A few months ago I was contacted by Michelle from SkinB5 to see if I'd like to trial their acne-clearing range. As someone who has always had problem skin, I jumped at the chance. In the past year alone, I've been dealing with a bad, persistent breakout on my face and what I'm pretty sure was cystic acne on part of my neck! Not fun, and if you're anything like me, after a while it starts to break your spirit. I had been treating this with the Paula's Choice Extra Strength Clear Kit, but I wanted to see how SkinB5 products compared. Besides, SkinB5 seemed to bring something new to the table: treating the skin from within.
The products I was sent to test out were:
- Acne Control Cleansing Mousse
- Skin Purifying Mask
- Acne Control Moisturiser
- Acne Control Caplets
- Acne Control Extra Strength Tablets
The products were accompanied by a comprehensive folder full of product information and success story testimonials. I did email Michelle from SkinB5 with a few queries along the way and I must say, the customer service and support I received was extremely friendly and helpful. Here's a look at the products and my experience with them....
Acne Control Cleansing Mousse*
'Gentle antioxidant rich cleanser that works deep down to remove excess oil and problem causing bacteria. Soothing combination of Green Tea, Vitamin B5 and Aloe Vera refines skin texture and helps heal the skin, while Salicylic Acid removes dead skin and prevents breakouts.'
This was probably my least-liked product of the lot, not because it's bad (it's not), but because I'm so used to using gel or cream cleanser, so it was strange using a foaming one. One pump dispensed enough product to clean my whole face, demonstrating great value for money. Because it's a foam cleanser it's more voluminous on the face than a gel, so my main concern was not getting it into my eyes (thankfully that didn't happen). Once I'd adjusted to the different texture, cleansing with the SkinB5 Acne Control Cleansing Mousse was a piece of cake. The claim is that this product removes dead skin and excess oil, unclogs and tightens the pores. I found it to be a satisfactory cleanser that was gentle and left my skin soft and feeling more balanced.
Skin Purifying Mask*
'SkinB5 Skin Purifying Mask is a fast-acting, unique selection of core ingredients including French Green Clay, Australian Great Barrier Reef Sea Minerals, Bergamont oil, Avocado oil, Aloe Vera and a hint of cooling peppermint, combined with Vitamin B5 to cleanse, purify and soothe acne prone skin. The active ingredients work together to absorb and extract oils, toxicities and impurities from deep within the skin layers helping your skin to heal and renew.'
I really love using this green mask. Because it's fast-drying, it meant I could moisten my face, slap it on, then go about de-tangling my hair ready for a shower, and by the time I'd done that, it was ready to wash off! I do love a pamper session, but I kind of feel like I'm wasting time if I'm waiting half an hour for a mask to do its thing. The mask itself is fairly thin in consistency and smooths on easily. I've been using it weekly, but I'm thinking of upping this to bi-weekly, as I think it's doing great things for my skin. It seems to work well to draw out impurities and refine my skin, giving it a healthier overall appearance. This is a great product for anyone with acne-prone skin, and one I'll continue to use.
Acne Control Moisturiser*
'A light antioxidant rich moisturiser for oily acne prone skin. Non greasy formula that is easily absorbed leaving no shiny residue. Contains powerful natural ingredients: Green Tea, Jojoba Oil and Vitamin B5 that deeply moisturise and help prevent breakouts. Completely free of Benzoyl Peroxide.'
This is another product in the range that I had to adapt to, but liked as soon as I'd grown accustomed to it. This moisturiser has a super thin and lightweight consistency. When I first dispensed one pumps worth I thought there's no way that small amount would do my whole face, but I was pleasantly surprised. One squirt's worth spread easily over my entire face and absorbed really quickly. I really love this moisturiser and the results it gives me. I've noticed:
~ Clearer skin. Existing blemishes have cleared up and I've had minimal breakouts.
~ Really even skin tone. I'm barely having to use concealer and I'm much more confident in how my skin looks without makeup.
~ Smaller pores. My pores are far less visible, as this moisturiser seems to 'tighten up' my skin (no, it doesn't feel tight, though).
~ More balanced skin. My skin's less oily and my makeup stays on better, lasting longer. Far less powder touch-ups are needed throughout the day!
Acne Control Caplets* and Extra Strength Tablets*
'Acne Control Extra Strength Tablets is one of the world’s most advanced clear skin tablets available today. It’s scientifically formulated, containing a potent dose of Vitamin B5, to treat moderate to serious facial and body acne with very oily skin from within. Suitable for all skin types, it’s ideal for teenage and adult acne sufferers. SkinB5’s advanced formula delivers proven clear skin vitamins and minerals when your body needs them.'
'Acne Control Caplets is ideal for teenage and adult sufferers of mild acne or occasional breakouts, dry skin acne, large pores, blackheads and whiteheads. Suitable for all skin types, each caplet contains powerful blemish fighting antioxidants and carefully selected natural herb Vitex that work from within to treat facial and body acne and help balance the hormones.'
Now at first, I was like 'I'm not taking those!' when I saw the size of these mothers (the tablets in particular), but the whole point of SkinB5 is that it works as a system. The products work best when taken together, and this is how you'll achieve optimal results. Having said that, I did use the smaller Caplets first, as opposed to the larger Tablets. The information sheet explains the products usage.....
Caplets: Take 1 caplet 3 times per day for the treatment of acne
or
Tablets: Take 2 tablets 3 times per day for the treatment of acne or take 2 tablet twice a day for the maintenance of healthy skin.
The Caplets treat mild acne and are designed to maintain healthy skin, whereas the Tablets are more hardcore, promising to control serious acne breakouts. Now you can crush these up and add them to smoothies, but frankly, I couldn't be stuffed. Once I got into the habit of adding the Caplets to my daily medication, it was a no-brainer and basically I didn't think twice about it. Once I finished all the caplets I started on the tablets, which was actually some good timing, as I had a pimple coming up on my chin.
During my time using the SkinB5 range, my skin was the clearest its been in a long time. I noticed a more balanced complexion, in that I definitely wasn't as oily as usual. My skin tone was really even and overall, my skin looked really healthy and clear. I was using far less concealer and could get away with using a BB Cream instead of a medium coverage foundation, because my skin simply didn't need to be as 'covered up'. Thinking back on it now, I might switch back to the Cleansing Mousse (I'm still using the Moisturiser and Mask) as I really liked how my skin looked. It's gotten a bit more congested since I've started throwing a few different products into the mix, and I miss my clear, even-toned, healthy-looking skin! I'd recommend these products to anyone who suffers from problem skin, persistent breakouts or serious, hardcore acne.
SkinB5 do not test on animals and their products are suitable for Vegetarians and Vegans.
You can buy the SkinB5 Acne Control range online here.
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Disclaimer: *All products were provided for editorial consideration. Reviews are my honest opinion. There are no affiliate links in this post, links are for information purposes only. Please see the Disclosure page for further information.
Am I the only one with troubled skin? Please tell me you get the odd breakout!
