acne Solutions

As current readers may know, I have been struggling with semi-frequent acne breakouts for a few years now and have been on the search for something to help me clear it up.  I have tried a number of different systems, including drugstore brands (such as Neutrogena and St. Ives), and the highly popular system, Proactiv, which I reviewed not too long ago.  While most of them would clear up some minor issues, none did the job fully, so I kept searching.  About a month and half ago I was in my local Sephora and I saw the Clinique 3-Step Acne Solution system.  I had heard of Clinique before, but my only knowledge of it was that it was an expensive brand.  However, after years of struggling, I was desperate and willing to spend a little extra.  So I purchased the starter kit of the 3-step system for $32.50.  I have now been using it twice a day every day for six weeks and feel as though it is time to share my opinion.

If you visit the official Clinique website you will read that the system promises clearer skin, guaranteed.  Furthermore, it promises that it will treat and clear you up faster than any other brand out there, including the “#1 system in America” (Proactiv).  With promises like these, it is easy to get your hopes up.  And after you read their reviews, which range between 4 stars to 5 stars, your hopes are bolstered even further.  Yet, due to my history with other acne products, I approached with caution and trepidation.

It is important to note that I started using it during a particularly bad breakout due to every gal’s favorite visitor, so the system was going to be put through a rigorous test right from the start.  To use is quite simple.  First the foaming face wash (2-3 pumps will do), then follow up with the “lotion”, which is more of a toner and should be put on the entire face with a cotton ball or pad, and finally a dollop of the moisturizer.  Morning and night, every day.  From the first use I could definitely feel the difference from previous products that I had tried.  Right away I could feel that it was much more gentle.  After each use my skin felt soothed and less inflamed, and the redness started to significantly lessen.  Though the acne did not clear right away, after a full week of twice a day use, I could definitely see that current blemishes were healing more quickly, and new ones were smaller and less painful.  Remember, when starting a new acne system, it is likely that you will experience an increase in breakout for approximately one to two weeks while it brings all hidden and deep impurities to the surface.  After two weeks of consistent use nearly all acne was healed and no new ones continued to appear.  I continue to use it on a regular basis, have continued to see improved clearness and overall, less acne (particularly compared to all previous products used).

There are a couple of “cons” that I would like to mention regarding the Clinique system.  First is the smell of the products.  Clinique is known for using no perfumes, or allergens, which means that many of their products (non-makeup) smell…well…clinical.  The first time I used the foaming cleanser my boyfriend said that it smelled “mechanical”.  And while I can’t really pinpoint the exact smell, it definitely does smell…off.  Like a mix of a hospital, leather, and maybe car grease (the mechanical smell he mentioned).  While it is not terrible, nor overwhelming, it is a bit odd.  Then there is step two, which is called “lotion”, but is definitely more of a toner.  The first time I applied it I got flashbacks of this one night in college that I can barely remember.  Yes, it smells like straight up vodka.  Luckily the smell only lasts a few seconds as you apply it, but it can be quite a shocker at first.

I also feel that is important to mention is that like with many acne systems it is extremely drying.  Most systems either use Benzoyl Peroxide or Salicylic Acid as the main acne fighting ingredient (Clinique uses SA), both of which can cause extreme dryness and peeling.  Some combat this by only using steps one and two and skip the step three moisturizer, instead substituting it for a moisturizer without SA or BP.  For me, I prevent the over-drying by simply following up the entire regiment with a lightweight, but effective moisturizer (BareMinerals Purely Nourishing Moisturizer).  Simply be aware of the potential for the dryness and make sure you use a good, non-comodogenic moisturizer regularly.  You may also decrease the application to once per day if you still find that there is over-drying.

