Category:

Acne

Top 4 Prescription Acne Medication Alternatives Reviewed

by Melissa February 14, 2019

There are a number of reasons that one may be looking for alternatives to prescription acne medications, and in our case, it may be different from yours.

My daughter had used many over-the-counter acne products over the years, including Proactiv and X Out, Neutrogena, and many others.

The thing about many of the non-prescription acne products is that while they do help to clear up current acne, many of them that we had tried in the past did not resolve the problem entirely. In other words, the acne would just keep coming back.

She was eventually prescribed an acne pill, and I can tell you for certain that it was worth the $75 per month that it cost me to get the prescription filled (insurance did not cover this particular Rx). Her face had never looked so clear. Unfortunately, it was not a long-term drug, meaning the dermatologist would only prescribe it for about 6 months, and as soon as the prescription ran out, her acne came back.

This led the dermatologist to recommending over-the-counter alternatives while she worked out another prescription that my daughter could use, as we had already exhausted several options.

Here are the Top 4 Prescription Acne Medication Alternatives

Product	Details	Check Price
Differin Adapalene	Rx Strength Retinoid Reduces Inflammation Prevents Breakouts Dermatologist Recommended	Click For Best Price
Neutrogena Oil-Free Face Wash	Salicylic Acid Cleans Pores Treats Acne # 1 Dermatologist Recommended Brand	Click For Best Price
Proactiv	Micro-Crystal Benzoyl Peroxide Soothes Inflammation Fights Redness 3 Step System	Click For Best Price
Paula's Choice	2% Salicylic Acid & 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide Facial Acne & Pores Redness Relief Thousands of great reviews	Click For Best Price

Product

Differin Adapalene

Details

Rx Strength Retinoid
Reduces Inflammation
Prevents Breakouts
Dermatologist Recommended

Check Price

Click For Best Price

Product

Neutrogena Oil-Free Face Wash

Details

Salicylic Acid
Cleans Pores
Treats Acne
# 1 Dermatologist Recommended Brand

Check Price

Click For Best Price

Product

Proactiv

Details

Micro-Crystal Benzoyl Peroxide
Soothes Inflammation
Fights Redness
3 Step System

Check Price

Click For Best Price

Product

Neutrogena Light Therapy Face Mask

Details

Clears Breakouts
Heals Skin
Gentle on Skin
Light Therapy Technology

Check Price

Click For Best Price

Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1%

One of the prescription acne medications that was prescribed to my daughter was a gel with Adapalene, however, it was entirely too strong for her sensitive skin. Immediately after applying it, her face not only burned, but her eyelids turned bright red (no, she did not apply it to her eyelids). The dermatologist had her try it every few days hoping that her skin would gradually accept it, but that never happened.

Finally, the dermatologist recommended the Differen Gel, as it had the same ingredient as the prescription (Adapalene), just at a lower dosage. This is an over-the-counter acne medication that she described as being the same as the prescription, only with a lower dosage.

It seemed to be the perfect strength, as her skin would no longer turn fire red after applying it. It did take a week or so of slight dryness, but eventually, her face accepted the product, and it did a pretty good job of helping to clear up her acne.

With that said, it did not give the same results as the acne pill.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Face Wash For Acne

Neutrogena has come a long way over the years. They are a trusted brand with trusted products that work. This cheap drug store face wash was also recommended by a dermatologist. You can find it here on Amazon, or buy it in the drug store.

As the name states, it is oil-free. It is gentle for your face, and allows the acne fighting ingredients to work without drying out the skin. Always make sure to use a moisturizer with any product, whether for acne or not.

The moisturizer that my daughter uses, because of course, her dermatologist told her to, is also a Neutrogena product, and it is dye free, and specifically made for sensitive skin. It comes from the same line as my favorite face cleanser from Neutrogena.

Proactiv

So, you’re not living under a rock, and that means that you have heard of Proactiv. You may even know someone who has used it. This is definitely a product that everyone should try first, even before going to the dermatologist if you are trying to clear up mild acne.

I have done a complete review on the Proactiv 3-Step Acne Treatment, so I will not go on about it here. Read the post, as it discusses Proactiv as well as X Out.

