~~NEUTROGENA CLEAR PORE SOOTHING GEL ASTRINGENT~~SAY GOODBYE TO RED, IRRITATED SKIN!!
Written: May 24 '02 (Updated Jan 18 '03)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Refreshingly soothes red & irritated skin while medicating pores with Salicylic Acid.
Cons: May lead to dryness and/or peeling for those with sensitive skin types.
The Bottom Line: Those with acne prone, oily skin types should give Neutrogena Clear Pore Soothing Gel Astringent a try to keep pores clear and free of breakout causing agents and soothe irritation.
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| melissasrn's Full Review: Neutrogena Clear Pore Soothing Gel Astringent |
Taking care of my oily, acne prone skin has always been very important to me. Now that I am well into my thirties, I am still fighting the battle of keeping unsightly breakouts to a minimum whenever possible. About a year ago, I tried a few acne care products made by Neutrogena that unfortunately gave me disappointing results. But in early 2002, I decided to try a new Salicylic Acid topical acne treatment made by this same company called Neutrogena Clear Pore Soothing Gel Astringent that deep cleans while soothing irritated skin. Not to be confused with the Neutrogena Clear Pore Treatment which performed poorly in my opinion, this new skin care product has now become one of my favorites used almost on a daily basis. Red, irritated skin is rarely a problem for me now and I can actually walk out of the house with little if any make-up on with confidence for the first time in many, many years.
~~~The Astringent~~~
According to the packaging advertising, Neutrogena Clear Pore Soothing Gel Astringent is the first maximum strength cooling gel astringent to treat and help prevent breakouts while soothing irritated skin. This unique, non-sticky formula penetrates deep into pores to remove dirt, oil and makeup that can cause breakouts. Clinically proven to be as effective as other acne astringents without irritation, this cooling aloe chamomile gel won't over-dry your skin. Most other astringents I have tried in the past were of the liquid variety, so I was certainly quite curious when I saw this new gel on the shelf in the skin care aisle of my local Wal-Mart, which I visit frequently for new products. But what impressed me immediately was how refreshingly cool and yes, soothed my face felt the first time I applied this acne controlling gel to my red and irritated skin. And I personally have never experienced any dryness or peeling when using Neutrogena Clear Pore Soothing Gel Astringent to date. Instead, I am left with a deep down super clean and tingly feeling that lasts for several hours after it is applied.
~~~Packaging & Price~~~
Each 4.2 ounce (125 ml) inverted aqua colored tube of Neutrogena Clear Pore Soothing Gel Astringent with the large white flip-top opening can be purchased at most drug and discount stores, such as Wal-Mart for approximately $4.27, and online at websites such as www.drugstore.com for $4.99 plus shipping. Because it only takes a small dime sized amount to adequately cover my face every day, each tube lasts a good two months minimum so those on a budget will certainly get their money's worth from this fantastic skin care product. With the large white opening located at the base of this medium sized plastic container, this soothing gel astringent is clear in color and somewhat thin yet slimy in consistency, making the application process a breeze. Featuring a pleasantly fresh fragrance that is not offensive at all like some topical acne medications can be, Neutrogena Clear Pore Soothing Gel Astringent penetrates my large pores instantly and helps to keep them free and clear of all those excess impurities that can often lead to unattractive breakouts. Used either alone or under makeup, this is certainly one of the best topical acne medications I have tried in a very long time and is currently the only Neutrogena product I presently use on a regular basis.
~~~Directions for Use~~~
Found on the side of each tube of Neutrogena Clear Pore Soothing Gel Astringent are the following directions: Cleanse the skin thoroughly before applying. Apply a small amount to cotton square and smooth over skin. Because excessive drying of the skin may occur, start with one application daily, then gradually increase to two or three times daily if needed or as directed by a doctor. If bothersome dryness or peeling occurs, reduce application to once a day or every other day. Since I work the 3-11 shift, I rarely shower first thing in the morning but instead just wash the overnight grime and oil from my face upon arising. Then I squeeze a small amount of this unique topical gel onto my fingertips and use a circular motion to smooth it around the skin on my face. It does take a few minutes to completely dry though as no rinsing is required. On occasion, I will also apply another thin layer of Neutrogena Clear Pore Soothing Gel Astringent with added Salicylic Acid to my face again before bedtime, but currently I am experimenting with some Origins products designed for oily skin to see if they work any better. The jury is still out for now.....
~~~Warnings~~~
Neutrogena Clear Pore Soothing Gel Astringent is designed for external use only. Avoid contact with eyes. If contact occurs, flush thoroughly with water. Using other topical acne medications at the same time or immediately following use of this product may increase dryness or irritation of the skin. If this occurs, only one medication should be used unless directed by a doctor. Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away. (Taken directly from product packaging)
~~~Ingredients~~~
ACTIVE INGREDIENT: 2% Salicylic Acid
INACTIVE INGREDIENTS: Purified Water, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract, SD ALcohol 40 (4.8%), Glycereth-7, Hexylene Glycol, PVM/MA Decadiene Crosspolymer, Sodium PCA, PEG-4, Dimethicone Copolyol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutito (Matricaria) Extract, Allantoin, Menthol, Benzophenone-4, Sodium Hydroxide, Choleth-24, Ceteth-24, Propylene Glycol, Blue 1, Fragrance.
~~~Overall Recommendation~~~
If you have oily, acne prone skin with large pores and have tried almost every over-the-counter topical medication to treat and prevent breakouts, consider picking up an attractive aqua tube of Neutrogena Clear Pore Soothing Gel Astringent today and say goodbye to that red, irritated skin many of us have grown to hate over the years. While it quickly penetrates pores to clean them of potentially clogging impurities, this unique gel containing Salicylic Acid also refreshes tired skin and leaves it feeling cool and tingly every time. Freshly fragranced while drying with a smooth, invisible finish, Neutrogena Clear Pore Soothing Gel Astringent comes highly recommended from me as both an effective pimple control medication and as a soothing treatment for the irritation that acne prone skin often suffers from. So even if you've received poor results from other Neutrogena skin care products in the past as I have, give them one more chance and try this new formula. Once you do, I am confident that you will become hooked on contact immediately just as I have. Good luck and stay beautiful!
For more information on Neutrogena Clear Pore Soothing Gel Astringent and other similar skin care products that are available by this popular cosmetics company, check out their website online at:
www.neutrogena.com
Questions or comments?
1-800-582-4048
Neutrogena Corporation
Los Angeles, CA 90045 USA
**While Neutrogena Clear Pore Soothing Gel Astringent works very well for my oily skin type, here are two other acne control products made by this same company that I simply did not care for:
Neutrogena Clear Pore Treatment
http://www.epinions.com/content_30110879364
Neutrogena Multi-Vitamin Acne Treatment
http://www.epinions.com/content_30476766852
Recommended:
Yes
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