When it comes to maintaining clear skin, I am always looking for new products. If you suffer from acne, you know that after a while regardless of what product you use you tend to plateau. This means that you see great results during the first months of using the product, but eventually you hit a plateau where your face is not improving, but it is not getting worse either. This is why I always rotate products and never start using the same product right after the bottle is done. This is what keeps my skin clear, so maybe give it a try if you want to try something new. These are 5 products I am currently using to maintain a clear, acne-free skin.
Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Cleansing Gel
Clinique face wash products have been on regular rotation for me for years. The Anti-Blemish Solutions Cleansing Gel is a product I highly recommend for oil control, and to unclog pores to prevent future breakouts. This is an Oil-free cleansing gel that helps clear breakouts and blackheads. Even though my skin is oily it is also extremely dry, and the Anti-Blemish Solutions Cleansing Gel works for both really well. I love this product because it is oil free, but it also doesn’t dry out my face after I wash it. After each wash my skin still feels smooth and fresh, with the right amount of natural moisture. Because this is an oil-free formula you can actually use it for both your face or body. I use it for both, especially in the summer when I sweat excessively and body acne can surface. This product also has no parabens, and it is the perfect face wash for maintaining a clear skin.
How to Use
- Use twice a day – morning and night
- Wet hands and work into a lather.
- Add water to increase lather as needed
- Massage gently over wet skin, avoiding eye area. Rinse.
Tip: I usually use this soap to wash off my makeup. I also love using this with my Clarasonic to polish my skin and get rid of dead skin. You only need a little bit of product. The gel makes tons of foam.
Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Medicated Gel for Acne
Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Medicated Gel for Acne is an invisible treatment get that penetrates into the skin to help dry out acne and pimples. Although I have not had any major breakouts, since I started using it, I did use the gel for some acne here and there and I saw a difference within days. I also loved how it didn’t dry out my skin. Your typical acne ointment will get rid of your acne, but dries out your skin like crazy. Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Medicated Gel ointment contains tea tree oil which is a natural antibacterial agent that helps to improve acne. This also means that your skin is nourished and moisture is preserved. This product claims to be ideal for whiteheads, blackheads, pimples and acne. Free from the following: benzoyl peroxide, synthetic parabens, mineral oils, propylene glycol, lauryl sulfates, synthetic fragrances, synthetic colours, synthetic preservatives, and animal-derived ingredients.
How To Use
- Gently apply a small amount to affected area morning and evening.
Do not wash off. - If you have broken, irritated, or sensitive skin, do not use this product.
Institut Esthederm Intensive Aha Peel Concentrated Serum
I have not used Institut Esthederm’s products before. I got this product at a PR event, and I added it to my skincare routine a month ago. I thought it would a product that does nothing to my skin. I WAS WRONG! I am beyond pleased with the results of this product. I wish I would have taken a photo of what my skin looked like before, but this Intensive AHA Peel made a huge difference in skin’s tone and appearance. Acne dark spots that I had faded drastically. The product contains 12% AHA which is a much higher concentration than most peels, and it is made with lactic, citric, salicylic, and glycolic acids which all work together to shrink the pores, even the skin tone and create fresh, new skin. Honestly, I am so in awe of this product. Your skin does not peel, it just gives it the boost it needs to feel rejuvenated and smooth. When you apply the product your face does tingle a bit, but nothing unpleasant. My face did get red the first couple of times, but your skin adjusts to the product after a couple of times of use. Ease your skin into this regiment by starting with a small application and using it once a day to start, as opposed to twice a day as I do. This is for anyone that has a combination and oily skin, dilated pores, irregular skin texture.
How To Use
Apply morning and/or evening on the face and neck 15min before applying your moisturizer.
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
The Ordinary’s Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution has become a cult fave. Kam’s brother actually gave this product to me to try. Glycolic acid has been my best friend ever since I began my acne journey. Back in the day it was not enough for my acne to disappear, but fast forward to today, glycolic acid has been very helpful with maintaining clear skin. I can’t confirm if you have a lot of acne if this product will clear your acne, but I can confirm that it does help with maintaining acne-free skin. This toning solution has been great for giving my skin radiance and an event texture. The toner is very gentle. I have used other toners in the past, and they felt quite harsh on my skin. The Ordinary’s Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution also contains a Tasmanian pepperberry derivative to reduce inflammation as well as ginseng root and aloe vera to enhance radiance and offer soothing benefits.
How To Use
- I only use once a day usually at night before I do my night skincare routine.
- After cleaning your face, saturate a cotton pad with the formula.
- Sweep across face and neck.
- Do not rinse off.
- Continue with additional skin treatments as needed.
LANCÔME Absolue Precious Cells Revitalizing Rose Lotion
Absolue Precious Cells Revitalizing Rose Lotion is a deeply-hydrating rose lotion that prepares your skin to absorb the benefits of your following skincare routine, in my case, serum, oil, moisturizer. The lotion has high-tech rose extracts and natural rose water which are all infused together to create a visibly plumped, hydrated, and glowing skin complexion. I love applying this luxury rose product after I use The Ordinary toner. The lotion feels like a soothing gel that cools and covers your face with a silky layer of rose extracts. Absolue Precious Cells Revitalizing Rose Lotion is ideal for dry, dull skin and uneven skin textures, but it is suitable for all skin types. I also love how the lotion is not sticky at all, doesn’t feel heavy and it smells heavenly.
How To Use
- Shake a few drops of Revitalizing Rose Lotion in the palm of your hand.
- Press your hands against each other to distribute evenly between your palms.
- Gently apply the texture by pressing onto the skin with the palms of your hands to help with absorption into the skin.
- Use every day, morning and night
I am not claiming these products are going to clear your acne. I am claiming these products have helped me maintain clear skin and nourish the scarred surface of my skin. For anyone suffering from acne, please know these are two different things. Something that clears your skin may not be the right product to continue using after your skin is clear and vise versa. These 5 products have been great for me so far, but as I mentioned I am always rotating products and looking for something new since your skin changes over the years. Also, read my blog post about some of the face cleansers I have been using for my acne skin.
Loving rosehip oil right now and the Clinique cleanser! The ordinary primer is so nice!!! 7 or 13 $ can't be beat Sarah