Like L’Oreal, Clinique is not necessarily known for its daily acne treatment kit, but it has a similar but equally effective one as well. Since everyone has different skin types and a hundred people could very well have a hundred different reactions to the same acne treatment, it’s worth investigating a few solutions before investing in one. Clinique’s Acne Solutions Clear Skin System also features a three-step system to eliminate acne. All of Clinique’s products are allergy tested and 100% fragrance free, and this acne kit lives up to those expectations and then exceeds them. Not only is it fragrance free, which is a common skin irritant, it is also oil-free and non-acnegenic. It’s one of the least expensive kit solutions out there from a reputable skin care company, and justifiably it contains a four-week supply of treatment. This is great for people who just want to try out the acne kit for their first times, but might be considered a drawback for regular users as they’ll have to replenish their supplies more frequently compared to a six-week solution like L’Oreal’s best acne treatment offering–the AcneResponse Daily Adult Acne Regimen. With three separate components manufactured in three separate countries, Clinique’s kit as a whole nevertheless works seamlessly together to treat acne and prevent future breakouts. The system goes to work immediately, and Clinique promises you’ll be seeing results within days.
Here are the kit contents:
Cleansing Foam
(1.7 fl oz./50 mL) The cleanser comes out of a foaming dispenser and is designed to clear and prevent acne, remove excess oil and dirt, and unclog pores. The cleansing foam is 2% salicylic acid, which is known to clear skin pores without irritation. Also available separately in bar form, Clinique’s medicated acne cleanser will calm and soothe your skin, as well as reduce redness.
Directions for Use
Wet your face with warm water and use two to three pumps of foam from the dispenser to massage around your face, then rinse. The foam is a simple no-frills no-fragrance light cleanser that won’t dry out your skin.
Clarifying Lotion
(3.4 fl. oz./100 mL) The lotion is medicated to exfoliate the skin and clear dead surface cells. By using powders to absorb oils, the clarifying lotion eliminates shine and reduces excess oil that leads to breakouts. Like the foam, the lotion also contains 1.5% salicylic acid.
Directions for Use
Consider it more of a toner than the lotion that Clinique calls it. Be sure to shake the bottle well before applying as it separates into distinct clear and white liquids if it’s been allowed to sit for a while. Apply it exactly as you would toner, with cotton swabs or squares, and be sure to sweep under your jaw and throat area as acne can occur there as well. The lotion has a strong alcoholic scent so be careful when applying under your nose.
Clearing Moisturizer Oil-Free
(1 fl. oz./30 mL) The moisturizer uses the power of 2.5% benzoyl peroxide content to treat existing acne spots and prevents them from appearing again. It’s oil-free, lightweight, and medicated to protect your skin with an invisible barrier that protects against acne-causing agents while providing light hydration to keep moisture on your face and prevent dryness and peeling. Like the foam and lotion, it is designed to be soothing to the skin and reduces redness.
Directions for Use
Since it contains benzoyl peroxide, the same principle applies: let your face dry thoroughly between applying the lotion and the moisturizer. Benzoyl peroxide is a deeply penetrating agent that penetrates even further when your skin is still wet your pores are open. It is already known to cause dryness in skin, so keep it to a minimum by following this precaution. It’s a small tube (only 1 fl. oz.) so a small dab is all you’ll need. If you’re going out into the sun, Clinique recommends applying a layer of sunscreen after the moisturizer dries. This has the dual benefit of keeping moisture locked in while providing SPF protection.
In Summary
Clinique’s three-step solution combines the two most common acne-fighting ingredients—salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide—into a powerful acne treatment and prevention skin care regimen. What’s more, Clinique also provides a variety of other Acne Solutions products to complement the Clear Skin System, including:
- Spot Healing Gel: when active breakout is visible
- Post Blemish Formula: for fading post-breakout blemishes
- Body Spray: to clear acne in hard-to-reach areas
- Cleansing Bar for Face and Body: same as the foam from the Clear Skin System but in bar form
- Concealing Stick: to conceal acne under or over makeup
