clean and clear pimple cream - #16457
I am 24 and last month I noticed this sudden breakout, like, my skin is going berserk! I used to have pretty clear skin and no pimple problems, but now I feel like I'm in a nightmare. Anyway, I tried a bunch of different treatments but nothing seemed to work until my friend suggested using this clean and clear pimple cream she swears by. So I picked some up and it was going great for the first week! My pimples were drying up and it looked like it was helping, but then like, I woke up and saw more spots. Ughhh, how is that even possible?? I wanted to ask if anyone's had a similar experience with the clean and clear pimple cream? Should I keep using it or switch to something else? I read mixed reviews online saying it works for some and totally doesn't for others. I'm also worried about, like, my skin getting used to it? Has that happened to anyone? I'm really hoping to find something that actually makes a difference, but I'm just confused, you know? Would love to hear what you guys think!
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors’ responses
Clean and Clear pimple cream is a popular over-the-counter option for treating mild acne with active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Both ingredients work by reducing bacteria or exfoliating the skin to prevent clogged pores. However, the reaction you’ve had after initial improvement isn’t uncommon and can be attributed to a few different things. First, it’s important to understand that with acne treatment, it’s normal for the skin to undergo a ‘purging’ phase. New blemishes might appear as the product accelerates skin cell turnover, bringing underlying impurities to the surface. Second, another consideration is if you’re experiencing irritation, redness, or excessive drying, these might be signs that your skin is reacting negatively to the active ingredients. In that case, it may be beneficial to reduce application frequency or switch to a gentler product. Whether or not skin becomes “used to” certain treatments is often more about how well your skin tolerates the ingredients long-term rather than a resistance developing. If sensitivity persists, a product with a lower concentration of active ingredients or a different active altogether might be more suitable. Remember that individual responses to acne treatments can vary widely, and consistency is key to seeing results. If over-the-counter options are not helping, consider consulting a dermatologist who can provide personalized advice and potentially prescribe stronger formulations tailored to your specific skin type and condition. Especially if there’s a rapid or severe escalation of the breakout, getting a professional opinion would be a wise move. Adjusting parts of your lifestyle like diet or stress management might also lend support, but they should ideally be one component of a broader approach tailored to your situation. Overall, continuing with broad experimentation on your own may not be optimal at this point; focusing on consistent use of products you can tolerate and seeking expert guidance would be advisable.
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.