Paula's Choice CLEAR Regular Strength Acne Kit

Finally! After years of trying out acne products, going to the dermatologist, washing, scrubbing, using masks, etc, my daughter finally found a product that actually cleared up her acne.

Paula's Choice is now my #1 recommendation for anyone suffering with mild to moderate acne. Similar to Proactiv, it is a 3-step system consisting of a cleanser, exfoliate, and treatment cream.

Until next time, Stay Happy, Stay Healthy, Stay Beautiful!

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Acne Reviews Skin Care X Out

X Out Review and a Proactiv Update – Actual Results

by Melissa March 20, 2017

It has been over a year now since I wrote about my daughter’s experience with X Out. X Out is an acne product by the same makers of Proactive, and targets teens due to it’s simplicity of use (at least that’s my opinion). It is a one step acne treatment, so the process is less time consuming making it more likely that a teenager will stick with a routine.

Here’s Our Story

My daughter is 16 years old (15 when I wrote the original review), and has suffered with mild acne since she reached puberty at age 12.

The X-Out Review After One Year

I wanted to write a new review of X Out, as things have changed with how her skin was reacting to the product. It seemed like her acne was getting worse again, and trust me when I say that she is vigilant with her skin care routine.

She wears a little make-up, and this is only to cover up her acne. It upsets me like crazy, as she is such a beautiful young lady, and it hurts my heart knowing how much this bothers her.

A few months back, I started noticing her skin was flaring up again, and I asked if she had been washing consistently(which I pretty much knew she had), and she said yes. I asked her if she would be willing to give Proactiv another try, as I had ordered it for her at the early age of 12 or 13.

Are We Going Back to Proactiv?

Now that she is a bit older, I was confident that she would use the product as directed, all 3 steps, twice a day. She agreed.

So I ordered it. You can see my receipt to the left, as I order almost everything from Amazon anymore. I don’t like ordering from Guthy Renker due to the auto-shipments, so I simply order what I need, when I need it from Amazon.

I always try to show you a receipt because there are so many people reviewing products that they have never even tried. So there you go!

One Month Review of Proactive vs our Original X Out Review

As you can see from the receipt we received the order at our home on February 14, 2017 (Happy Valentine’s Day). Since then, I have noticed a drastic change in her skin. I am not going to tell you that her face is completely clear, but I am going to say that her skin tone is different, and her skin is smoother with much less acne on her face.

There is no question in my mind that Proactive is to thank for this. I truly believe that regardless of what product you use, whether for acne or not, or what your age is, using a 3 step product vs. just 1 step is important.

How to Use Proactiv

She washes with the cleanser, then applies some toner to a cotton square, lets her skin dry, and finally applies the lotion. I am so pleased with the results (she is too!) that I just placed another order. (Here is another screenshot of my receipt :))

does proactiv work

I might add that I am an Amazon Prime member, and will likely be forever. It is worth it’s weight in gold to me because of how often I order products on Amazon. Hey, I’m busy, so why not?

How to Avoid Proactiv’s Auto-Shipment Requirement

If you or someone close to you is struggling with acne, I highly recommend Proactive. But like me, order it from Amazon first (or forever), as if you order through Proactiv’s website, you are automatically signed up for the auto-shipments.

Amazon has an option for subscribing to the auto-renewal as well, so just make sure when you check out that you select “One Time Purchase” instead of “Subscribe & Save”.

Should Younger Teens and pre-teens Use Proactiv or Xout?

If you have a younger child suffering with acne (12-14), I would recommend starting with X Out. This will get them used to a daily cleansing routine, and then when you feel that they are responsible enough to do all 3 steps twice a day, then move on to the Proactive product.

I want to reinforce something that Proactive will tell you as well should your order the product. Skin treated with the product will be sensitive to UV rays, so always keep this in mind whether it be for this particular acne product, or any other that you may try.

If you are looking for a 3 step cleansing product that is not meant to treat acne, you can read about a product for us aging women that I am currently reviewing here. This review is not complete, as I have not yet had enough time to truly give an opinion, so stay tuned for my results.

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Acne Aging Skin Curology Reviews Skin Care

Curology Review | Does It Get Rid of Redness and Clogged Pores

by Melissa November 11, 2019

curology for clogged pores Today, I begin my Curology journey, and hopefully sooner rather than later, I will get the results that I’m after.

