Zit…AcNe….Pimples…. or “sparkles” yes! I call it “Sparkles” haha.

I apologize in advance if this post is very very long. 😊😱✌️

Never have I been in this situation that my face is almost filled with acne or again “sparkles”. I’m sorry but I’m just not used to say the word “acne”. So, as we move forward with this post, please get the hang of me saying “Sparkles” ok? 😃 You might wonder why I called it “sparkles” and the answer is simple. No matter what you do, whether you use concealer, full coverage foundation, with or without makeup this thing really shines bright like a diamond! HAHA.. Yes! they are like diamond that “sparkles” in every angle. Some turn red, “blue’ishh”, “purple’isshh” and they even have “yellow’ishh” dot on them too which uugghhh not cute at all. 😵 I’ve started getting them early December’ 2014 and I have tried different face wash, facial scrub, acne treatments and even thought of going to a dermatologist because they just looked really bad. 😡

Here are some products I’ve used:

• AcneFree Sensitive Skin 24 Hour Acne Clearing System
• Proactiv 3 Step System
• Neutrogena – Oil-Free Acne Stress Control® Power-Clear Scrub
• Neutrogena – Oil-Free Acne Wash Daily Scrub
• Clean & Clear – MORNING BURST® Skin Brightening Scrub

Let’s start with the Neutrogena products.

1. Oil-Free Acne Stress Control® Power-Clear Scrub

Oil-Free Acne Stress Control® Power-Clear Scrub clears, softens and gently exfoliates to leave skin smooth and even. Soothing, calming ingredients help reduce irritation and prevent over-drying.This creamy, super-clearing formula softens and conditions skin while gentle microbeads sweep away dirt, oil and pore-clogging dead cells. Its breakthrough MicroClear® technology is clinically proven to boost the delivery of acne medicine, unclogging congested pores and speeding treatment deep and fast to the source where breakouts begin. With naturally derived skin soothers, green tea and cucumber help to reduce redness and relieve irritation, leaving sensitive acne-prone skin soft and smooth instead of dry and tight.

• Non-irritating
• MicroClear® technology
• $7.49

Thoughts: The moment I used this product, it felt really good but then I noticed it made my skin dry and made my “sparkles” turned red. It irritated my skin so I stopped using it.

2. Oil-Free Acne Wash Daily Scrub

Oil-Free Acne Wash Daily Scrub specifically formulated to penetrate deep into pores and help stop breakouts before they start.

This breakthrough formula features MicroClear®, a powerful technology clinically shown to boost delivery of acne medicine to clear congested pores and speed treatment deep to the source. MicroClear® and gentle microbeads work together to cut through oil, dissolving dirt and impurities without overdrying or irritation. Skin is left clear and smooth.

• Oil-free
• Clean rinsing
• MicroClear® technology
• $5.99

Thoughts: This was once my favorite facial scrub. Whenever I felt like I needed a good facial scrub, this was my go to product until one day it just stopped loving me. Maybe I just have a really sensitive skin that any product don’t last long on me. Don’t get me wrong, they cleaned your face really well and leaves your skin smooth but I am not sure why they didn’t work when I needed it badly. Just like the product mentioned above (1.) they turned my “sparkles” really red and made my skin itchy at the same time. 

3. Clean & Clear Morning Burst Skin Brightening Oil-Free Facial Scrub

Wake up to a burst of freshness with the Clean & Clear Morning Burst Skin Brightening Facial Scrub. Its unique formula blends caffeine, lemon and papaya extracts with bursting beads that remove dirt and oil to leave your skin feeling refreshed and clean. The Clean & Clear facial scrub is oil-free and won’t clog your pores. It exfoliates dull surface skin to reveal your natural glow, so you can put your best face forward all day long. This invigorating oil-free face scrub comes in a squeeze tube with five ounces of skin-brightening cleanser.

• Oil free – won’t clog pores
• With bursting beads
• Wakes you up, exfoliates for visibly brighter skin
• With caffeine, lemon and papaya
• $5.47

Thoughts: Another product that I repurchased a couple of times, even my husband loved it. They smell so good, makes your skin smooth and feeling really clean and soft. But then again, I had to stop using it because they made my “sparkles” turned red (I know you’re tired of hearing the “red” word but what can I do? They did turn RED), it felt like they sting and felt like it burned. I was really sad when I felt the burning sensation on my skin because I really liked it. But I had to put them aside before they irritate my skin even more.

