Spot the Difference: Woman Who Battled Severe Acne for Years, Shares Her Guide to Pimple-Free Skin

Since high school, I had suffered from severe acne. It was mentally exhausting to constantly think that people were staring at the spots on my face.

In my desperation to stop the pimples, I’ve tried every imaginable wash, soap, scrub, peel, mask, and lotion. My bathroom cabinets were a graveyard of high end and on-trend products claiming to give me "perfect skin." Most of these products made my breakouts worse:

Results after 3 months of using Clear Out, a retinol + AZA lotion. Individual results may vary


After years of visits to the dermatologist and 3 rounds of prescription oral medication, I got wiser.

Here’s some advice in regards to products that I wish I could have told to my teenage self as it would have saved me a lot of time, money and heartache:

  1. Clay masks, peels and scrubs are not effective at stopping acne.

    When it comes to acne, don't waste your time or money on these products as they do not penetrate deep into the pore before they are washed off¹.

    Choose products that can be left on overnight so that the ingredients penetrate deeper into the pore. For example, the Clear Out has made a big difference in keeping my pores clear.

  2. Don’t over invest in washes or soaps.

    Opt for a simple, gentle cleanser, like Cetaphil, and skip the fancy ingredients in soaps/washes since they are rinsed off before they penetrate into the pore.

    Avoid washes that are harsh as they will strip away natural oils, forcing your skin to over-produce oil.

  3. When it comes to acne, retinoids are the gold standard.

    If you look at the algorithm that dermatologists use for acne², topical retinoids are the first option for virtually all types of acne. Prescription topical lotions have been too harsh to apply to my skin (overdrying and forcing my skin to go into overdrive to produce oil, leading to more breakouts).

    However, Clearly Basics’ Clear Out is a must-have in my routine. It pairs retinol³ with AZA⁴ in order to flush out my clogs with less side effects and without overdrying my skin. Many of my peers who could not use retinol in the past did well with this formulation.

     

  4. Finally a product that deals with my post-acne red marks!

    I’ve spent endless nights looking for a product that could fade the appearance of my post-acne red marks and the Lighten Up has worked wonders for me.

    It is important to fade the appearance of these red marks quickly as it reduces the chance that these marks would get exposed to UV light and collect stubborn brown pigmentation. A post-acne brown mark is significantly harder to get rid of as compared to a red mark.

  5. What is my routine to keep clear skin?

    A gentle cleanser, Banish's moisturizer, the Clear Out, Lighten Up and Clearly’s Toner. Yes … that’s it! Introducing too many products in my routine increases the risk of a reaction and these products were designed to work together.

    The Clear Out keeps my pores in the clear, while the Lighten Up uses multiple pathways to reduce the appearance of red marks on my face. You may find a comprehensive post about my current AM/PM routine here.

Here’s to cutting out the clutter and putting our focus on effective products worthy of our #shelfies.

It took many years to find the right formula and routine to get my skin to where it is now and it’s boosted my confidence so much. I hope my experience can inform yours and save you the money and time.

 


How I Kept My Acne at Bay Post-Oral Medication

 

I have a lot of people always sending me DM's about after care post oral medications.

Since being off it I use @clearlybasics clear out to keep acne at bay and honestly it's been a game changer for me!

I have used many topical retinol creams which have either overly dried my skin out or just made me break out but ever since I started using Clear Out it hasn't caused no issues, it's gentle and works so well.

A lot of people as me also do I worry about acne coming back and yes I use to all the time but now I know I can rely on @clearlybasics to help with my skin.

Have a look at their page, website and if you are interested in purchasing you can use my name 'ALISHA' to get 💰 off, every little helps 💖


Alisha Kalsi, 25, from Berkshire, developed severe acne when she was 15-years-old. She has gone through three rounds of prescription oral medication before finding out about Clearly Basics. Alisha’s Instagram page @skinwithak is dedicated to help those who struggle with acne and promote skin positivity. Use the coupon code ALISHA to get 10% off any item in the Clearly Basics eStore.

 

Recently I had a small but upcoming company contact me to help me with my acne/acne marks. I definitely don't think this company get enough credit as their products have changed people's lives! 🙌

@clearlybasics had kindly sent me the 'Clear Out' cream and waiting for the 'Lighten Up' cream to arrive to help me get rid of my red marks which have been left behind from 7 months on oral medication 👎

I wish I came across Clearly Basics before starting oral medication as I would have purchased these and wouldn't have had to put my body through so much! (FYI, I would never stick by a brand that did not work as an acne survivor the purpose of this page was to help others in their journey as I know how hard and mentally destroying it is to deal with acne/scars so I'll give you the best advice I can to my #acnefamily🥰)

As you know I was originally using diferin which was prescribed by my doctor however in such a short period of time my face become super dry and I was breaking out which was worrying me as I heard mixed reviews about the product but then with the help of all the staff at @clearlybasics they had educated me with their product.

If you have come off oral medication there's that worry of your acne coming back therefore some derms will provide you with a retinol cream however they can be harsh on the skin 😑

With @clearlybasics 'Clear Out' it does not over dry your skin as it isn't a high does on retinol which allows your skin to adapt and clear active acne aswell as fade the red scars.

I've spoken to several people in the acne community about their experiences with clear out as I wanted to compare them to mine and we are all in the same boat, a boat with clear skin! ❤

What 'Clear Out' is designed to do is penetrates deep into the pores to clear clogs, reduce the appearance of red marks and foster healing.

Have a look on their website and see the results for yourself.

You can use my discount code to get 10% off your purchase by using 'ALISHA' 💰😀


#RealResults

See what others have to say about Clearly Basics.

