My skin is a combination of normal and oily. My nose and chin are covered in blackheads. I breakout often and summer is my enemy. It feels as if I have tried everything under the sun to tame my blemishes. Luckily, I have found six products that have helped me in my journey to clear skin.
The Wonders
1. Neutrogena Deep Clean Long-Last Shine Control Cleanser/Mask
Whenever I find that my face is getting more oily than usual, this is my go-to cleanser. The formula helps clear away most of the sweat and oil that accumulates around my nose and forehead. It's oil-free and does not dry out your skin. It can also be used as a weekly mask.
2. Garnier Clean + Blackhead Elimination Scrub
As I've mentioned before, I've had a long-lasting relationship with blackheads. This scrub has helped me clear out my pores by using charcoal and micro beads. After rinsing, the results are clear.
3. Botanics All Bright Cleansing Foam Wash
Fresh scent and soft skin calls for this cleanser. With the brightening touch of hibiscus, this cleanser leaves my skin feeling clean and smooth. It can be used with all skin types, and it sells for a fair price.
4. Mario Badescu Drying Lotion
Although this is the most expensive product on this list, I'm happy to say that this actually works. You use a q-tip to put a small dab on a pimple and let it dry up overnight. After washing your face in the morning, the pimple will have minimized or have disappeared all together. You also have the choice between a glass and a plastic bottle for the same price, which is a plus.
5. Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask
Benzoyl peroxide works its magic in this cleanser. The formula is great for preventing stubborn acne and the scars they cause. It's practically scentless and it's great for controlling oily skin. The formula is rather thick, so it is sometimes better to use it as a mask rather than a cleanser.
6. Neutrogena Pore Refining Daily Cleanser
Whenever the day calls for a clean face, this cleanser is a great choice. The alpha and beta hydroxy formula helps decrease the appearance of pores without an overpowering scent. The cleanser is gentle on the skin and leaves a soft, fresh feel after a good rinse.
The Not-So-Wonderful
1. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Foaming Scrub
It might just be me, but salicylic acid has never rubbed me the right way. Although this scrub has the delightful scent of grapefruit, it cannot account for the amount of redness that it has given me.
2. Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Pore Scrub
There was once a time where I thought trying natural products would be the best for my skin. I was sadly wrong. That being said, this formula was made without dyes or harsh chemicals. Yet, it worsened my acne as well as caused redness due to the salicylic acid.
3. Neutrogena Facial Cleansing Bar
I don't know whether it's the formula or the lack of rinsing, but breakouts would sprout within hours of using this soap. Although the product is fragrance-free with no dyes or detergents, the glycerin did not impress me.
4. Neutrogena Rapid Clear 2-In-1 Fight and Fade Gel
I suppose that this product is not that bad. If I wanted to increase the size of a pimple, this was just the thing to use. Not to mention my face would burn whenever I'd apply a small dab to my face. It just never worked out.
5. Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips
Let's be honest, they never worked in the first place. Even though it looks like they'd do the trick and clear your pores out after the first use, the strips never lead up to what was expected.
6. L'Oreal Paris Go 360 Clean Deep Facial Cleanser
Despite the fact that this cleanser was meant for sensitive skin, it instead made my skin sensitive. Although it is fragrance and soap free, it never did the job right. Sadly, the scrublet never did any good either.
