You’ve probably read from some of my posts that I suffer from acne, the bane of my life! All throughout school I had relatively clear skin but once I hit mid-twenties all hell broke loose on my face! Having predominately cystic acne it’s usually all based around my nose, jaw and chin areas and I’ve probably used every acne product under the sun. Some have worked really well but they never really fully cleared my skin and would still have those horrible cysts that would just lie under the skin and hurt like hell! Sounds like you or someone you know? Keep on reading because this skin care system was literally the game changer for me!

What is Clearogen and what makes it different?

Clearogen* recently launched here in Ireland having previously been only available to order on-line but now stocked in selected pharmacies nationwide. It is a 3-step system and yes this is not new, there have been plenty of other products similiar to this, but the difference with Clearogen is that can reduce and block the DHT production in your skin. It’s delivery system allows the natural ingredients to really penetrate the skin and reach the sebaceous glands where DHT is made. Some other products will just sit on the skin, this gets right down to work where you need it, which make this the first over-the-counter product to treat a blemish where it starts.

Foaming Cleanser

This foaming cleanser comes in a pump bottle which foams straight onto your hand. I don’t use this to take my makeup off, as I’m not really a fan of foaming cleansers in general for makeup removal so I go ahead with my usual cleansing balm to remove everything then use this as a second cleanse. I have dry skin but I didn’t notice that this was in anyway overly drying which is good and this also contains 2% salicylic acid.

Clarifying Toner

Not a step that everyone likes to do, but this toner will really dig out any remaining dirt or makeup in your pores for thoroughly clean skin – which is what we want right? It contains 1% salicylic acid and botanical extracts to enhance the skin’s renewal, leaving bright, refreshed skin. I use a small cotton pad and gently wipe over my face and allow it to dry. Having the salicylic acid in this toner is a great 2nd step as the residue will stay on the skin.

Blemish Lotion

Clearogen say that this is the most important step of them all as this contains the natural ingredients that stop the DHT production in your skin. It also contains another great ingredient – sulphr. This will open the pores to kill any blemish causing bacteria so because of this I tend to just use this at night time. It’s not a moisturiser although some people, especially anyone with oily skin may find it gives them the perfect amount of moisture. I like to use this on my cleansed skin before bed and out my usual night cream over. As I don’t get breakouts all over my face, I use this in a triangular area on my face so from the top of my nose, down to my skin and jaw, leaving my cheeks and forehead.

How I got on and overall thoughts…

I have been using all 3 products for just over 2 months now, and to say there is an improvement is an understatement! The first night I started my skin was in ribbons! I really should have taken a “before” photo but honestly it was really bad. To put it in context I had 5 large “hive-like” spots along my jawline and anyone who has had these know the PAIN of them!! I also had regular spots on my chin and around my nose.

Week 1: By the end of the first week I could start seeing my skin clearing up. The 5 huge spots on my chin had flattening right down, to the stage where it was easy to cover them with concealer during the day. The spots around my chin and nose had completely disappeared.

Week 2: By now the 5 huge spots have gone, but left their mark as they always do. These marks usually linger around for another week or so, and nothing I’m not used to!

Week 4: Jumping on to the 4th week my face has cleared up, all spots have gone! There are still acne marks left from them and they are slowly fading. So far, really impressed!

Week 8: On finishing the 2nd month of this, I had no new breakouts apart from 2 small pimples which were nothing in comparison to what I was getting almost weekly on my face. I have honestly never gone this length of time with no HUGE breakouts…ever! I’m over the moon!

I have now reduced using these products to every second night, and they you can reduce from twice daily as recommended for the first 2 months, down to once daily. As I’m using my NeoStrata face wash in the mornings, this is also keeping those spots at bay and also gently exfoliating.

I honestly cannot recommend this system high enough, it had changed my skin – something which got me down so much! Anyone that had been there will know how self-conscious it makes you feel. The only downside I had was with the blemish cream tube, the pump decided not to work after a few uses and it does make it tricky to get the right amount of product out now. I was told that they have now changed the packaging of the lotion, so this shouldn’t be a problem for anyone else.

The whole Clearogen set is priced at €74.99 and each product can be bought individually after that if you wish. The Cleanser and Toner are both €24.99 with the Blemish Lotion at €29.99. When I think back of the money I’ve spent over the years trying to control my acne, this system is actually fantastic value……and IT WORKS!

You can find a list of stockists here or buy directly from the website here. 

Thanks for reading!