I have been obsessed with skincare these days as you can tell. My search for the perfect skincare regiment started with Effaclar Duo, which I found at my local CVS with that special red sticker marking it as one of Allure's top beauty products. After I found that this brilliant little tube worked wonders for clearing my acne, my exploration in all that is La Roche-Posay began. The skincare line contains has different names for different problems. For example, they have a line dedicated to age, one for rosacea (redness), one for skin that has just been repaired, one for acne...etc. The line for acne happens to be called Effaclar, and as you can see, I have buckled down and invested full force into it.
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| My La Roche-Posay dictated skincare regiment |
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| La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel |
I wash my face with the Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel every morning and night. The consistency of this clear gel-like product feels comfortable on the skin and lathers with a nice foamy wash. I used to use Cetaphil, but I like this much better because it has more body to it and leaves the skin feeling cleaner without that residue-y afterthought. There is no scent to it, which can be a good thing.
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| La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo |
Next, I apply Effaclar Duo on my problem acne spots. Be careful not to apply this all over the face, as this will dry it out like crazy. But well worth it to me, as this product will eliminate pimples like a dream. You cannot over-use this product, however, as it will lose its steam over time. I only bust this sucker out when I start breaking out and give it a rest when I am somewhat clear.
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| La-Roche Posay Effaclar K |
Effaclar K is what I use when I am not using the Effaclar Duo, during the end stages of a breakout or when I am completely clear. As the label says, it is an anti-relapse acne treatment. If you're a woman, you know you get those times of the month when your hormones are wack and breakouts are inevitable. That's why I generally end up alternating between Effaclar K and Effaclar Duo throughout the month. I find that this method prevents the skin from getting used to the effect of the Duo. Effaclar Duo contains 5.5% benzoyl peroxide while Effaclar K contains 1.5% salicylic acid as key ingredients. Both good stuff.
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| La Roche-Posay Effaclar M |
To moisturize, I use Effaclar M, a mattifying moisturizer that is GREAT as a primer for makeup. I have shiny, oily skin that becomes downright embarrassing by mid-day, so this keeps my oil level at a controllable level. I still need to blot, but product doesn't feel greasy and glides smooth on the skin. Not to mention, the scent is great and very mild (as with all La-Roche Posay products).
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| La Roche-Posay Effaclar Serum |
On the occasions that my skin is completey free acne (I love these moments), I start concentrating on refining my pores and on anti-aging properties. The serum is what I use in place of the Duo or K. Once applied, the skin burns a little and I find that applying Effaclar M right away relieves this somewhat. Once applied, you are to avoid sunlight as much as possible. I am almost done with the bottle and I have seen improvement in pore size. However, this will not keep acne breakouts from occurring like Duo or K will.
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| La-Roche Posay Mela-D Pigment Control |
Not part of the Effaclar line, but a couple things I'd like to throw in: Just like the Effaclar Serum, the Mela-D Pigment Control is to be used as a serum after cleanser and before moisturizer. You also have to avoid the sun with this product and if you do have to go outside, sunblock is a must. I am currently in the midst of testing out this product and it is not part of the Effaclar line, so a review of this is in the works...
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| La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Daily Anti-Aging Primer with Sunscreen |
Onto sunscreen, my only La Roche-Posay sunscreen happens to be Anthelios 50, which serves as a primer. Since I wear makeup nearly everyday, I picked up this product thinking it would be a good mix. Wrong. This does not blend well with most moisturizers and ends up peeling and leaving a cake-y residue on the skin. It goes on very thick, sits heavy on the skin, and makes you feel like a greaseball. The one good thing about it is it's SPF 50, but there are other sunscreens I've sampled by La Roche-Posay with the same SPF that don't feel nearly as thick and cake-y. This one happened to be recently released, which is partly why I was suckered into getting this product. What a mistake.
Overall, I have to say that, when it comes to skincare, it is so important that whatever you are using contains the ingredients that you are targeting. For instance, if you are looking for acne-clearing products, salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are a must, or when looking for anti-aging products, alpha-hydroxy acids, retinols, vitamin E and such are a must. For the most part, La Roche Posay is a winning brand to me because it comes with the proper ingredients and does so with beautiful packaging, a pleasantly mild fragrance, and a reasonable price. I love the straightforwardness of this brand and will continue to sing its praises to family and friends.
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