Review: AcneFree Severe

Let's talk skin care.
Whenever I went off to college almost two years ago, my skin went crazy! I've never had acne, just the occasional blemish because of hormones. I don't know if it was stress, water change (the water in Troy is very soft), change in diet, etc. All I knew was that my skin was awful! I tried everything I could think of that worked for me in high school whenever I had hormonal blemishes, but nothing worked. What was so bad was that I was so self-conscious of my acne that I would use full coverage foundation and heavy duty concealer to cover my imperfections.  My skin wasn't able to breath because I had on a ton of makeup and I refused to leave the dorm without any because I was concerned everyone would stare at my acne. So, one day I was at my whits end; I stumbled across an article that talked about adult acne and how for most people, things that worked for you in high school won't work now because it's a different type of acne. This intrigued me! I also read that maybe the active ingredient that has work in the past, for me it was Salicylic Acid, doesn't work for you anymore and it's time for a change. After doing a little research, I decided to try out a product with Benzoyl Peroxide, but I didn't know what product, yet. I found the AcneFree Severe kit by University Medical at Wal-Mart. It retails for about $25 dollars. For some strange reason, whenever I saw this product, I had a feeling it would work for me...and it did! The AcneFree line has different kits for different types of acne.

Step 4's top broke so it won't stand up. 

Introducing AcneFree Severe...
Step 1: Antibacterial Cleansing Wash. This medicated cleanser has advanced micro-benzoyl peroxide. I really felt like those beads were getting deep in my skin. This bottle contains 4 fl oz of product and has 2.5% Benzoly Peroxide in it.

Step 2: Corrective Toner. This oil-control toner is great. I felt like it helped remove my full coverage makeup. Alcohol is the second ingredient so this product is a little drying. This contains 4 fl oz of product.

Step 3: Maximum Strength Repair Lotion. This continuous release lotion contains 10% benzoyl peroxide. The lotion can be a tad drying, but my thought process was, I'll treat the acne first, then focus on the dry skin.

Step 4: Retional Renewal Complex. This is a spot treatment. Only apply at night about 10 minutes after step 2. Disclaimer: This spot treatment works wonders, but it is very drying. If you get dry patches (like I did) use it every other day to help prevent further over drying.

How to apply...
Morning: Use steps 1, 2 and 3.
Night: Use steps 1, 2 and wait about 10 minutes before apply step 4.

Pros: Saw dramatic results in about 2 weeks and was acne free after about a month.
Cons: Drying. I had dry patches on my face where I applied the spot treatment. When I got dry patches, I used an apricot scrub and an intense moisturizer. Then, I used the kit every other day until acne was gone.
Overall thoughts: I love this product! Although I did get dry patches, I still recommend this kit for severe acne. Benzoyl peroxide is a drying product, as it dries up acne. For me, I didn't mind a few dry patches because my overall results were so great!

Reviews on AcneFree Severe: http://www.drugstore.com/university-medical-acnefree-severe-acne-treatment-system/qxp161048?catid=182247

Daily Dose of Pretty...

• I did pretty well on my Social Science Inquires test! yay! :)
• Packing to go to Auburn tomorrow! Can't wait to see the boyfriend! <3
• I gave blood yesterday and my finger that they pricked to check iron levels is killing me. It's like they stuck me all the way to the bone...ouch!

What do you use to keep your skin clear?