Results after initial doubts
The Mary Kay Clear Proof Acne System set. AT first, I thought Mary Kay was mainly a makeup brand so when I was presented with its skincare set, the Clear Proof Acne System, I was doubtful of its effectiveness.
Apparently, it’s clinically proven to provide clearer skin in seven days. It’s said to clear up blemishes and acne spots, unclog pores, remove excess oil, and essentially combat the factors that contribute to acne breakouts. The set comes with a Clarifying Cleansing Gel, Blemish Control Toner, Acne Treatment Gel, and Oil-Free Moisturizer. I also tried the Pore-Purifying Serum.
Even though the result is what’s most important, the user experience is also key for me. I used the cleanser first and was instantly turned off by the unpleasant scent. Thankfully, the clear gel texture lathered in my wet hands and washed off easily.
Once my face was clean and dry, I applied the toner (which smelt synthetic) all over my face. Instead of feeling refreshed, I felt a strong stinging sensation, so bad that I was almost scared to use it again. It wasn’t like the chemicals were dramatically eating away at my skin bui it was painful and I needed to fan my skin to ease the pain.
The light-textured gel serum that I used afterwards also slightly stung but at least the cool gel texture helped soothe the pain.
Thankfully, the milky white moisturiser was more soothing. Smelling like bananas, it’s my favourite of all the products. My skin didn’t feel oily, but it had a shiny sheen to it. I covered it up with powder lest people thought it oily.
Meanwhile, I walk to work so I tend to perspire a lot. I realised later that the combination of the skincare and my sweat worsened the pain I had experienced earlier. My skin felt even more itchy than usual and it was even inflamed. My mum used to say that when it hurts, it means the chemicals are effectively doing their job.
I wanted to believe that in Mary Kay’s case, but fearing for my skin, I only used the products at night as opposed to the recommended “twice daily”. However, it turned out my mother was right because despite the experience, Mary Kay really did deliver!
The surface of my skin which used to be tarnished with tiny blemishes looked clearer and felt smoother to the touch in a matter of days. And thankfully, after two weeks of using the toner, my skin must have become used to it because it didn’t hurt as much anymore.
I use the spot-on corrector as and when a pimple breaks out. It isn’t too effective as the pimple still requires more than a day to clear. And despite having cleared off most of my acne, the products overall didn’t seem to affect my visible pores. Maybe using it twice daily is vital after all.