One thing that stands out from my childhood (beauty-wise, that is), is my mum's Clinique skincare regimen. You know, that three-step routine that was all the rage back in the 90s. I'd always wanted to try Clinique's products for myself and follow in her footsteps as she has always had lovely skin, but the brand's iconic range of Clarifying Lotions was somewhat of a minefield. Recently, though, when buying my mum a few bits from a counter, I was given a small sample set of the Anti-Blemish range. I loved the Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Clarifying Lotion so much that I decided to purchase a full-size bottle.
Basically, Clinique's Clarifying Lotions are exfoliating toners with different formulas correlating to different skin needs. There's one suited to every skin type, so you can definitely find the right one for you. The Anti-Blemish Solutions Clarifying Lotion is targeted towards those with acne-prone skin. A key ingredient within the formula is salicylic acid, which helps to smooth the skin externally whilst actually getting inside clogged pores to clear them of sebum and debris. Other oil-controlling ingredients are also incorporated into the clarifying liquid to mattify shine and prevent excess oil build-up. I wouldn't say I have severe acne as such, but I certainly suffer from regular hormonal breakouts and my skin can get quite oily, especially through the T-zone.
I use salicylic acid products as more of a preventative measure, to keep breakouts at bay, rather than to treat active spots. And a toner such as the Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Calrifying Lotion, which can be quickly swept on with a cotton pad either morning or night, is an ideal way of incorporating this hero ingredient into your routine. Personally, I use the Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Clarifying Lotion after cleansing in the evening to gently exfoliate and target any clogged pores before they can develop into a fully fledged breakout. I use it every other evening to avoid over-stripping my skin, however I will spot treat any active blemishes with it multiple nights in a row to help them heal more quickly. One thing that's very important to remember when using this solution is to shake the bottle thoroughly so that the liquid mixes well and works effectively.
The Anti-Blemish Solutions Clarifying Lotion does contain alcohol and may cause some dryness if used excessively, so I recommend slowly incorporating it into your routine to avoid irritation until your skin gets used to it. If you have any areas of broken skin, possibly from tampering with a pesky pimple, the lotion can sting slightly on application, but I experience this with any exfoliating toners I use. This formula doesn't dry out my skin like other solutions I've used to combat imperfections, but I make sure to layer up on hydrating products after using this product to keep my skin barrier well nourished. Since using this product, I've definitely noticed that my skin doesn't get as oily throughout the day and I don't have to touch up my makeup as often as a result, which is so nice. Whilst I still experience the odd hormonal blemish here and there, they appear a lot less often and heal much more quickly with consistent use of the toner.
A 200ml bottle of the lotion lasts a very long time as a couple of drops on a cotton round is all you need per application. I really can't complain about the £25 price tag of this salicylic acid treatment as it's worked wonders for my skin and has replaced some of the more expensive blemish-fighting products I was previously using. The packaging is very clinical, in keeping with the Clinique theme, and each numbered lotion has its own colour scheme, which allows you to differentiate between each formula easily. As with all Clinique products, the Anti-Blemish Solutions Clarifying Lotion is 100% fragrance free. It may not have a spa-like scent to it, but I always prefer skincare products to be devoid of fragrance as it can be unnecessarily irritating.
Have you tried any products from Clinique's Anti-Blemish Solutions range?
AGB X
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