As an individual who has struggled with acne-prone skin for over twelve years, I feel as though I have tried almost every acne product on the market, with little to no positive results.
With most $5-$15 dollar acne products that could be purchased in most drug and department stores, I found that although they prevented my breakouts from progressing, they did not actually clear up my skin. They also contain a fair amount of alcohol, which at best, dries out the skin, and at worst, may irritate it. Dry skin ages your face and may even cause your face to breakout with an alternate form of acne.
After much frustration, I finally tried Pro-Activ Acne Complex, and did in fact see results. Never to the degree that the infomercial claimed, although I also have a bit of rosacea (reddening) and large pores that are similar to scars. Pro-Activ was more effective, it was easier on my skin, but it was pricey (especially for shipping) and was not available in large, or even medium-sized, bottles.
Then my breakthrough came. About a year ago, my mother wandered into our local Shoppers Drug Mart (a fairly up-scale Canadian drugstore), and asked the advice of the cosmetician regarding the best acne treatments available. She immediately exclaimed, “Vichy.”
Evidently, there are courses being taught on the science and effectiveness of Vichy’s skin care products, and not only its line of acne-fighting treatments. Vichy is effective, moisturizing, and great for sensitive skin. So, although each bottle sells for about $20.00 CDN, my mother decided we’d give it a whirl, and purchased a sample pack of the entire line.
I have to tell you, I was pretty excited. I dragged the first item, “Normaderm Deep Cleansing Gel” into the shower with me, and immediately noticed the startling difference between this product and its then-current L’Oreal counterpart. In fact, I hadn’t noticed that the L’Oreal had been irritating my skin until I tried the Vichy! It was insanely gentle, and actually left my skin feeling cleaner and much less oily than anything I had ever tried, period.
I hopped out of the shower, ready to apply the second step. I put a bit of the “Normaderm Purifying Astringent Toner” on a cotton pad and applied it all over my face and neck. That, too, was incredibly gentle and left my skin feeling soft. It also smells pleasant, probably due to a decrease in alcohol and other harsh chemicals. Finally, I applied the “Normaderm Anti-Imperfection Hydrating Care” which is actually an amazing moisturizer. It goes on quickly, absorbs instantly, and a little will do the entire face. I was quite pleased that it did not contribute to any oiliness of my skin, as other moisturizers, even non-oily ones, often do.
The kit also comes with “Normaderm Anti-Blemish Intensive Treatment Cream” which is to be applied directly to a blemish in order to clear it up. Although I have found a few other such creams in my travels, the others had always been quite harsh, often producing deep itching or mild irritation. The Vichy cream applies and absorbs in such a way that I am not even aware that it is there, and I find that the blemish will clear up in 1-2 days.
I have been using this skin care line ever since, although I switched to the “Normaderm Daily Exfoliating Cleansing Gel” for the actual cleanser, because I enjoy prefer the feeling of exfoliating my face, but do not like to use exfoliating cloths in this area. It, too, is non-drying and great for sensitive skin.
I also prefer this product to Pro-Activ because, although it may cost a similar amount initially, the bottles are much bigger and last much longer. I only find the need to replace any single one about once a year, whereas Pro-Activ is about once every three months. I would highly recommend this product to anyone with oily or oily and sensitive skin, especially if other products in the past have failed, or have proved to be irritating.
Rating: 10