Jan 28
StyleBeauty: Clinique Acne Solutions
StyleBeauty | 16 Comments »

For the majority of my adolescent and adult life, I have been plagued with bad skin. After numerous dermatologists and medication use to no avail (and a whole heck of a lot of moolah), I am willing to give into any product that promises me clearer skin. I have taken a multitude of drugs that have probably altered my entire chemical makeup including every –cycline and  -mycin under the sun, Differin, Benzaclin, Finacea, Retin-A (hello snakeskin), Ortho Tri-Cyclen (hello severe depression), and even Accutane (should I even mention the side affects?) and Yaz. I have also used too many over the counter acne products to even begin to name, also with no relief. Surprisingly enough, Accutane was the most effective product, but that was almost ten years ago and government regulations have really locked down the use and distribution of Accutane by doctors. Yes I know the drug is very bad, but heck I think I’d smoke crack if I knew it would provide me the beautiful, clear skin I crave (ok, ok I AM JUST KIDDING!)

So as you can see, at the age of 28 I am frustrated and gullible. So when I saw the reviews for Clinique’s Acne Solutions I fell for it.

cliniqueacnesolutions

As a longtime user of Clinique and their 3-step skincare systems, I wanted to give the Acne Solutions 3-step skincare line a chance. The product promises “With daily, twice-a-day use, you’ll start to see clearer skin within days. With continued use, Acne Solutions Clear Skin System works to clear out the dead skin cells and excess oil that can start trouble by clogging pores. Leaves your skin feeling soft, smooth, comfortable. Just cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize twice a day. Clearer skin or your money back.” Now that I have been using the product for over six weeks, I gotta say I want my money back! I remain unimpressed and still plagued by horrible skin (might I even say worse than before?). The 3-step system comes with a foaming cleanser, clarifying lotion, and clearing moisturizer. None of which has cleared or clarified my skin and all of which bleached my nice new blue sheets an awful shade of yellow. I have used the system religiously day and night, hoping every night that the next day my skin will look magically clearer. Of course 6 weeks, one set of bleached sheets, and $60 later my skin is worse than when I started! Someone help a girl find her way to clear skin, please!

Has anyone else used Clinque’s Acne Solutions Skincare? Did it work for you? What acne products do you use?
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  • Kris

    Hi….just saw you post about Clinique stuff. Well, I am in my mid 40′s and have recently discovered the Burt’s Bees line of face stuff. Specifically the Blemmish stick and most recently….like a couple of days ago the Acne line…Natural Acne Solutions Targeted Spot Treatment. It is amazingly good! Results, real results overnight…no staining either ;-) I need more of a spot treatment, but they do have a Natural Acne Solutions 4-product Regime for $38. So there you go…my 2 cents…hehe!!

  • http://ickdragon.wordpress.com Jessica

    Agh! Skin problems are exasperating. I started experiencing breakouts in the 7th grade and even though my Mom swore up and down my skin would settle down as I got older, I’m here to report that I’m 29 and still have pimples. (Thanks, Mom!) Two summers ago, I tried to go natural with all of my beauty products. I ended up with a pizza face. Not wanting to go the same prescription route of my teenage years, I went to the drugstore and bought some Neutrogena. I started off with the pink oil free acne wash (it’s slightly less drying than the orange one), but finally settled on the Anti Wrinkle Anti Blemish line of products. I have religiously used the face wash, scrub and cream ever since. I know Neutrogena ingredients are somewhat controversial (and far from natural), but they work. My face was back to normal within one month’s time. It might be worth giving it a try! You can also try it without fear because I’ve noticed each and every time I’ve used a Neutrogena product, my skin never got worse at first like you experience with some products. That’s always a reassuring thing for me! Good luck!!

  • http://maplencornbread.blogspot.com/ Jennifer

    I feel your frustration! Im still searching…

  • Erica

    I’ve never had terrible acne, but it’s always been persistent. One this that’s really worked for me is Clean and Clear’s Acne Wash. it’s got 10% benzoyl peroxide, which previously had never worked for me. The trick is to put it on and leave it for a few minutes. I use it at the beginning of my shower and wash it off at the very end. And the higher concentration really makes it work. My skin is as clear as its ever been. I love it!

