Review: Dermalogica Clear Start Breakout Clearing Booster
I’ve always had fairly spot prone skin; my skin is somewhere between ‘normal’ and ‘combination’ with a bit of dehydration thrown in for good measure and although I’ve never had acne, I’m definitely prone to a good spot. Often if I eat especially oily foods, or if it’s almost that time of the month, or even if I’ve had a few extra-long days in a row of wearing a full face of makeup, then the chances are that a new little friend will appear. Almost always on my chin, but sometimes around my nose or on my forehead (textbook example of a temperamental t-zone). I think it’s important to make this clear because although I think the world of the Dermalogica Clear Start Breakout Clearing Booster, I can only comment on how it works on spots, and not on full-fledged acne.
What Makes It Special:
The formulation is quite gentle and basic. Niacinamide is there to reinforce the skins’ barrier and to even out skin tone and Seaweed-derived Chondrus Crispus Extract locks in moisture to soothe irritated skin. The Salicylic Acid works to break down the blemish by unclogging the pore. Simple, but effective.
Why I Like It:
This semi-opaque, gel consistency is effective at keeping spots to a minimum when used regularly as a preventative treatment and works well at diffusing active spots, but it’s still gentle enough to use twice a day. I can use it all over my chin (when clear or spotty) and it doesn’t irritate or dry out my skin and it feels perfectly comfortable; not at all sticky or tacky. It has a really subtle scent, nothing that you can smell once applied though. This little purple bottle has been such a game-changer for me, not only does regular use of Dermalogica Clear Start Breakout Clearing Booster stop spots from popping up quite so frequently, but concentrated use on spots that do appear reduces their size, redness and lifespan. Which is a total win.
What I Don’t Like About It:
This isn’t a complaint actually, but it’s not one of those overnight ‘miracle worker’ spot treatments that dry out a spot in no time. You know the ones that were all the rage a few years back and smelled like nail polish remover? This is not that, it’s far more gentle, which in my opinion is a good thing, but just so you know.
Application:
Apply a small amount directly on a spot or apply a thin layer all over spot-prone areas. Use this product at the ‘Serum’ stage, so after cleansing and toning, and before moisturiser. If you’re using multiple serums, I like to use this one first and let it absorb for a few seconds before going in with any other serums.
Product Claims:
Helps combat breakout-causing bacteria for rapid skin clearing – agree
Help prevent over-drying – defintiely agree
Niacinamide reinforces skin’s defensive barrier and helps to even skin tone – agree, although I don’t really use it on uneven skin tone
Seaweed-derived Chondrus Crispus Extract locks in moisture to help, soothe irritated skin – agree
Ingredients:
Water/Aqua/Eau, PPG-15 Stearyl Ether, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Isopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid, Cetearyl Glucoside, Polysorbate 20, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Thymol, Terpineol, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Lactic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Dimethicone, Lecithin, Pullulan, Sclerotium Gum, Xanthan Gum, Propanediol, Gluconolactone, Silica, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol.
Available From:
Mecca
Details:
30ml – $33
Repurchase:
Absolutely, this is probably my fourth bottle (I think…?) over the last couple of years. It makes a huge difference in my problem areas and keeps spots to a minimum.
