This French Pharmacy Serum Clears My Acne and Dark Spots
The cult skincare product actually works.
Is it cystic acne, hormonal acne or the latest in the acne family, “maskne?” I can’t even tell. All I know is that for the past month or so, I’ve been doing everything I can to calm this small cluster of breakouts that has erupted along my jawline. On top of double cleansing and keeping my skin moisturized, I tried using pimple patches and even steeply priced peels once a week to exfoliate. Still, little progress had been made, and at one point, the breakouts were hardened and slightly painful to touch.
Needless to say, I was frustrated, but I was determined to find a solution — preferably something effective yet gentle enough for daily use. After consulting a number of beauty blogs, I decided to give La Roche-Posay‘s popular Effaclar Serum a go and, lo and behold, it worked like magic. Read on for my acne-fighting experience and review of the cult French pharmacy skincare product.
Walmart
WHAT IS IT: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Serum
WHY IT’S WORTH THE HYPE: While I initially set out to purchase the Effaclar Duo, a well-reviewed acne treatment, due to product unavailability, a pharmacy specialist recommended that I try the serum from the same range instead. Although marketed as an “anti-aging” serum (something I haven’t felt particularly interested in using myself), the product is actually popular among skincare enthusiasts for its acne-combating formula. Lipohydroxy acid (LHA) helps exfoliate and tighten pores, while another key ingredient, AHA-glycolic complex, improves skin texture and evens out its tone. Upon application, you might feel a subtle tingling sensation, but it is nothing too intense.
After having used this serum every morning and before bed for more than two weeks now, I can definitely see results. Not only is my acne starting to disappear, but the scarring that typically comes with breakouts is also healing quickly. In addition to treating acne, I also find the product helpful in getting rid of small bumps on the forehead, smoothening skin and fading dark spots. What’s more? The serum is fragrance-free and non-comedogenic (meaning it is unlikely to cause pore blockages), making it perfect for someone like myself who has sensitive skin. Without a doubt, I’ll repurchase this product when my current bottle runs out.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND IT: Pick up a 30 ml bottle for $45 USD at La Roche-Posay’s website or at stockists like Walmart.
