Today I want to talk about something most of us face at one point in life: acne. Although we all wish this wasn't something we have to deal it, unfortunately most of us do. Throughout college my face has been pretty clear, for the most part, until this summer. I wish I knew what I had changed in my routine to make my face freak out, but I didn't. Therefore, I was faced with the challenge of finding a good, reliable acne wash system.

When I went to a Mac make-up counter to find a new full coverage foundation (to cover up this terrible new-found acne), the girl recommended that I try Clinique's acne system. She had also recently had a problem with breaking out and she swore that it worked for her. So, after buying my new foundation I headed over to the Clinique counter. The woman examined my acne and recommended that I try their 5 step acne solutions line. She started me off with their typical 3-step kit with the cleansing foam (step 1), the clarifying lotion (step 2), and the all-over clearing treatment (step 3). But, with my biggest problem being cystic acne, she also recommend that I purchase the emergency gel-lotion intensif and the clearing gel; both also a part of the acne solutions line. Finally, the last thing she recommend was a good make-up remover like the Clinique  take the day off cleansing balm. I left feeling a little overwhelmed, but extremely informed and ready to start the system.

So, know that I had all of these products, how did I use them?

Morning Routine:

Step 1: Wash your face with the cleansing foam.

• Use two full pumps (which seems like too much, but it isn't) + clarosonic (1 minute). 

Step 2: Take a cotton ball and dip it with your clarifying lotion.

•  I put it on the cotton swap for about 1 second, twice. Then generously apply to your entire face and neck.

Step 3: Apply the all-over clearing treatment oil-free lotion.

• I wait for the toner to dry (about 2 minutes) before I start this step. I usually use this time to brush my teeth. All you need is a little less then a dime-size amount to cover your entire face and neck. *Side note: if you feel that your skin is becoming extremely dry from the process, it is okay to substitute with an oil-free moisturizer ONCE a day (instructions from the lady at the clique counter).   

Step 4: Spot treat any development under-the-skin acne with your emergency gel-lotion intensif.

• This combined with step 5 are VERY important. If you have fresh acne, using the 3-step system alone will not be enough to clear up your face. Apply a thin layer of this cream over any spots on your face that aren't quite to the surface.

Step 5: Finally, apply a thick layer of the clearing gel to any spots on your face.

• This is probably the most crucial step of the entire system. The clearing gel works magic drying up pimples almost overnight. Apply a thick coat of the gel on any current acne and also over the places you treated with the emergency gel.

After you allow your face to dry, put on your make-up like normal and go about your day!

Night Routine:

Step 1: Remove all of your make-up using the take the day off cleansing balm.

• Using your fingers, apply an even layer of the balm over your entire face. Wipe clean with either a tissue or a microfiber washcloth (regular washcloths can too harsh). *Note: although this balm feels very oily, don't worry, it will not leave a residue or make your breakouts any worse.

Step 2: Wash your face with the cleansing foam.

• Like the morning, use two full pumps.

Step 3: Take a cotton ball and dip it with your clarifying lotion.

•  I put it on the cotton swap for about 1 second, twice. Then generously apply to your entire face and neck.

Step 4: Apply the all-over clearing treatment oil-free lotion.

• I wait for the toner to dry (about 2 minutes) before I start this step. I usually use this time to brush my teeth. All you need is a little less then a dime-size amount to cover your entire face and neck. 

Step 5: Spot treat any development under-the-skin acne with your emergency gel-lotion intensif.

• Once again, apply to any spots you can feel coming to the surface.

Step 6: Finally, apply a thick layer of the clearing gel to any spots on your face.

• Again, I feel that this is the most important step. Make sure you apply a good amount to any acne you have. 

Tips:

Although that it seems like a given, make sure that you use the system religiously and both day AND night, EVERYDAY. This is crucial for the success of treatment. I started the system for about a month when I had my wisdom teeth removed. Most of my acne had cleared by this point, but after the surgery I wasn't able to wash my face for several days because of the pain it caused. I had to start all over again with the system as my acne broke back out.

Also, just like with any real acne treatment, it will get way worse before it gets better. The first week or two your face will almost undoubtedly get worse. This is because the products are bringing all of the dirt and bacteria to the surface to purge it from your skin. If you continue to use the system, your face should be showing improvement by the end of the month.  

That's it! It seems like a lot but once you get into the routine, it will only take about 5 minutes every morning and night. 10 minutes a day to  have clear skin is totally worth it to me. So far it has cleared my face up tremendously. I am so grateful that I found this system. In the past I have tried many other acne systems, including proactiv, but nothing has worked as well for me as this has.



Have you tried Clinque's acne solutions system? If so, how did it work for you?