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#RealResults

See what others have to say about Clearly Basics.

Based on 25 reviews
88%
(22)
4%
(1)
8%
(2)
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Skin Type: Normal
Comments: Any ideas on how to get rid of brown skin damage
Skin defence

Marks of sun damage are still there they haven't faded much after using twice a day for 60 days. . I will continue until product is finished. I'm a bit disappointed

Skin Type: Combination

I am so happy that I stumbled upon clearly basics on instagram. I was skeptical at first but decided to give it a try and bought clear out clarifying lotion. It's been 2 months and my skin has improved a lot. I can see significant reduction in pores and acne.

Skin Type: Combination
Amazing

After years of medication and products, I decided to try clearly basics. In just 6 weeks my skin has calmed and I am now able to treat scarring.

So glad to have found these products!

Finding products that helped to control my acne without irritating my sensitive skin has always been a huge challenge. The clearly basics products have been my saviour, I can't recommend them enough ☺️

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Excellent and actually works

I am so incredibly impressed with the TLC for pore minimising - it 💯 works and has transformed my skin.

I’m in my 50’s and always had hormonal flare ups with larger pores as I age - this is a game changer and have just reordered my 3rd bottle !

❤️❤️❤️❤️

Skin Type: Combination
The Best!!

So good been buying for a couple years. Just a shame they no longer ship to UK and I have to look for another product

not bad but I thought the formula has changed since what it was previously (i had it maybe 2 years ago) and I found it less effective now

Skin Type: Combination
This is the stuff.

So, long time sufferer of acne. Started when I was 12 and I'm 28 now still battling it. I've tried all kinds of different things to try and get it under control and besides birth control, nothing has helped long term. I never want to take birth control ever again and I just happened upon this brand and decided well, why not try? To my amazement, it has helped more than anything else I've tried, I'd say it has improved my skin to the level it was at when I took BC. Of course I still get pimples every now and then, and tiny flare ups during PMS but my skin is nowhere near as bad as it used to be. I highly recommend this company. To those who are considering trying this out, be aware that during the first week or so your skin will go through a purge and your acne will appear to get worse at first. Stick with it! Once that phase is over is when your skin will begin improving. I do need to use it every night for it to be fully effective, but even when I do forget, the pimples don't get too out of control. I just can't say enough good things about this product. It has helped my confidence improve immensely and I definitely recommend trying it to those who have skin as finicky as mine.

Skin Type: Sensitive / Dry
The only moisturiser I trust

I am super sensitive and this is the only moisturiser that I trust honestly incredible.

Skin Type: Combination
Amazing!

I use this product and with the clear out and it has really helped my hormonal acne.

This skin care routine is the o lay one that has helped clear up my daughters skin.

My daughters skin is really starting to look better!

Skin Type: Oily
So far so good

Bought this for my daughter that has struggled with acne for years. She has seen improvement and less frequent breakouts.

Best moisturizer I have found!

V
Lighten Up Redness Rescue Cream
Veronica Ilenya Ranieri
Skin Type: Sensitive / Dry
Perfect

Has changed my skin from acne pro to almost perfect 😍😍

Skin Type: Combination
Obsessed !!

Obsessed with this cleanser!! It left me feeling fresh and prevented break outs. It is incredible . Loved this product so much

My skin feels so soft after using this moisturiser!

My skin feels so soft after using this moisturiser!

Skin Type: Combination
Fresh and clean!

My face is filled with energy and feels so fresh and clean!

Skin Type: Normal
excellent item!

have been using this for years! so good for my skin :)

C
So Fresh pH Balancing Cleanser
Carmelinda Di Manno
Skin Type: Combination
Fresh Feeling

My skin feels so clean and still hydrated when I use this cleanser. It’s balancing and refreshing. My skin has responded really well to it and at times my skin can be sensitive. I highly recommend this product to anyone with relatively oily t-zone area

Skin Type: Combination
Very happy!

Love the texture, the minty scent and the lather.
I wish the bottles were a bit bigger HOWEVER they are just small enough to fly with.

Skin Type: Normal
Comments: The only thing I now need to use to keep my skin clear.
The holy grail for clearing hormonal acne.

This is the only product that I have needed to keep my skin clear since discovering it about 2 years ago, after suddenly developing cystic hormonal acne at the age of 25. I now only need to use it every second night, so it's incredibly affordable. It has also never irritated my sensitive skin and it has faded previous acne marks to truly clear my skin. After years of trying expensive supplements/products/harsh prescription creams, Clear Out was the only thing that gave me long-lasting results.

Skin Type: Oily
Clearly Basics is the only product that has helped my Adult Acne

I have always struggled with dehydrated acne prone skin. Every month like clockwork I would get a new breakout on my chin or cheek area. These included large cystic acne that by the time they came to a head would take me months to clear. With new breakouts each month this created more & more spots before the first could heal leaving more hyper pigmentation spots that never have time to clear. Clearly basics changed all that for me. It gave my skin a chance to heal and reduced the number of breakouts each month. When I do get a new breakout it resolves itself quickly with less scarring and redness. Now that the acne is under control the products are helping to eliminate the remaining hyper pigmentation spots left from years of acne. I have not been using the product for long but I will continuing relying on this product and look forward to the day I can happily look in the mirror at a smooth clear & even complexion some day soon.

Skin Type: Combination
Comments: Product consistency in terms of smoothness/coarseness/stickiness/ is sometimes a miss, don't believe it affects the result provided.
Great Combo

Have seen great improvements by using these 2 items concurrently, hard to fault and wil continue purchasing.

Individual results may vary

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