The majority of the Curology reviews I could find were for acne, and while I do not have perfect skin, I don’t really have “acne”.

That’s not to say that I did not suffer from it when I was younger, and it did leave me with some scarring, but I am now 45, so acne is no longer an issue.

Why am I Reviewing Curology?

I am determined to get rid of the redness and clogged pores that seem to be getting worse as I age. With any luck, it will reduce the appearance of the scars as well.

I have always been faithful with my skincare routine, even when I was a teenager, so I guess I was just born with not-so-perfect skin.

As far as signs of aging go, I am really happy with the results I am getting from Crepe Erase. It has reduced the lines on my forehead, between my eyes, and also the side of my nose, and I just started using it in July of 2019. My face looks much smoother, but unfortunately, it did not get rid of my redness and clogged pores. Hence Curology!

At any rate, stay tuned, because I will be updating this post on my progress, and I am even going to show you before and after photos. Well, that’s if I get the nerve up to be that “raw” with my readers. I will let the results make that decision, but for now, I am on night one of my treatment plan.

Curology Day 1

It has been 24 hours since I applied Curology for the first time (Exact date I started was November 10, 2019). Obviously, I did not expect any results this soon, but considering that I have never used a prescription product on my face, I was concerned about redness, burning, etc.

I am happy to say that so far, I have had no side effects from using the product.

I will try to keep this post updated often, but will certainly report any changes, whether good or bad.

I will do a full review after using Curology for one month, so subscribe to my blog and be notified when updates occur.

Curology Day 5

For someone like me, (infatuated with details and somewhat of a perfectionist), I am not too happy with myself today. When you sign up for Curology, you get a treatment plan designed specifically for your skin type and problem areas.

The treatment is not just the product, it is the entire treatment plan, including:

When to apply Curology

1. Cleanser (morning and evening)
2. Curology Treatment (evening only for me)
3. Sunscreen (morning)
4. Moisturizer (evening)

How often to apply Curology Treatment

This is where things went wrong for me. Not terribly wrong, but proof that I should have read my treatment plan from A to Z. It specifically stated to begin gradually, and only apply the Curology cream M/W/F at the beginning, and then every other day after the 1st week (if my skin was tolerating it). Only once I am confident that my skin is tolerating it do I apply it every day.

Well… You can only guess what I have been doing for 5 days straight.

Yep, applying the Curology treatment every single night!

So when I washed with the cleanser this morning, I then put my sunscreen on AND IT BURNED LIKE HELL!

Only then did I go back and read my treatment plan to learn that I should have slowly introduced it to my skin.

I will give it a break for a couple of days and report back.

Morale of the story… ALWAYS READ THE DIRECTIONS!

Curology Day 10

I mentioned that on day 5, I discovered that I had been applying Curology incorrectly, at least for my specific treatment plan. I took 3 days off to let my face “cool down”. It never really looked red, but it did burn when I put my sunscreen on, so I decided to go ahead and skip a few days.

I have applied it for the past 2 nights, and I actually have something to report.

During those few days that I was not using it, something made my face break out on my right cheek. It was actually pretty strange for my skin. I do still get blackheads on my chin, and of course the clogged pores on and around my nose which was the reason I decided to try it to begin with, but for me to “break out”, I knew something was amiss.

My daughter reminded me that I was showing a comparison of 2 foundations, and one of them was old and I had never cleaned the pad that came with it. I truly believe now that it was the source for my breakout.

At any rate, after applying Curology again on the evening of day 8, I woke up the next morning and the breakout was almost non-existent.

I applied it again last night, November 19, 2019, and this was day 9 of my treatment, although I have only applied it 7 times.

I am going to use it again tonight, which will make it 3 nights in a row, and see how my skin feels in the morning. If I can continue to use it now without stinging, I will start applying it every day.

I’ll report back in a couple of days.

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Acne Skin Care

Exposed Skin Care | Customer Reviews

by Melissa February 10, 2015

Exposed Skin Care is an acne treatment that uses specialized scientific actives and other powerful natural extracts to remove acne fast without causing irritation, redness or dryness. The Exposed line promises to clear your skin and reduce any side effects associated with its use.

