By Anindita Maitra
Skin type: Sensitive, combination, acne prone
Skin tone: Fair
Dear beauties,
Those who are cursed with eternal acne (throughout the year), must know it as a painful existence on your (otherwise flawless!) visage; and the pain comes from not only touching it or picking at it (which you shouldn’t, by the way), but also from looking at it, thinking about it, being pointed out by your friends and near ones. Ugh, THE PAIN! Sorry, I couldn’t help being melodramatic! 😀 So, apart from the bad drama above, today I’ll be reviewing Peter Thomas Roth Beta Hydroxy Acid 2% Acne Wash, which has been my anti-acne buddy for years now.
Claims:
This gentle yet effective oil-free acne wash deep-cleanses without over drying. Helps eliminate the breakout cycle while it removes excess oil, make-up and bacteria. Soothes and conditions the skin, leaving it “squeaky” clean and residue free. For the treatment and control of acne; This product penetrates pores to eliminate, clear up and help prevent the development of new whiteheads, blackheads and acne blemishes while allowing the skin to heal.
Price:
$38 for 8.5 fl oz/INR 3654
How to Use:
For acne on the face and neck, using a small amount, add water, work into a lather and massage into affected area, avoiding eyes and sensitive areas of the neck. Use with caution around the mouth. Rinse thoroughly.
My Experience with Peter Thomas Roth Beta Hydroxy Acid 2% Acne Wash:
As you guys already know, I had been suffering from severe acne before my skincare and general healthcare regime changed; I always require a face wash, that deeply cleanses, fights and prevents acne. Since I have combination skin, which turns oily in summer, I was recommended a long list of cleansers/face washes. These products ultimately did nothing for my acne, rather aggravated it! This product, Peter Thomas Roth Beta Hydroxy Acid 2% Acne Wash , though, changed my life!
Okay, before I go on singing praises of this face wash, I must make one thing clear – this is the first step of my chemical warfare against the pesky acne and it’s definitely not a product for the faint heart. This product is loaded with anti-acne compounds and it burns like hell for the first few washes if you have sensitive skin like me. It also dries out the skin horribly, even when you have enough oil on your face to fry pakodas in it. But if you are determined to fight these unwanted pests on your face, with some really big guns, go for it! Word of advice: don’t use this if you have small number of pimples, zits, or milia and also consult your dermatologist beforehand, just to be safe.
My acne was on extreme level and, although it has subsided at present, I still get a huge bump or two in every 3-4 months (during summers). Humidity breaks me out. So, at times, I need not only fight the existing ones but also prevent the future ones. Thus, I always maintain an arsenal of anti- acne agents, especially on vacations and outings where there is a change in water quality. And, this face wash is #1 in my list.
The product comes in a slightly dark hued transparent bottle. The gel itself is colorless, lathers well and has an acidic smell. Every morning I dampen my face with water and take a coin sized amount of this product, lather between my palms and gently rub my face, especially the problem areas. My face gets squeaky clean. Then, immediately after this, I pat dry and put on some soothing gel or a toner, acne medications and moisturize well since the product itself can be very drying. I repeat this every night, before going to sleep as well. Once a week, I use it with my Olay Professional Pro-X Microdermabrasion Advanced Cleansing System to deeply cleanse and to clear out my blackheads. This is a huge plus for me.
Accidentally one day while out vacationing, my friend who has dry skin put this on her face before going to bed and the next morning she woke up with dry flakey patches on her cheeks and chin. She looked like a character out of a horror movie. Apparently her moisturizer wasn’t hydrating enough and this happened. So, be warned! As for me, I have experienced tremendous improvement in my acne condition, almost overnight improvement. Even the biggest cyst has dried out. The product is undoubtedly expensive, but it also lasts easily for 4 months with daily use. However this alone might not be sufficient enough to kill acne for some.
Pros of Peter Thomas Roth Beta Hydroxy Acid 2% Acne Wash:
• Transparent gel like texture
• Contains Pro Vitamin B5, known for anti-inflammatory properties
• Works very well one acne prone skin
• Lasts really long
• Can deeply cleanse and remove blackheads/whiteheads too
Cons of Peter Thomas Roth Beta Hydroxy Acid 2% Acne Wash:
• Contains salicylic acid which is not recommended for long term use
• Contains ‘Cocamidopropyl Betaine’ which might cause allergies
• Can be irritating
• Contains methylparaben
• Not suitable for normal or dry skin
• If not followed by proper moisturization, it might kill your skin
IMBB Rating:
For oily, combination and acne prone skin: 5/5
For dry, normal skin: 2/5
Would I Repurchase/Recommend Peter Thomas Roth Beta Hydroxy Acid 2% Acne Wash?
Hell, yeah! I will keep buying it till I’m 50. :D. Just kidding! Yes, I’ll buy it until I get a better substitute . However, for others, I’ll recommend getting a travel size bottle first. This way, you can try it for allergies.
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