La Roche Posay Effaclar A.I. Targeted Breakout Corrector Review

Everyone and their mother must have heard about the La Roche Posay brand especially their best selling Effaclar range including the Effaclar Duo and Effaclar A.I. Targeted Breakout Corrector. I have been in the know for a long while now and I always say I will try something from LRP soon. Thankfully the day came when Boots was offering 1/3rd off La Roche Posay brands so I quickly snatched up both the Effaclar Duo and A.I but today I will be concentrating on the Effaclar A.I. Targeted Breakout Corrector. 

La Roche Posay Brand

There is something about French Skincare that makes other non-Parisian ladies just go gaga. Could it be that we think that using French Skincare can make us as chic and pristine as French ladies? I would never know but I know I love French Skincare products because they just seem to know their onions when it comes to skin care. The Effaclar range is targeted at oily skin which is prone to acne, imperfections and dullness and this is the only range I have tried from the brand so far.They are one brand that I have heard and read so many consistent glowing reviews which goes to say a good product always sells itself...no need for excessive adverts.

Packaging

For starters, I think white and blue look very good for skin care items and I have noticed that most of my skin care currently in my bathroom are white and blue. Very bizarre I know. The outer packaging has some instructions on how to use it and an ingredients list. The packaging of he product itself is a tube which is quite small (it's only 15 ml). I really like the tip because it is narrow and pointed which means you get the right amount of products and there is a very little space for cross contamination. 

Ingredients

To begin with it's paraben-free which is good to know. The active ingredients are Salicylic Acid which you all know is excellent for zapping acne/spots/pimples, Benzoyl Peroxide which targets acne that is deep in the pores and dries it up. The Effaclar A.I. formula has a unique approach to treat acne by combining Lipo-Hydroxy-Acid (LHA) which has an exclusive exfoliating property to prompt cell renewal and Benzoyl Peroxide in a micronized form which makes it even more stable. Together, they work in synergy to reduce spots and prevent scarring in the most effective way I have experienced. The unique combination makes this product really effective on different skin types.

How I use it

I use this whenever I have any breakouts or pre-breakouts especially those associated with that time of the month. I never wait for breakouts to become full blown before using this to kill them off...I know that sounds rather harsh but honestly, that's what those pesky breakouts deserve. I cleanse my face thoroughly and wash my fingers afterwards. I apply a tiny amount, not even up to a pea size, directly on the area and massage it a little bit and that's it. Most times, I follow up with Effaclar Duo to prevent any dark blemishes and that's all.It is a white cream and it is really easy to apply and blends out easily which is great if you want to wear your makeup underneath.

Results

Seriously, this has to be my favourite spot/breakout treatment because it is super effective; I daresay it is more effective than my Holy Grail Mary Kay Acne Treatment Gel which I think may be because my skin is used to it or because Effaclar A.I. contains a slightly higher percentage of Benzoyl Peroxide. If I use this at night, guys no joke, my spot is significantly reduced by morning. In fact, there have been times when they have actually disappeared. You need to use it to understand and I remember reading many reviews and narrowing my eyes saying "Hmmm how dramatic can this be though?" but it truly is. However, I would say if it's not a full breakout (you know those that are deep in the pores and not ready to pop), it takes a few days to be completely cleared but if it's already there and ready to pop (Ewww!! I know that sounds super gross!!), then it would definitely reduce its size significantly or it may disappear completely. It's all up to your skin type really.

Cost

It normally retails for £9.50 for a tube which I already said is only 15 ml but trust me, it lasts for a really long time provided you use it as instructed. A little goes a really long way. The best time to purchase this is when Boots is having any of their offers either 3 for 2 or 1/3rd off so keep your eyes peeled. However, Escentuals are currently having 1/3rd off all French Skincare Brands so, you can pop over and get your hands on it while it's still on. I got mine for £7.12 when it was on offer in Boots and this was since February and I still have a good amount of product left.

Personal Thoughts

I really, really love this product so much that I went to get a backup even though it was full price. It has saved my skin a great deal and it is non-comedogenic and it is suitable for use under makeup. It is an amazing product and if you suffer from pimples/spots/zits, it's definitely worth a try.  Watch this space for the Effaclar Duo Review...See you in my next post...x