La Roche-Posay's Effaclar Acne Treatment Reduced My Blackheads
When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more Thanks for signing up! Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. download the app
When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more
Thanks for signing up!
Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. download the app
Advertisement
I used to suffer from really bad acne, but I was able to get it under control with a regimen of hard-working, effective products. The one issue I continued to struggle with was blackheads.
Below, I'll walk you through my experience using it, and explain why it works. I also included a few recommendations for other products that have helped me eliminate my blackheads.
Advertisement
My Experience Using La Roche-Posay's Effaclar Dual Action Acne Treatment
La Roche-Posay's Effaclar line was created to target and treat blemishes and breakouts. And while I can't speak for the rest of the line, I can speak to how well Effaclar Duo Action Acne Treatment took on my blackheads.
This treatment targets acne, blemishes, blackheads, and whiteheads with 5.5% benzoyl peroxide and LHA (lipohydroxy acid).
I reached out to Dr. Hilary Baldwin to break down these ingredients and explain their effectiveness. "The benzoyl peroxide kills bacteria, the LHA helps to unclog the follicles and as a result of both of these factors, inflammation is reduced," she said. I wasn't too familiar with LHA so I asked her to explain that particular ingredient a bit further. "LHA is an exfoliant that is six times more potent than salicylic acid. Using it results in cell-by-cell exfoliation rather than clumps so the skin does not get visibly flakey but rather feels smoother and less rough." Sign me up for more products containing LHA!
Advertisement
A before and after image from the brand, which shows a significant reduction in dark spots over the course of 10 days. Amazon
I would describe my skin type as normal with a high tolerance for strong ingredients, so I was able to use this treatment twice a day without any negative side effects. After using it religiously for about three weeks, it became very noticeable that my skin had far fewer blackheads.
If I had to guess, I would say the blackheads on my nose (my biggest problem area) were reduced by about 50%. And, with the help of other blackhead clearing products, I no longer consider blackheads a skin concern.
Advertisement
Cons to consider
If you have sensitive skin, a product containing a high percentage of benzoyl peroxide (5.5%) may cause irritated, dry, or flaky skin. Using a product containing a smaller dose can be a safer way to incorporate the strong ingredient into your routine.
Affordable alternatives under $20
Depending on your skin type, you should take into account the potency of benzoyl peroxide when adding the ingredient to your routine.
Prior to finding Dual Action Treatment, using an extractor tool was one way I dealt with blackheads. Extracting blackheads at home is a very risky solution because it can cause skin damage, marks, and scars. I shouldn't have been doing it. While it may be a tempting option or even a method you currently or use, it's not something you should take into your own hands. It should only be done by a professional.
Use exfoliators:
Using a physically exfoliating facewash a few times a week will help to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores.
I've been using Dermalogica's Daily Superfoliant ($59) for over a year. Just a bit of water turns the charcoal-infused powder into a detoxifying, exfoliating cleanser.
A more affordable option, which I also use regularly and love, is MyCHELLE's Refining Sugar Cleanser ($25). As you cleanse the sugar crystals dissolve, providing you with an exfoliating start and a smooth finish.
Exfoliating masks can shed the lining of pores and promote cell turnover while brightening skin. Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial 5% AHA + 2% BHA Mask ($88) is one of my favorites because it's strong and effective but has soothing ingredients including allantoin and aloe barbadensis leaf extract to reduce the likelihood of irritation. The Ordinary's AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution ($7.20) also contains a high percentage of acids but doesn't contain calming ingredients so make sure to do a spot test to be sure your skin can tolerate it.
Advertisement
Make sure you've fully removed all makeup and grime before you go to sleep:
Removing makeup, SPF, dirt, and excess oil at the end of the day is crucial to preventing blackheads and breakouts. Face Halo's ($22 for a set of three) reusable makeup removing pads get the job done without the use of a cleanser. Just add water to the soft, fluffy pad and gently wipe skin. I was very skeptical this product would work sans cleanser but it really did the trick. Keep one in your purse, desk, or gym bag for easy, on-the-go makeup removal.
La Roche-Posay's Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment did a great job clearing my blackheads. It really impressed me with how well and how quickly it worked, but it was no surprise after learning how each ingredient addresses a different root cause of acne.
The formula is pretty strong, so if you have super sensitive skin, you may want to opt for one of the lower-percentage products I mentioned above.