  • Carrie

    Have you ever tried Proactiv? I have never had skin problems but started using it before my wedding because I wanted to insure I had no blimishes for my wedding day. I have been using it ever since and I think I have only had about 5 blemishes since then. Even better….they deliver straight to your door!!

  • http://twitter.com/chasrunner Kristin

    Ive tried Proactive and Burts Bees and neither have worked for me! I will say though that I recently was talking to an Estethician (skin therapist) about it and I’m going there this weekend for a facial and some “skin lessons.” I have never been to a derm because I don’t really “do” medicine and didn’t feel like it would help (and have heard many stories similar to yours)…so I tend to look for more holistic options if possible.

    Anyways, long story short, the skin center I’m going to this weekend uses Dermatologica products and they seem to be a pretty good company. So I will let you know what I find out!

  • Melanie

    I never used Clinique’s Acne line but I did use their 3 step regular clarifying line. They have pretty similar ingredients but I thought the Acne line would dry my face out. Turns out this one dried my face out AND stained my sheets AND the collars of my shirts. Then I tried proactive, which didn’t do a gosh darn thing to my skin but make it tight and make the pimples irritated. For the past year I have been using Acne Free 3 step. It doesn’t completely prevent acne but it does make the 1 or 2 pimples I get go away fast. It flattens them down and they heal fast. It also leaves my skin very soft. I still use clinique’s moisturizer though. That works very well. I hope my rant helps!

  • Steph

    I’m surprised the Accutane didn’t allieviate the problem. I took Accutane in college and haven’t had any major issues since (just small minor breakouts from time to time). I actually think that some acne products are too harsh on the skin and don’t help in the slightest. I’ve gone to using an Aveeno Clear Complexion line. I specifically use the foaming cleanser and love it. I’ve been using it for at least 3 years. Before Accutane I tried the Clinique Acne System and it didn’t help me at all either!

  • Amy

    Careful with Neutragena…it can dry out the face. I had to see a dermatologist and she gave me a pill…Oreaca ( a form of Rosasa…at 28?)

  • Erica

    Oh yea, as far as staining the sheets, I found a solution. Use a crappy white towel reserved only for your face. Then it won’t get on your good towels or other fabrics.

  • LindsayH

    my skin looks amazing since i switched to a vegan diet.

  • Sharon

    I have had the same problem for years. I have used proactiv and it helped somewhat…I would still get breakouts before my period. About two months ago I started taking Flax Seed Oil – 1000mg capsules and my face has never been clearer (I am sounding like an advertisement!) I havent even broke out before my period! I take 3 capsules a day with meals and I have stopped using proactiv – it is very drying on the skin anyway. The pills are really good for cardiovascular health as well. Good Luck.

  • Rachel

    I am almost 29 and still get breakouts as well – grrrr! I recently read on another blog that a spoonful of apple cider vinegar once/day helps with clearing up skin. I have been doing this for a couple of weeks and have noticed a huge difference. I still have had a zit here and there but the overall improvement is great. I also noticed that even a PMS week didn’t wreak as much havoc as usual. I hope this helps! :)
    p.s. I suggest mixing the vinegar with a bit of water and honey/agave nectar…even then, just down it in one gulp! ;-)

  • harolina

    When I turned 25 I had an outburst of acne everywhere on my face. I used everything under the sun…antibiotics, creams, face washes, zit zappers, pro-active (which did the same to all my towels and pj’s…it’s the bleach in it to “clear” the scarring that acne leaves behind…as if visiting weren’t enough). The only thing that has helped me in controlling my acne is the Mario Badescu line (http://www.mariobadescu.com/), which is sold online or at Nordstrom for a very reasonable price. I have their Control Moisturizer for Oily Skin and the Botanical Facial Gel wash. They have all sorts of products zoning in on your personal issues with acne. Give it a try. You can get free samples at Nordstrom or even when you order online. : )

  • KS

    Clinique Turnaround Concentrate WORKS. It isn’t really meant for acne, but has really improved the texture of my skin. I have also seen a decrease in the number of breakouts since the serum is constantly exfoliating my skin.

  • Ang

    I’ve been using Aveda’s Outer Peace line for about a month now and I have to say I LOVE it! It is definitely more exensive than Clinique (which I used and couldn’t stick with), but I think it’s worth it. It uses salicylic acid instead of benzol peroxide, so it isn’t as harsh for your skin and I’ve had no problems sticking with the routine with great results.