The acne treatment product is developed by experts such as chemists ,cosmetologists, and dermatologists. It is used to return your skin to it’s normal natural and healthy condition. Exposed is one of the best products on the market today to clear acne and blemishes.

Its prices and terms are the best compared to other effective acne care products that are on the market today, the other products includes Neutrogena,Oxy and ProActive. It is known to be the best and its success rate is reported to be up to 98 percent.

The other reason why exposed is referred as the best is the additional discounts that are offered when you buy them. The discount ranges from 40 percent up to 50 percent and comes with a guarantee of up to one year after purchase.

Exposed Skin Care Customer Reviews:

– I am 30 years old and I have tried just about everything on the market but Exposed Skin Care is the first product that has worked. My results have been life changing, for the first time I don’t feel like I have to have make-up on to leave the house. Thank you! Maureen – Tulsa, OK

– I am just writing to let you know that your product is the only one that has ever worked on my acne. I had more blackheads and whiteheads than pimples and I say had. Even friends are noticing the miraculous changes in my skin. I am so happy and will continue to purchase this product. Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Pam – Niagara Falls, NY

– I am a 37 year old woman who has literally tried everything under the sun for my mild, but persistent acne problem……I mean everything!!! Your products are absolutely wonderful. Jacqueline H. – Bayport, NY

Clearing of acne-prone skin involves several treatments such as the use of a good cleanser, a good clearing tonic and other treatment for opening the skin pores. There is no acne cleaning product in the market that is capable of cleaning 100 percent of acne blemishes without adding other treatments.

A good cleanser that is not left to dry on the body is very important to someone with acne. This is because acne begins to develop when a person’s skin starts accumulating and clumping on top of oil inside the pores.

For gentle loosening of dead skin and the removal of excess oil out of the skin pores, Exposed cleanser uses similar skin ingredients in water along with a small amount of sage extract so as to kill bacteria.

The clearing process works by providing green skin extract, thereby reducing the production of oil by sebaceous glands in pores. The tonic contains a small amount of witch hazel extract that is no good for use before your skin is cleansed since it closes/seals it. It is only advisable to use witch hazel after you have removed excess oil from your skin using a good cleanser. It is also right to keep the oil deep inside the pore so that it does not come into contact with your skin and later forming clogs.

Exposed products fights and calms inflammation and irritation using azelaic acid, and also stops the redness and black or brown pigmentation of the skin especially on the nose and sometimes on the the cheeks.

These product contains a clear pore serum that contains 1 percent of salicylic acid and beta-hydroxy acid that is used in the treatment. When salicylic acid is applied on the skin and left for the whole night, it dissolves hardened oils and later opens up both white and blackheads.

This clear pore serum is the best product in the market used to remove blackheads compared to blackhead extractor since it gives the pores walls time to heal. Extra large and ugly pores are also dealt with using this serum. Exposed also contains another product known as Microderm Scrub that is made of corundum crystals used to gently exfoliate thick skin that holds acne scars without causing irritation.

Advantages of using exposed skin care include:

– There is no age limit to use it, it can be used by people of all ages and skin types. It is the best recommended product used for treating teenage and adult acne and is also ideal for those who have sensitive skin.

– Its use is safe and effective since its solutions are formulated using FDA approved ingredients, and are approved to be used for acne treatment. Acne causing bacterias are eliminated using both their scientific and natural actives. Every product uses a combination of carefully selected actives that are beneficial for the skin renewal process.

– Another advantage is that it contains acid complexes that are carefully tested to reduce and end any existing blemishes on the skin and preventing any future acne scars/blemishes.

– The Exposed Skin Care line guarantees total satisfaction to its customers and promises to clear any scars or blemishes in just a month.

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Acne Proactive Reviews Skin Care X Out

X-Out Reviews Vs. Proactiv | Mom and Daughter Tell All

by Melissa December 24, 2015

Proactiv has been on the market since 1995, and is a world-wide brand marketed to acne sufferers. But what about X-Out? Where does that product fit into the picture?

I chose the image above because it speaks a thousand words to those who have suffered with acne.

