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I suffered from very severe acne in my teenage years so I knew that adult acne would be something I'd have to deal with for the years to come. Therefore, I use acne treatments on a regular basis to help prevent breakouts and reduce existing spots. I've been pretty faithful to my Proactiv moisturizer treatment for several years now but I'm always up for testing out new products. Not too long ago, Philosophy launched a brand new salicylic acid-based acne treatment line called the Clear Days Ahead Acne Treatment. I've been using the collection for several months now so today I wanted to give you a low down on all four products. To read my reviews, click......
Philosophy Clear Days Ahead Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Cleanser ($30 CAD):
With a 1% salicylic acid content, this gel cleanser has a refreshing citrus scent and it lathers very well into a gentle foam. Salicylic acid cleansers can be a bit drying at times but this one is not too harsh on the skin, thanks to its jojoba esters and vitamin B5. With that said, I wouldn't recommend this on a regular basis, once a day or once every other day works best at reducing acne while preventing excessive drying or flaking of the skin.
Philosophy Clear Days Ahead Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Pads ($49 CAD):
This is a jar of pre-soaked toner pads with a 0.5% salicylic acid content. The pads are very convenient but they are a bit thin so whenever I rub it across my face too quickly, it tends to bunch and roll up onto itself. The formulation also has a high alcohol content, which I really don't care for but the product seems to be working quite well, perhaps due to the added mandelic acid and glycolic acid (both AHAs that gently exfoliate the skin). I've noticed a reduction of breakouts and no signs of drying or flaking (with once a day usage). The citrus scent is also very pleasant so overall this is actually my favorite product out of the collection.
Philosophy Clear Days Ahead Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment & Moisturizer ($46 CAD):
This is a 1% salicylic acid silicone-based moisturizer. I've stated many times before that I can't stand silicone-based products and I don't feel any different about this one. The salicylic acid will no doubt treat and reduce acnes but the silicone ends up sitting atop the skin, feeling like a greasy, heavy mess and the end of the day (especially if you wear makeup as well). If you don't mind silicone-based moisturizers then this can definitely work for you. However, if you have fairly oily skin, I would recommend steering clear of silicone-based products altogether.
Philosophy Clear Days Ahead Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Cleanser ($30 CAD):
With a 1% salicylic acid content, this gel cleanser has a refreshing citrus scent and it lathers very well into a gentle foam. Salicylic acid cleansers can be a bit drying at times but this one is not too harsh on the skin, thanks to its jojoba esters and vitamin B5. With that said, I wouldn't recommend this on a regular basis, once a day or once every other day works best at reducing acne while preventing excessive drying or flaking of the skin.
Philosophy Clear Days Ahead Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Pads ($49 CAD):
This is a jar of pre-soaked toner pads with a 0.5% salicylic acid content. The pads are very convenient but they are a bit thin so whenever I rub it across my face too quickly, it tends to bunch and roll up onto itself. The formulation also has a high alcohol content, which I really don't care for but the product seems to be working quite well, perhaps due to the added mandelic acid and glycolic acid (both AHAs that gently exfoliate the skin). I've noticed a reduction of breakouts and no signs of drying or flaking (with once a day usage). The citrus scent is also very pleasant so overall this is actually my favorite product out of the collection.
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| Philosophy Clear Days Ahead | Cleanser & Treatment Pads |
This is a 1% salicylic acid silicone-based moisturizer. I've stated many times before that I can't stand silicone-based products and I don't feel any different about this one. The salicylic acid will no doubt treat and reduce acnes but the silicone ends up sitting atop the skin, feeling like a greasy, heavy mess and the end of the day (especially if you wear makeup as well). If you don't mind silicone-based moisturizers then this can definitely work for you. However, if you have fairly oily skin, I would recommend steering clear of silicone-based products altogether.
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| Philosophy Clear Days Ahead | Moisturizer & Spot Treatment |
Philosophy Clear Days Ahead Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Acne Spot Treatment ($25 CAD):
Last but not least is a 2% salicylic acid spot treatment that targets those big, pesky spots. This product is also silicone-based but I don't mind it as much since I am only putting it on top of specific spots on the face. The product is also formulated with oligopeptide-10, an antimicrobial peptide that eliminates acne-causing bacteria. I sometimes get very resilient and large acnes along my jawline so I actually would mix this with my benzoyl peroxide-based Proactiv treatment for an extra zing (I wouldn't recommend this if you have sensitive skin). As long as I moisturize generously after application, this product does not cause any dryness or irritation.
Overall, I think this is a very good collection. Most of the products are well formulated and with a mindful application and a well-rounded skincare routine, they shouldn't cause any dryness or peeling. With that said, as is with any acne treatments, moderation is key and there is a lot of trial and error involved. Salicylic acid works wonders on most people but for some that don't see any results after a good period of time, alternative methods (ex. benzoyl peroxide, oral medications) should be explored as well.
Availability:
Last but not least is a 2% salicylic acid spot treatment that targets those big, pesky spots. This product is also silicone-based but I don't mind it as much since I am only putting it on top of specific spots on the face. The product is also formulated with oligopeptide-10, an antimicrobial peptide that eliminates acne-causing bacteria. I sometimes get very resilient and large acnes along my jawline so I actually would mix this with my benzoyl peroxide-based Proactiv treatment for an extra zing (I wouldn't recommend this if you have sensitive skin). As long as I moisturize generously after application, this product does not cause any dryness or irritation.
Overall, I think this is a very good collection. Most of the products are well formulated and with a mindful application and a well-rounded skincare routine, they shouldn't cause any dryness or peeling. With that said, as is with any acne treatments, moderation is key and there is a lot of trial and error involved. Salicylic acid works wonders on most people but for some that don't see any results after a good period of time, alternative methods (ex. benzoyl peroxide, oral medications) should be explored as well.
Availability:
Philosophy is available online and in stores at Sephora, The Bay, and Shoppers Drug Mart.
