Holding back breakouts before the big day
Posted Wednesday, May 30, 2007 by Paige Loren Herman, NewBeauty Executive Editor & Beauty Director
I went to try a SilkPeel yesterday (stay tuned for a posting about my experience), and the aesthetician recommended Obagi CLENZIderm MD to tackle my breakouts before I get married three weeks from now. It contains prescription-strength levels of salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, and according to Obagi, the system delivers visible results within two weeks.
I promptly tried it as soon as I got home, envisioning clear, flawless skin for my big day. My first impression of this three-step regimen (that you only need to use when you're broken out): it smells eerily similar to Salon Selectives shampoo. (Remember that stuff?) The cleanser is a pretty shade of purple, and after washing the suds away, I was left with a cool, tingly feeling.
Next up: the toner, which is also lavender with the same scent. Again, I felt cool and tingly—like it was definitely working.
Last is the serum, which I accidentally applied with my hands since I didn't read the directions to see that I was supposed to put it on a cotton pad. It, too, had a cool sensation, which lingered even after I applied the Benev hyaluronic acid moisturizer I was given. (These products can be on the drying side, so I was told a good moisturizer with sunscreen is a must.)
The next morning, I definitely felt like my breakout was on the downswing. The inflammation was gone, and the healing process was well on its way. Here's to hoping Clenziderm puts my pores into hibernation until the wedding!
Tags: acne, benzoyl peroxide, CLENZIderm MD, kit, Obagi, Paige Herman-Axel, product, salicylic acid, serum, set, system, toner