UPDATED X OUT REVIEW: CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

Read on to find out how we rate Proactiv vs. X-Out.

Proactiv Reviews

Proactiv Review By Mom

I began using Proactiv in my twenties, as I had mild acne, but consistently mild. It seemed that I never had a day where my face was without a few pimples.

I used the product faithfully, all 3 steps, every day. At first, I used it once a day until my skin accepted the product, and then began using twice daily. The results were pretty good. My face felt smoother than it had in years, and as long as I never skipped a day, my mild acne was for the most part, under control.

I was a sun worshiper, so if you too love to tan, be careful in the sun when using this product. If you know you are going to be out in the sun, avoid using the product until evening so you do not end up with a badly burned face.

As I got into my thirties, I finally felt like a “real” adult, and my face began clearing up on its own, so I stopped using Proactiv.

Proactiv Review By Daughter

When my daughter reached the age that her face began to break out, I ordered Proactiv for her. At this young age (she was about 12), getting her to wash her face with a 3-step product twice a day was a little too much to ask of a pre-teen. Without using it faithfully as directed, her acne was not clearing up as I had hoped.

I took her to see a dermatologist, and he prescribed a cream for her face, but it was too strong for her young skin, and she had a constant burning sensation, along with a red face, so I had her stop using it.

X Out Reviews

My Daughter’s X Out Review

About a year ago, we discovered X-Out. All I can say is, her face has never been so clear. As with any medication or over-the-counter medication, it is important to use as directed, but as long as you do, you will see results.

She began using it every other day until we knew that it was not going to cause any redness or burning. Once she was on a daily routine, her skin was almost 100% clear.

She is not the sun-goddess that I was, but there are obviously days that she is in the sun, and the same applies as with the Proactiv. Avoid using the face wash before going into the sun for any length of time, and always use some form of sunscreen while in the sun.

Proactiv VS. X-Out

If X-Out had been around when I was in my twenties and suffering with my mild acne, I would have tried X-Out over Proactiv for the simple reason that it is so much easier than using a 3-step product twice a day. Call me lazy, but it does become a bit cumbersome.

With that said, I would recommend Proactiv for someone who is going to responsible with the product instructions and will use as directed.

Does X Out Really Work?

I would recommend anyone suffering from acne to try X-Out first and see how it works for you before going with Proactiv. I hope our X Out reviews have been helpful in giving you an idea of which product would be best for you.

Instead of making the commitment and subscribing to X-Out’s automatic supply option, I would recommend ordering just one bottle to test it out. It is well worth the small investment. Click here to order X-Out by the bottle on Amazon.

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Acne X Out

X Out Body Wash for Back Breakouts

by Melissa March 13, 2017

treat back acne X Out is a product designed specifically for teens by the makers of Proactive. It is an easy option for the younger generation that may not be patient enough for a 3 step face routine.

They offer a wide range of products to treat acne, and one of my favorites is the X Out body wash.

My daughter plays high school soccer, and the conditioning is pretty intense. Throughout the summer she is on the field for a minimum of 3-4 days during mid-afternoon when the heat is at it’s highest temperature. She has a strong passion for soccer, but hates the acne that comes along with it. It begins on her shoulders, then spreads to her back, forcing her to wear T-shirts instead of a tank top that may keep her cooler.

She already suffers from mild acne on her face, so the X Out products were not new to us. She has been using the face wash for a couple years, and it showed a huge improvement in her complexion. This is why I did not hesitate to buy the X Out body wash, as I was pretty sure that it would help with her back acne.

She adds some to her wash cloth, and simply washes her back just as she would with soap.

[amazon_link asins=’B01G5ICRZQ,B0196BF2ME,B00ZH0CJAC’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’beelectrifying-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’422c68b9-69ca-4461-9a6a-325756b75f80′]

Does X Out Body Wash Work?

Within a couple of weeks, the acne was very minimal, and it helped to reduce the breakouts she was getting from dirt and sweat sitting on her back for several hours until she could get home to shower.

If you or someone you know plays sports, and suffers from breakouts on their back, X Out body scrub is one of Be Electrifying’s favorite acne products for teens.

We have written a review on Proactive vs. X Out that you mind find helpful as well.

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