Disclaimer: Products featured were provided for review.
Here is a little background on my history with acne. Ever since the age of 12 I started suffering from very serious acne (full face acne of all sorts), I tried various prescriptive acne treatments, drugstore products, and higher end department store brand acne treatment systems but none of those things really worked and I eventually resorted to Accutane (oral medication). Accutane worked very well for me and my skin cleared up substantially when I was 14.
Many years after I took Accutane I started suffering from acne again, although the acne was much less serious. I started using Proactive a few years ago and my skin improved again. However, as of now at the age of 21 I am still getting acne on weekly bases (mostly on the sides of my face and around my jaw line). The severity is not bad but my skin is definitely not clear.
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| Current skin, a few acnes and a lot of scars. |
Alright, without further ado, let's get into the Exposed Acne Treatment. I have been using the products for about three weeks now and have formed some preliminary impressions.
"A gentle yet effective cleanser that will clean your skin without over-drying it."
The active ingredients of the facial cleanser is salicylic acid (0.5%, clears clogged pores). This is a nice cleanser than foams well, I noticed that it did dry my skin (in combination with some of the other products in the system, so I use this every other day to prevent excessive drying.
Clearing Tonic ($19.95 for 120mL):
"Clears clogged pores and returns your skin to its Natural pH. The tonic also rejuvenates with essential extracts and prepares your skin for the Exposed Acne Treatment Serum."
This toner contains 1% salicylic acid. This toner feels very nice when applied. There is no stinging sensation and neither does it leave a very drying feel.
"Formulated with advanced acne-fighting ingredients to kill acteria and prevent breakouts."
The acne treatment serum is meant to be worn after cleansing the face in the morning. It contains 3.5% of benzoyl peroxide, an active ingredient that kills bacteria that could cause acne.
Clear Pore Serum- All Night Pore Clearing ($19.95 for 50mL):
"Clears your pores and rebalances your skin while you sleep. Natural Extracts help repair damaged skin for a healthy youthful look."
The active ingredients of this one is salicylic acid (1%). This is a very runny serum and I think this is the product that leaves my face feeling the driest (perhaps in combination with the toner). It really clings to the face and makes me feel like I am wearing a peel-off mask. So after using this I definitely have to put on a good moisturizer.
I really like the concept of having two different day and night serums, that do different things. However, for those of you that wear makeup during the day, the Acne Treatment Serum should be applied very sparingly because it will affect the application of foundation and other makeup products.
"Locks in moisture and rebalances your skin. Natural extracts promote cell renewal and reduce inflammation."
Most definitely my favorite product from the line, this is a very thick but oil free face moisturizer. It is thick but not heavy or greasy. After application it sits comfortably over the the skin like a moisturizing shield against drying. Also, the Moisture Complex has a very nice and smooth semi-matte finish that I really appreciate, given how horribly oily my skin can get.
"Micro sized corundum crystals polish away dead skin cells, leaving your skin radiant and smooth while improving overall texture and appearance."
This is a very fine scrub for the face. In fact, the scrubbing particles are so fine that you might not even feel them if you don't take notice. I like it because it is definitely not damaging to the skin like some facial scrubs can be. However, because it doesn't have super rough scrubbing particles, it will not give you that super renewed textured other facial scrubs gives. Also, I am not a big fan of the scent of the scrub, it has a mild sulfur smell. I looked through the ingredients and I saw that it contains sodium metabisulfite (disinfectant/antioxidant). So I am guessing that's what's giving off the scent. It is not a big deal though because the smell doesn't linger after use.
Derm-X Cloth ($9.95, see first image):
"Deep exfoliation brings younger skin to the surface, smoothing and evening out your skin tone".
This is a microfiber cloth that is supposed to be used with the cleanser. However, I cannot tell the difference between this and a normal towel. I think perhaps this provides micro-exfoliation action that's too fine to be noticed? Anyhow, I kind of stopped using it because it is just too much hassle for me to bring this into the shower with me and then wring it out and air dry after use.
So thus far I have not seen a dramatic change in my skin and I think it partly has to do with the fact I simply have not been using the products long enough and also because my acne is not that serious to begin with. I will continue with this system for as long as the products will last me and will periodically update you guys on my progress.
For those of you suffering from acne I do recommend giving this a try but do note that the active ingredients these products contain can dry out the skin so you may have to alternate the application process like I am doing.
Availability:
All the products mentioned are available individually for the price listed. Exposed Skincare also offers several value/trial kits that starts at $29.95, check them out here. In addition, Exposed Skincare offers a 30 day guarantee so there really is no risk in trying out this acne treatment system!
Do you suffer from acne? What product works for you? Let me know in the comments below!
