Acne, the most prevalent skin condition in the world, affects over 650 million people worldwide¹. Anyone who’s suffered from acne knows how painful or stressful it can be. Due to lack of education and lack of effective acne treatment products for women, acne is often left untreated, leading to atrophic scarring which is much harder to fix later in life.
There are many factors (direct & indirect) which can cause acne making it difficult to isolate a source and potentially expensive to treat.
Fortunately, clear skin is attainable WITHOUT going broke according to these women. By addressing the four factors that directly contribute to acne², they are able to see clearer skin and prevent breakouts.
Here are their stories:
Note: Their profiles on Instagram are linked so you can view their journey and DM them for questions.
Mim
Individual results may vary
Mim, a teacher from Southampton, had suffered from hormonal cystic acne on combination skin for the past 6 years.
She spent thousands on products which claimed to be effective at stopping acne. When these masks, scrubs and cleansers failed to meet their claims, the fallback excuse would be due to “hormonal acne”, which can’t be controlled.
Mim starting taking contraceptives in an effort to regulate her hormones and she also took antibiotics and prescription topical creams but they did not have a lasting effect in slowing down the breakouts. She was left feeling resigned. "Why can't I get clear skin?" she questioned until...
She started using the Clear Out (originally designed to clear clogs on acne-prone skin) and noticed a difference almost immediately. Within a month, most of her actives were gone and she was only left with post-acne marks which covered her cheeks.
From the second month, the Lighten Up , started to make a significant difference in fading the appearance of her post-acne red marks and by the third month she had clear skin. For the first time in years, Mim has gone months without using green concealer and can go to work without makeup.
Mim has been exclusively using Clearly Basics. She logs her acne journey on Instagram @mimandskin. Read more about her story here.
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Toni
Individual results may vary
Toni, a stylist from Hertfordshire, has suffered from cystic acne for most of her life.
She had been to the doctors many times and was given creams and tablets which were harsh and burnt a layer off her skin. Instead, she put her trust in high street cosmetic brands but she never saw the progress she had hoped for (or paid for).
Desperate to find a solution, she turned to aestheticians who offered cutting edge treatments that promised the world: dermarollers, vampire facials, microdermabrasion… you name it and she has probably tried it. In total she had spent close to £5,000 in treatments that showed marginal results but her acne kept coming back.
When she stumbled onto Clearly Basics, she thought they were no different than the other brands. However, she was surprised to find how knowledgeable and responsive Clearly Basics is over chat. She was recommended the Acne Kit for Sensitive/Dry Skin (Clear Out + Stop Spot + Lighten Up + Protective Moisturizer) and decided to give it a try. Toni saw significant improvement in using the Trio and almost all her acne has cleared within the first set. She is only left with post-acne scarring.
Toni has been exclusively using Clearly Basics. Toni's personal Instagram is @xx.tonilumsden. Read more about her story here.
Kiana
Individual results may vary
Kiana, a data entry specialist from New Jersey, grew up with acne and hyperpigmentation on sensitive skin for most of her teenage and adult life.
Five different dermatologists had tried to treat her acne but they all fell short. She had committed to using “clean” products for a year, eliminating any chemical that could cause harm to her already damaged skin. While her skin responded positively to the natural ingredients, progress was very slow.
When she came across Clearly Basics, she was intrigued as skincare companies rarely use USP certified ingredients (highest grade).
Since she has very sensitive skin, Kiana first used the Clearly Basics' Protective Moisturizer for two weeks to help strengthen her skin and reduce sensitivity. Then she started to introduce the Clear Out slowly by applying every alternate evening. Within three months, she saw significant improvement in texture and the hyperpigmentation went away.
Kiana logs her acne journey on Instagram @thoughtsofhealing. She talks about the importance of the 3 ingredients (retinol, AZA & pracaxi oil) here.
Watch her IG story, skincare routine here.
Ella
Individual results may vary
Ella, an aesthetician and a makeup artist from Manchester, developed adult-onset acne with a vengeance in 2015.
She was fully aware of the potential negative side effects of using prescription oral medication to control her acne (particularly on birth defects³), and was NOT willing to take the risk. So she opted for antibiotics and prescription creams instead.
Unfortunately, the creams were too strong for her, so she finally accepted prescription oral medication as her last resort in 2016 and went through a 6-month course of it. Fast forward to 2019, she never ever thought she would ever be able to feel confident in herself and with her skin again!
Ella is currently using the Clear Out 's (2% retinol + AZA) to keep her skin less acne prone, improves the texture of her skin and slows down the aging process of her skin - giving her the natural glow.
She also loves the Protective Moisturizer as it is loaded with peptides, the building blocks of human skin that stimulate the skin to repair. As the skin strengthens, she sees a decrease in redness and sensitivity.
Ella logs her acne journey on Instagram @_myskinstory, dedicated to help those who struggle with their skin. Learn more about her AM/PM skincare routine here.
Alisha
Individual results may vary
Alisha, from Berkshire, developed severe acne when she was 15-years-old.
