AcneFree Severe Acne Treatment System

I never leave reviews but given how much I rely on reviews, I figured it was about time I started contributing! I had fairly heavy acne growing up, especially in my t-zone, which came under control when I began birth control pills when I turned 18. For the past 10 years, I have been fortunate enough to not have difficulties with acne except for the occasional zit. However, a few months ago I stopped taking birth control and I was dismayed to see that the acne had returned, albeit not as bad as when I was a teenager, and had moved more to my jawline/cheeks. I began washing religiously and using toner but it didn't seem to make a difference - as soon as one would go away, two more would pop up. At 28, I felt that I was TOO OLD to be having these problems! But there they were. I tried ProActiv for a month and was pretty pleased with the results. It cleared the majority of my acne and the big cystic ones stopped coming. However, I was still regularly getting very small zits which would typically clear within a few days. All in all, I was pleased and figured I could deal with the occasional small zit that could be covered relatively easily with make up. After about 3 weeks, I noticed that my supply was getting low and it was time to re-order. I wasn't crazy about spending all that money, but was happy with the results so I was ready to do it......until I read the reviews for Acne Free Severe. I was hesitant to try it. I didn't want to go back to the way my skin was and I figured if I was pleased, why rock the boat? In the end, I decided if I was going to get a long-term regime, I should at least try the product that was MUCH cheaper than ProActiv and I am SO HAPPHY that I did! Within 3 days of using AcneFree, it cleared the small zits that ProActiv couldn't seem to keep under control. I have been using AcneFree day and night for the last 5 weeks and have not had a single new zit. It also seems to be lightening the scars left from previous breakouts. I have not had the problems of the product severely drying out my skin as others have noted. I use steps 1 and 2 each morning when I wake up and each evening. In the mornings, I follow with step 3 and at night, I skip step 3 and use step 4. A few observations: - AcneFree is not great at removing make up. I have to start with a make up remover (I use Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser) or I have to use 3-4 pads with toner on it to remove everything. If I start with the make up remover and follow with the 3 AcneFree steps, I get a great cleaning and starting with the make up remover only adds a minute to the routine. - I was a bit concerned after switching from ProActiv to AcneFree because I felt the AcneFree wash did not have as many grains as the ProActiv and was concerned that it wouldn't work as well - it works BETTER. If you're switching from ProActiv, don't let that concern you. - AcneFree didn't come with the many instructions provided by ProActiv. Having using ProActiv, I knew that I needed to wash with a dime sized amount. I wonder if those who have had issues with this product drying their skin out are using more than that? - AcneFree will bleach your clothes or towels if you're not careful. Its not as obvious as when you get cleaning products on your clothes that have bleach on it, but I do notice a slight fading on some of my towels. I don't particularly mind because the towels I use for drying my face aren't my 'nice' towels, but this is something to remember. - You do tend to go through the toner more quickly than the other products. I am going to take the advice of another reviewer and pick up the Thayers Witch Hazel to use in its place. - Make sure you never use all four steps or you will likely dry your skin out. It should be steps 1+2 and then 3 OR 4. This has worked so well that my husband, who has always used Retinol A cream (which is not covered by insurance due to him not being a teenager) has decided to switch to this product. I am very excited to have found this product and I am planning on using it long-term. The price is great for the product - At this rate, it looks like I will go through a package about every 2-2.5 months which makes it less than half the cost of ProActiv for the same amount of product.

I suffered from moderate to severe acne for YEARS. I tried every product on the market - Clean & Clear, Proactiv, Neutrogena, Murad and even insanely over-priced Dermalogica. I had mainly white heads, with a few cystic bumbs. I also had DOZENS of tiny bumps on my forehead. I tried steaming my face a lot, applying clay masques, different vitamins, drinking apple cider vinegar (yuck!), and watching what I ate. No matter what I did, there was no change in the appearance of my skin. I then discovered this kit. I used it morning and night...simple enough. At first it didn't seem to be working, all it did was dry out my skin a lot. However, after about 2 weeks of religiously using this product, my skin was clearing up...FAST. My acne scars were fading and the amount of acne I had diminished by half by the 3rd week. It is so simple to use, as well. --Step One: Antibacterial Cleansing Wash The texture of this is very creamy with tiny microbeads in it. It is a good exfoliant for everyday use, but I would recommend to also exfoliate with something more abrasive, once a week. No unpleasant scent, whatsoever. You can feel your pores opening up in the shower as you rub this into your skin. After just using the face wash alone, your skin will feel 10 times cleaner! I love this stuff. --Step Two: Corrective Toner After getting out of the shower, with my face freshly washed with Step One, I apply the toner with a cotton pad. It gets absorbed into the skin VERY quickly, so you don't have to wait around for it to dry. It is very cooling and refreshing. --Step Three: Maximum Strength Repair Lotion This stuff works GREAT, but I do think there are some cons about it. The texture is nice when going on- creamy and cool. However, it leaves a thin layer behind. It is not visibly noticeable, but if you apply makeup soon after...your makeup will not go on smoothly. So, I would recommend waiting at least a half hour before applying makeup. I also use this lotion as a spot treatment. Before I go to bed, I cover any zit I have with it and let it sit overnight. The size and redness of the pimple is greatly reduced the next morning. Step Four: Retinol Corrector I'll be honest, I am not a huge fan of this step. Step Three is supposed to be used in the morning after Step Two, while Step Four is supposed to be used at night after Step Two. However, I usually use Step Three morning and night and only use the Retinol Corrector if my skin is feeling a little tight and dry. This lotion is not oily whatsoever and really does a great job at fixing the moisture balance without causing a breakout like most face lotions I have used. I have now been using this kit for about 6 months now and my acne scars are nearly completely gone and I rarely have a breakout. When I do, it is usually around the time of my period or if I am extremely stessed. Other than that, this product maintains my clear skin perfectly!