The final issue that I might note regarding the Clinique system is the cost.  Like all Clinique products, it is not cheap, so if you are looking for something that is the cost of those products you might find at the local drugstore, this is not it.  The starter kit lasted me approximately one month (twice a day use) and cost $32.50.  This is approximately the same price per month as the Proactiv system, so if you have used that before, or are considering it, this is a similar investment.  On the website the full size products cost $18.50 for the cleanser (step one), $14 for the “lotion” (step two), and $17 for the moisturizer (step three).  Total that is $49.50 and you receive double to triple the amount of each product compared to the trial size.  If this system proves to work for you, it is definitely recommended to buy the full size, and actually brings the cost lower per month than Proactiv.

Overall, I highly recommended this system for clearing the majority of mild to moderate acne.  For me it was significantly more gentle than previous products (it did not leave my skin in searing pain after a week of use), overall it is more effective, and in a less amount of time, and compared to Proactiv, equal in cost, and cheaper if you buy full size.  One thing I must note, a disclaimer of sorts, is that that this system, or any acne system for that matter, will not combat hormonal acne.  This is something that I have had to learn the hard way.  Even if used religiously every single day, it will not prevent those deep blemishes that come during “that time” (I am still trying to find a way to help with this and will update you once I figure it out).  It does, however, help me to control them and clear them up much more quickly.

I want to make it clear that each person’s skin is different.  Because of that, what may work for one, may not work for another.  Furthermore, remember, even though your skin may be clear after using a system for a month, it is important to continue with the daily regiment, otherwise you put yourself at risk for the breakouts to start up again.  Additionally, frequently switching products can result in the “getting worse before it gets better” syndrome (as your skin gets adjusted to the new chemicals), so keep that in mind when trying a new product.  If you find something that works wonderfully for you, stick with it.

Product Review: Proactiv Acne Solution

Those who follow me on Twitter may have read me lamenting about my skin issues approximately a month ago. Growing up I did not go through the awkward puberty process that so many young teens suffer with. I did not suffer from acne, my body didn’t experience any rapid and uncomfortable changes, and my first period came with little fanfare and difficulty. Now, fast-forward ten years. My body has been making up for those easy teenage years. About three years ago my skin started to act like a petulant 12 year old boy. It would break out, frequently. And not just the occasional blemish here or there that disappeared in a few days. These were deep, large, and painful blemishes that would completely shatter my self-confidence and leave me crying in pain and self-loathing. So, I started to look for ways to help me clear up my skin. I tried many drugstore items including popular brands such as Neutrogena, St. Ives and Clearasil. Nothing seemed to work. So after years of watching ridiculous infomercials for Proactiv, I decided to give it a try.

Proactiv promises to clear your acne and give you back the confidence you once had. It has numerous celebrity endorsements, including Katy Perry, Justin Bieber, Jenna Fischer, and yes, Jessica Simpson. Whether or not it is true, it is advertised as the most popular and best acne relief system in the country. The before and after transformation pictures that those infomercials show? The results are astounding. If you read the reviews on their website, they have an overall 4.5 to 5 star rating. All in all, it sounds like a promising system to use if you are suffering from acne and have tried many other items, all to no avail.

So, does it live up to all of the expectations? I must be honest. It is hard to say. After buying my first 30-day system at a local mall I saw decent results. It cleared up the surface acne, which no previous products had done, so I was optimistic. Optimistic enough to order more from their website. I began by using it twice daily, but after experiencing extremely dry skin due to the Benzoyl Peroxide, I switched to one per day. I used it consistently for approximately six months. While it continued to keep the surface acne away during that time, it did nothing for the deep cystic acne. I was still getting one a couple times per month (nearly always on my chin). I made the decision to stop using the system and search for a different alternative. I then tried multiple products including Bare Minerals, Neutrogena, and St. Ives Apricot Scrub and Green Tea Scrub. None did anything for the deep acne, and the surface acne began to return. So I brought out my Proactiv again and started up the daily regiment. After nearly two weeks of regular use I actually had to stop. Very rapidly it had become quite painful for me to use. Despite moisturizing regularly, to help stave off the dryness, it completely obliterated my skin. It was dry, raw, had tons of tiny little red bumps on it, swollen, and extremely tender. All of this was not worth attempting to clear my acne, as these side effects made my skin even more susceptible to irritation and further acne.