4. AcneFree Sensitive Skin 24 Hour Acne Clearing System 

AcneFree 24 Hour Acne Clearing System provides round the clock acne treatment and prevention, helping you achieve clear and healthy looking skin. The formula provides continuous micro-benzoyl peroxide for all day coverage and clearing. Use the Acnefree Clear Skin System twice a day to be on your way to a better complexion. It is oil free and uses the power of micro-benzoyl to clean deep into the pores of the skin, removing makeup, excess oil, bacteria and other debris that causes blemishes. The AcneFree 24 Hour Acne Clearing System has several components to treat pimples and other breakouts that tarnish the complexion. Use the AcneFree cream (3 count) with the AcneFree renewing toner to remove even more excess oil from the pores. The solution contains soothing aloe and chamomile in addition to witch hazel as the astringent. It will tighten the skin, leaving it less prone to bacteria build up.

The result is a smooth and soft complexion that leaves you feeling confident and radiant. Complete your skin care routine with the AcneFree repair lotion. It will keep pores free from clogs.

The AcneFree 3-step system with cleanser, toner and moisturizer can help you achieve the healthy, glowing complexion you want with just a few minutes a day. You should notice a different fairly quickly, within 1-3 days. Use regularly for results that can be maintained.

• Advanced formula eliminates acne bacteria
• Visible results in 1-3 days
• Continuously treats all stages of acne 24 hours a day
• Contains: Purifying Cleanser, 4 fl. oz.; Renewing Toner 4 fl. oz.; Repair Lotion 2 fl. oz.
• $17.97

Thoughts: My husband bought this for me as he read that this product got tons of great reviews. Some even said this works better than ProActiv and aside from more effective than ProActiv they are way cheaper too. However, this didn’t help me with my problem at all. They seemed to be really strong and very drying as well. Although, I didn’t feel any burning sensation but I didn’t feel any positive change on my skin too. I’ve used this for almost a week because I was really hoping for a better result but sadly, I had to to stop before they worsen my acne problem. 

5. Proactiv 3 Step System (60 Day)

The proactiv 3-step system helps treat and prevent acne breakouts with proven acne-fighting ingredients. The renewing cleanser and repairing lotion contain benzoyl peroxide, a proven acne medicine known to kill and prevent acne bacteria. The alcohol-free revitalizing toner helps to gently remove excess oil and soften acne-prone skin with glycolic acid. This kit also includes the proactiv refining mask, formulated with acne-fighting sulfur to help purge impurities and minimize the appearance of pores. You also get green tea moisturizer, the perfect lightweight, oil-free, non-greasy moisturizer for acne-prone skin.

• Treats and prevents acne breakouts
• Removes acne-causing impurities
• Contains proven acne-fighting ingredients
• Dermatologist Tested
• Non-Comedogenic (won’t clog pores)
• $59.95

Thoughts: My best friend loves this product so much! She have nothing bad to say about ProActiv so I’ve decided to try it myself (to see is to believe right?). When I got this in the mail, I was really excited especially when I opened the box, the packaging was impressive and it made me really excited to use them. Immediately, I washed my face and followed the instructions. Step 1, Step 2 and so on. When I used step 1 (Skin Smoothing Exfoliator) I thought it was good, but after I washed my face I felt the burning sensation! My “sparkles” started turning red and they kind of looked like they are swollen. They started to sting and It felt like an alcohol poured on a paper-cut on my skin.

I still tried using them the day after because I was told, “that’s how they work”. And again, I followed the steps but they worsen my breakouts. And luckily I didn’t spend $59.95 for this kit because I was able to avail their promo for $29.99. I used this for a week until I just decided to cancel my subscription. Yes! Subscription..because you are obliged to register when you order from ProActiv site. I called their Hotline to cancel my subscription and WOW! they asked me so many questions as to why I am cancelling the subscription. They asked me what happened to my skin? asked me to describe how they looked and on and on and on. (I know they wanted to get better feedback but their questions were just too much and I felt its too personal as well) Sadly enough I HAVE NOTHING GOOD TO SAY ABOUT THIS PRODUCT.

Two more products that failed me:

Both products are from Clean & Clear line.