In her desperation to stop the pimples, she has tried every imaginable wash, soap, scrub, peel, mask, and lotion. Her bathroom cabinets were a graveyard of high end and on-trend products claiming to give her 'perfect skin'. Unfortunately, most of them only made her breakouts worsen.
Alisha then went through 3 rounds of prescription oral medication but her acne would always come back. She talks about the negative side effects from it and it should not be taken lightly.
"A lot of people always asking me what I do to maintain my skin after prescription oral medication. All I can say is ‘Clear Out’ by @clearlybasics is a Godsend ❤️ I started using Clear out after finishing my course of prescription oral medication and it has helped keep acne at bay. It doesn’t leave me overly dry or flakey which most retinol creams did. I wish I had used the Clear Out before using prescription oral medication."
The Clear Out has been very effective at keeping her clog free so that she can work on scar repair.
Alisha logs her acne journey on Instagram @skinwithak. Read more about her story here.
Deanna
Individual results may vary
Deanna, from Essex, had enjoyed clear skin throughout her teenage years but started to get adult-onset acne through her 20's. She tried every cosmetic, diet, and lifestyle change imaginable but could NEVER find anything that kept the spots away.
Over the summer, she was introduced the Power Duo (Clear Out + Lighten Up) into her routine and she noticed results within weeks:
"The texture of my skin is smoother, the redness is non-existent and scars are fading faster than ever (even quicker than using aloe vera). I rarely get new spots in my problematic areas and find my skin improving the more I use Clearly Basics" - Deanna
Regardless if she gets the occasional pimple, Deanna is now happy to leave the house with no makeup and her confidence has skyrocketed.
Deanna logs her acne journey on Instagram @deannaskin.
Bea
Individual results may vary
Bea, a student from California, suffered from cystic acne on oily skin. She had used prescription medication, chemical peels and a long list of cosmetic brands in an effort to stop her breakouts but most of these products irritated her skin, resulting in even more breakouts.
Without insurance to cover visits to a dermatologist, Bea spent a lot of time following dermatologists on social media and found that gentler ingredients were more effective for her skin.
When the #acnecommunity started talking about Clearly Basics, Bea was intrigued that there was a product specifically targeted at red acne marks. Within the first Power Duo (Clear Out + Lighten Up) set, Bea had significantly reduced her new breakouts and any breakout that surfaced went away in days rather than weeks. Furthermore, the red scars on her face had virtually disappeared over the course of a month.
Bea logs her acne journey on Instagram @beas.bareskin.
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Sarah
Individual results may vary
Sarah, a nurse from Victoria, had struggled with cystic acne on oily skin for over 6 years.
She is fully aware of the potential negative side effects of using prescription oral medication to control her acne (birth defects, joint pain, eye infections, difficulty moving, blurred vision, mental depression, etc). Yet she contemplated using this medication as a last resort to stop the breakouts from coming.
Sarah came across Clearly Basics over Facebook and ordered the Acne Kit for Sensitive/Dry Skin . In just two months into her first set, she saw significant progress. The Clear Out quickly flattened her existing cysts and the Lighten Up helped to fade the appearance of her red acne marks.
She is excited with her progress using the Acne Kit for Sensitive/Dry Skin as she is well on her way to clear skin with Clearly Basics.
Sarah's personal Instagram is @sarah.c.papp.
Emma
Individual results may vary
Emma, a student from Manchester, had struggled with severe acne for over 6 years.
She tried an endless list of skincare products and diets to no avail. After three years of breakouts, Emma managed to get off the wait list for a dermatologist. Antibiotics only made things worse but six hard months of oral prescription medication helped to calm down her cysts.
However, she was left with stubborn red acne marks and could not find a product to fade away the red scars. She used a number of acids, peels and cleaners which only irritated her skin, leaving her cheeks flushed and sensitive.
Then she stumbled upon Clearly Basics, and she was pleasantly surprised to find a formulation specifically designed for post-acne red marks. Within a month, the Lighten Up had significantly faded the appearance of her red scars.
“I started using Clearly Basics and now a lot of those spots have gone… no joke!! ❤️” - Emma.
Emma logs her acne journey on Instagram @by.emmataylor. Read more about her story here.
Ellie
Individual results may vary
Ellie, from Essex, has combination skin so it was hard to find products that could adapt to her skin. She also suffered from general redness and scarring that never seemed to go away.
She had heard about Clearly Basics through the #acnecommunity and was excited to use the Acne Kit for Sensitive/Dry Skin . Protective Moisturizer and Lighten Up helped to significantly reduce the redness on her face while the Clear Out helped to flush out her clogs.
Ellie continues to use the Protective Moisturizer and Lighten Up to work these (post-acne red marks) away.
Ellie's personal Instagram is @ellshortx
References:
1. Reportlinker, 2018 : Global Acne Market Report for 2016-2026
2. Kristina Liu et al, 2019 : Adult acne: Understanding underlying causes and banishing breakouts
3. Birth Injury Guide, 2015