Would I recommend this product to another? Each person’s skin is different, so it is difficult to say yes this will work wonderfully for you, or no, it will have no effect on your skin. For some, Benzoyl Peroxide and this product has proven to work amazingly in clearing acne (why else would it be the top selling acne system in the country). For others, such as myself, it does more harm than good, completely drying out my skin, making it raw, and even more privy to imperfections. What I can say is that if you are suffering from moderate to severe acne, this is worth giving a try. You will need to give it at least a month or two of regular daily use before you decide to continue using it or not. Those first two weeks of use will also be extremely difficult. You will likely see your skin significantly worsen as it brings all the deeply buried blemishes to the surface. After those initial two weeks, if it is working properly, you will began to see slow improvement. Breakouts will lessen and your current acne will began to dry and heal. As you continue to use it, scars will start to fade, and color and tone should start to balance out. If you do, however, use it for a month or two and do NOT see any decrease in breakouts, or your skin seems to be even more sensitive and likely to break out or become irritated, discontinue use. And, if it ever becomes painful, stop right away. Your facial skin is extremely sensitive, and you should not have to put it through that kind of of pain.

On the point of price, Proactiv ranges from $20 to $30 per month (not including shipping), depending on which option you choose. You can also set it up “auto-refill” every 12-16 weeks, depending on how quickly you go through it. It is definitely on the more expensive side, but for many, it is worth it, as we all know how damaging persistent acne can be for self confidence and esteem

Remember, everyone’s skin is different, and simply because something does not work for one, does not mean it will be the same for you. Some people are able to use drugstore products to clear up their skin and get great results. Others can not. Just listen to your skin and it’s needs and don’t ever give up.  After years of struggling, I was finally able to find something that worked for me (Clinique Acne System, which I will do a review on later), so I know there is something out there that can work for each person.

May Birchbox Review

I am not a big beauty products person, but I am always looking to expand my horizons. Thus, in April I signed up for Birchbox.  What is it you ask?  Basically, for $10 each month you will be shipped a little box filled with 4-6 samples of deluxe/luxury beauty products (the full sizes can be bought from the site).  This can range from hair care and skin care, to make up and nail polish.  No matter what you get, it is guaranteed to be worth more than $10.  Apparently sometimes they will even send you a full-sized product!  This is my second month getting a Birchbox, and so far I am enjoying it.  I really look forward to receiving the little package at the start of the month, and then seeing what is inside!  For this month’s box, I figured I would share what I got!

May Birchbox Haul

This is definitely my favorite item in the box.  I have been wanting to try out Stila makeup for quite some time, but don’t have the funds at this time.  The full size version of this eyeshadow is $18.  This particular color is called “Cloud”.  When applied it doesn’t actually have much of a color, but it definitely adds a very pretty shimmer.  You can also use it with a little bit of water to use as a liner, instead of shadow.

This lotion has a very satiny feel when applying it, yet it doesn’t feel heavy or greasy.  The full size of this is $20 (for 3.4 oz).  This little tube will likely get stuck into my purse and used at work when my hands get dry from sitting under the air conditioner all day.

I don’t really use bar soap much, but I definitely am liking how this one smells.  It’s made of white tea and pomegranate and is apparently extremely smooth (due to being “triple milled).  If I don’t end up using it to wash my body, I may stick it in my undergarments drawer to make them smell utterly divine.  The full size of this costs $12.50 for 6.8 oz.

I hate perfume, so I was a little disappointed to see this in the the box.  But hey, not every item can be a winner, right?  I will admit, though, that this one doesn’t smell as bad as some.  Still a little too strong for my taste, but others may love it.  The full size costs $80 for 50 ML.

The last item, that I don’t have an individual picture of, was a cute little card from Tiny Prints.  Nothing too special, but super cute card nonetheless.

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I definitely recommend signing up for the program.  It is only $10 and is a great way to introduce you to new products you might otherwise pass on, due to cost, of unavailability.  If you do sign up, let me know what you get in your first box!