Clean & Clear Advantage Acne & Mark Eraser Treatment

Clean & Clear Advantage Mark Treatment treats breakouts fast. The main ingredient in this Acne Medication is salicylic acid, which is used to help treat and prevent pimples. This Acne Medication Treatment is safe to use on your skin daily. Simply cleanse your face and apply the Clean & Clear Acne Treatment to the affected area up to three times per day. The Clean & Clear Advantage Mark Treatment will keep your face looking and feeling healthy. This Acne Medication works hard to diminish the look of acne scars. Clean & Clear Advantage Mark Treatment will allow you to have the beautiful skin that you have always wanted.

• Salicylic acid acne medication
• Treats breakouts fast
• Diminishes the look of post acne marks
• Recommended for daily use
• Can be used up to 3 times per day
• $5.99

Thoughts: They didn’t have the burning sensation nor stings my face but they made my “sparkles” turned red and after using them, you will see a little yellowish dot on the tip of my zit. Not the result I was looking for. And again.. Failed!

Clean & Clear Advantage Popped Pimple Relief Drying Paste

The Clean & Clear Advantage Popped Pimple Relief Drying Paste works while you sleep to relieve acne-related skin irritations. This popped pimple paste is equipped with salicylic acid to dry acne inflammations and allow the skin to heal. Simply apply the Clean & Clear drying paste on the affected area before you go to sleep. It goes on blue then turns white so you know it’s dry and starting to work.

• Salicylic acid acne medication
• Works overnight
• $6.27

Thoughts: Finally a product that worked although not the best. However, I am able to use this once in a while especially when I tried to pop some tiny “zits” and I just applied a tiny amount of this drying paste and it seemed like it worked. They didn’t prevent my breakouts from coming back but at least they helped in keeping the affected area dry.

Last but definitely not the least. 

A product that I discovered by accident which I have been using up to date.

CLINIQUE Liquid Facial Soap

What it is:
A non-drying liquid soap that cleanses gently and thoroughly.

Clinically formulated cleansing—that’s how great skin starts. This dermatologist-developed Facial Soap maintains protective lipids and loosens surface flakes to leave skin clean, comfortable, and refreshed—never taut or dry. It rinses away easily and prepares skin perfectly for the exfoliating action of Clarifying Lotion. A convenient pump dispenser provides just the right amount of product.

$14.00 (http://www.sephora.com/liquid-facial-soap-P139000?skuId=1540798)

Thoughts: This product was discovered by accident, I was with my aunt in NYC and I needed a facial wash, this was the only soap she had so I thought I will give it a try. I was really worried at first because it might irritate my skin again. Guess what?? I never felt any negative feeling on my face. It didn’t burn, sting nor dried my face. I thought maybe, my skin was just acting good that day so I tried it again before I went to bed. Hey!!! my face seemed to calm down and I have never felt fresh, smooth and just really normal with this soap. When I got back home I went to Sephora and purchased one for myself. When I purchased this product, I didn’t realize that I took the “Oily Skin Formula” until I got home. I don’t know what my skin type is until now but one thing is for sure, this soap did not cause any irritation on my skin. Since then, I have been using this as my facial soap to date. I’ve started using this since January and I am never letting this liquid soap go. Though they never stopped my “sparkles” but they seemed to prevent them from spreading. At least I have something to clean my face rather than washing my face with just water. I know.. I know.. there’s nothing wrong with water but we still need a good cleanser to clean any makeup residue or dirt on our skin right? 🙂

Having a very sensitive skin is not fun at all. Just imagine all the products I have to go through but whether you have a sensitive skin or not I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS CLINIQUE LIQUID FACIAL SOAP TO EVERYONE as I know that this product is very gentle on the skin.

You might be wondering why I never mentioned any high end products on this post.. But, just so you know I am currently trying some items I got from Sephora. I will give you an update soon but let me start with this for now.

Also, if you want to know what I did with the products mentioned above. My hubby is now using them (he loves the Clean & Clear Morning Burst facial scrub..haha) while the AcneFree and ProActiv are now being kept in the dark..LOL as well as the Clean & Clear mark treatment. (my best friend wants the ProActiv so I might give that to her when I see her soon)

Note: I am not saying that the products mentioned above are bad for your skin, I’m sure some of you are loving them and I’m sure this will work great with other skin types too. But unfortunately, they just didn’t work on my sensitive skin. 

Please don’t hesitate to leave any comments or feedback about this post as I do love to hear what you guys would say.

♦CyberHug♦