I don't want to speak too soon but after 20 years of battling adult acne, I think I have found the answer...and it is available from Boots

[spookyskeleton]

I have had spots around my chin, neck, jawline for as long as I can remember. Have tried loads of different treatments but none have worked. Antibiotics worked but couldn't stay on them long-term. Had some success with benzoyl peroxide but got fed up with the accidental bleaching on my and the DC clothes and the routine took ages.

Have been using La Roche Posay Efflacar Duo for just over 2 weeks and have not had a spot yet (hope I haven't jinxed it). It is so easy to use - I use the Efflacar gel wash then put the Duo (which is like a moisturiser) on my affected areas (I use normal moisturiser on the rest of my face) twice a day.

I really hope this is the answer. it looks promising

[JumpingJackSprat]

How much is it? My dp might be able to make use of this :)

[spookyskeleton]

I think it is £11 and the gel wash is a bit cheaper but there is a 3 for 2 offer on at the mo. It is a small tube which is why I am just using it where I need to.

[GotMyGoat]

i've just started using lavender oil and although it worked really well initially, it seems to be wearing off so might give this s go...

[ChaosTrulyReigns]

My 10yo needs something are there any guidelines about age on the packaging, please?

[spookyskeleton]

chaos I don't think there is as it is just a moisturiser and not medicated as far as I know. I have no idea how it is working

I really hope I don't wakeup tomorrow with a huge spot

[AnnabelleDarling]

It is great stuff my teens both use it, and so do I!

[FrugalFashionista]

Effaclar contains salicylates (=Aspirin) and has been very effective on me. Just don't overdo it as it can be really drying.

[ChaosTrulyReigns]

Thank you.

[50shadesofmeh]

Posted similar post earlier, absolutely adore this stuff my skin is very difficult and clear for the first time in years

[OddFodd]

Ooh thank you! I feel an outing coming on :)

[HooNose]

If any of you are approaching the menopause, save your money.

I had spots all my adult life until recently. No creams, ABs. Twas the menopause wot dunnit.

[OddFodd]

In theory I should be HooNose but my 50th birthday is fast approaching and my periods are still regular as clockwork

[robindeer]

I'm veeeeery excited about trying this, my skin makes me feel so low.

spooky is the gel wash that you used the 'purifying foaming wash for oily sensitive skin'? Online ordering now!

[blueemerald]

Just ordered the wash, lotion and duo! Very excited!

[Felix90]

I've been using the Effeclar AI (I think it's called?!) on my spots for around 4 weeks after a great recommendation from FrugalFashionista. Ive had acne for around 10 years and tried everything. It's cleared most of them up on my face but my chin is still awful the spots won't budge for anything!

[50shadesofmeh]

I use bliss spa clog dissolving cleanser then effaclar duo
, I'm 33 post 3rd baby skin was like dark side of the moon, now clear and smooth.

[robindeer]

Wow it takes a long time to register with boots online but I've ordered it all! Hurray!

[SoftKittyWarmKitty]

I've used Effaclar Duo in the past with some success but it's not doing anything for my current flare up. Instead I've been given Zineryt lotion for adult acne by the GP, which I've used before so know it works. It's quite drying so once it's kicked in I tend to swap from using twice daily, to just using at bedtime. I'd definitely recommend going to the GP if your acne is getting you down and the Duo doesn't work.

[WestmorlandSausage]

I've had a lot of success with la roche posay but actually the main factor is that it is non-comedgenic.

If acne is a recurring issue for you in adulthood then like me you need to take a good look at other factors as well, like your make up.

Next to la roche posay in boots there is a make-up range called vichy dermablend. This is also non-comedgenic and switching to this foundation and using Efflacar Duo as a moisturiser/ base has worked wonders for me. I've heard a lot of good stuff too about bare minerals but not tried it myself. Avoid creme blushers/ eyeshadows.

Also ditch all cleansers that are marketed at teenage acne skins - they just don't work on adult acne (an for a lot of teenagers too). A hot flannel works wonders, use it to remove every last scrap of makeup and a good exfoliate with something like St Ives scrub every few days should be all thats needed.

Try to use clean fingers rather than make up brushes where possible and avoid touching your skin during the day. Tie hair up at night and change pillowcases as often as possible (I have loads of cheap cotton ones that I change every few days.

I still get a little bit of hormornal acne just before my period but doing all of the above has got rid of the really cystic stuff that used to be a constant presence.

[WestmorlandSausage]

just to clarify - hot flannel every night, exfoliating scrub every few days.

[Walnut8]

St Ives scrub should be banned. Urgh.

The French skincare ranges really seem to nail it. Yay for you spooky

jan Marini bioglycolic line also good for those who suffer both acne AND rosacea (also has salycylic acids in it).

[50shadesofmeh]

I used to use st Ives scrub when younger with great results but now in 30s my skin is far too sensitive and breaks out if treated to harshly , that's why I love the la roche posay it seems to be decongesting my skin without tearing it apart

[Walnut8]

same here 50 - although I couldn't use it when I was younger either. Why would you rub & pull at your skin when a chemical exfoliant does the same thing but better??

[Pixielady83]

ooh you're lucky, I started using it a month ago and no improvement here however have just given birth so really hoping that once the hormones settle down again it might be worth another try? have certainly heard v good things from other threads about it.

[sarahandmallard]

Google aspirin face mask. You can make your own or I use to add the crushed water soluble aspirins to the mask I already had.