It’s so unfair that anyone should have to deal with wrinkles and acne at the same time. But here I am at thirty-something, realizing that I am probably never going to have that long-anticipated respite between zits and crows-feet. For me, spot treatments such as benzoyl peroxide are the best way to deal with outbreaks, but is there a way to prevent them instead? Can a daily cleanser not only clean my combination skin effectively, but stop future outbreaks? Clearasil Daily Face Wash suggests it can do just that.

Daily Face Wash is available in a tube or pump. I buy the tube, which advertises “100+ uses.” This always makes me think they’re referring to 100 different ways to use this stuff, but in fact it means you can wash your face at least 100 times from one tube. This is true in my experience; I use it once a day and one tube lasts several months. The product in the tube is probably thicker than the product in the pump, since the tube version would be too thick to pump effectively. It is free of strong or offensive odors.

I wash my face in the shower every morning. First I wet my face, then I squeeze about 3/4" of the Daily Face Wash into my palm. I add a small amount of water and work it into a rich lather, then apply it to my face. The cleanser removes all dirt and oil, and most makeup (since I’m a bad girl who doesn’t wash her face at night, I usually have a little dark smudge of leftover eye makeup along my lower lashes after washing in the morning). It rinses off easily. Though I use it on my face, you could also use it on other acne-prone areas of your body.

My face feels clean and does not feel dry or tight after washing. The Daily Face Wash does a good job of cleaning the oily areas of my combination skin without sucking the moisture out of the dry areas.

But does it prevent acne? Sadly, I don’t think so. I have used it for many years and have seen no reduction in the incidence of breakouts. When I occasionally run out or decide to use a free sample of another product, I don’t notice a difference in breakouts either, so I must conclude it’s really not helping in that area. Your experience may vary depending on the cause of your acne; mine seems to be hormonal.

I still use the Clearasil Daily Face Wash because I like the way it cleans my face, but for acne control I’m stuck with the old spot treatment.

Hmmm... I wonder if Clearasil has a wrinkle cream?


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