HUGE shoutout for Face Reality Acne Clinic (no more acne!)

[3isEnough]

About a month and a half ago someone started a thread in Healthy You asking about acne solutions, here http://windsorpeak.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?461371-Facial-skincare-regimen-for-acne-prone-skin. JerseyGirl posted in that thread about Face Reality Acne Clinic and specifically about their Mandelic Acid.

It was great timing for me because I was yet again dealing with a major, embarrassing breakout. I read up on the skin clinic that night and decided to give their Long Distance program a try since I had nothing to lose. I've been having major breakouts for the past 5 years or so and nothing was working - I've tried Spironolactone, Retin A, other prescribed creams and gels, Kiehls products, and other stuff and nothing helped at all. I was using Retin A for the previous 6 months and that did zero to help me.

Face Reality is a skincare clinic in the San Francisco area that was started by an esthetician several years ago. Apparently she suffered from major acne and so she studied and researched the subject extensively and now specializes in treating acne. They treat local clients but also offer their services via email (you complete their questionnaire and send in pictures, they advise on a skincare regimen using their products, you purchase and use as directed). They apparently also train others regarding their system and they recommended a few estheticians who were semi-local to me and had trained with them, but I didn't want to take any chances with someone else who might or might not be good, so I stuck with the main clinic and chose to do the long distance program.

I received their products and started on their routine exactly a month ago yesterday and couldn't be happier with the results. I haven't had clear skin in at least 10 years despite trying all different products at the suggestion of various dermatologists, but the Face Reality products cleared me up within a week. They say that it can take up to 6 months to get clear, so I was a bit hesitant to consider my clear skin a success at first and figured the acne would return. But it's been a month and I haven't had a single pimple. I haven't had skin this clear since I was probably 15. I am totally and completely amazed.

There's no fee for their services, you just have to buy their products. My initial purchase cost me about $150 and the products are supposed to last 3 months I think.

Anyway, I'm sure I sound like a commercial for them but I really couldn't be happier with the results. And now I can finally focus on and treat my wrinkles, since I've completely ignored those while trying to clear up my acne. And in taking my pictures for Face Reality I realized just how wrinkled I am :bag

A HUGE, HUGE thank you to Jerseygirl for recommending Face Reality, I'm totally indebted to you :bowdown:

[Dream]

That's great news. Glad you found a solution. Did it clear the marks too? I don't have huge breakouts but I do get tiny acne, random places and leaves horrible marks. Would love to find something to clear the marks.

[alirebco]

What's in the products? Ingredient wise?

[jerseygirl07067]

That is so great to hear!!! I don't come on BBB all the time, but saw your thread tonight. Sooo glad it worked for you! I tell you, I am the biggest skincare junkie and have tried to many things, but since being on their long distance regimen, I don't even look anymore at other products because what they have prescribed for me is working. I wake up and never have to worry about seeing breakouts. It's awesome! It's also so freeing to not be on the hunt for the perfect product either.

As for their products, to respond to the other poster, it depends on if you have inflammatory on noninflammatory acne as to which ones they prescribe for you. The product formulations are very simplistic, don't contain a lot of inactive ingredients and fillers, or stuff in them that can cause you to break out. Honestly I've used other stuff out there with much more interesting sounding ingredient lists, but their stuff works! Simple but effective.

It's more about the way you use the products and the routine. For example, two big products in my routine are mandelic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Yes, you can get benzoyl peroxide at any old drugstore, but a lot of them have filler ingredients that are very comedogenic. For example, many of them have isopropyl myristate, laureth -4, or other stearate type of fatty compounds which can be pore clogging. They teach you how to build up to using the products daily and how to keep your skin moisturized at the same time, a hard balance to achieve. And how to work up to using BOYH of them together without totally killing your skin. The mandelic serum is awesome!

Thanks for the shout out and so glad it's working for ya!

[maestramommy]

Thanks for posting. I just went to their website, and read up on their long distance process. It does seem very expensive, which makes me hesitate a little.

[jerseygirl07067]

Thanks for posting. I just went to their website, and read up on their long distance process. It does seem very expensive, which makes me hesitate a little.

The initial output was pricey, as you have to buy the products. But it works out to 30-40 bucks per month on average. Honestly, I'm frugal, but it is so worth the price of having clear skin. I've been on the regimen for almost 4 years now and have never looked back. They have tweaked my routine here and there. If you want something a bit cheaper, check out the regimen at acne.org. More simple and less products, but my skin really needs the mandelic acid as I get dead skin buildup quickly. But it works for many.

[3isEnough]

The initial output was pricey, as you have to buy the products. But it works out to 30-40 bucks per month on average. Honestly, I'm frugal, but it is so worth the price of having clear skin. I've been on the regimen for almost 4 years now and have never looked back. They have tweaked my routine here and there. If you want something a bit cheaper, check out the regimen at acne.org. More simple and less products, but my skin really needs the mandelic acid as I get dead skin buildup quickly. But it works for many.

To be honest, though it's pricey I was SO frustrated with and embarrassed by my skin that I would be willing to pay 10x what I'm paying just to have clear skin. I saw my sister today for the first time since I started with Face Reality and she was so impressed by my complexion that she said she's contacting them today.

One thing I really like about their regimen is that it doesn't involve any pills. I had taken Sprionolactone for about 2 years and stopped last year because it kept making me dizzy (and really wasn't helping with the acne at all).

Btw, for anyone interested my current morning regimen consists of using 1) cleanser, 2) toner, 3) mandelic acid, 4) moisturizer, and 5) sunscreen. All are Face Reality products (I really like the sunscreen, it's very light). And at night it's essentially the same but instead of sunscreen I use benzoyl peroxide. I've only been on it for 5 weeks now but I would guess that eventually I could replace a few of the products with generics/less expensive products (such as the cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen). The Face Reality mandelic acid and benzoyl peroxide seem to be the critical components to the program.

Btw, for the PP who asked if the products are lightening scars/brown spots, I honestly can't really tell. I kind of assume they are because I have less noticeable "issues" with my face now, but I really don't know for sure only because I was more focused on active breakouts vs marks from previous breakouts.

[Mommy2Two]

To be honest, though it's pricey I was SO frustrated with and embarrassed by my skin that I would be willing to pay 10x what I'm paying just to have clear skin. I saw my sister today for the first time since I started with Face Reality and she was so impressed by my complexion that she said she's contacting them today.

One thing I really like about their regimen is that it doesn't involve any pills. I had taken Sprionolactone for about 2 years and stopped last year because it kept making me dizzy (and really wasn't helping with the acne at all).

Btw, for anyone interested my current morning regimen consists of using 1) cleanser, 2) toner, 3) mandelic acid, 4) moisturizer, and 5) sunscreen. All are Face Reality products (I really like the sunscreen, it's very light). And at night it's essentially the same but instead of sunscreen I use benzoyl peroxide. I've only been on it for 5 weeks now but I would guess that eventually I could replace a few of the products with generics/less expensive products (such as the cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen). The Face Reality mandelic acid and benzoyl peroxide seem to be the critical components to the program.

Btw, for the PP who asked if the products are lightening scars/brown spots, I honestly can't really tell. I kind of assume they are because I have less noticeable "issues" with my face now, but I really don't know for sure only because I was more focused on active breakouts vs marks from previous breakouts.


I looked around and it seems that Dermstore.com sells these same products. Anyone try those? http://www.dermstore.com/list_NuCelle_500376.htm
I looked into thier long distance program and sounds like a lot of work, check-ins, pictures.

[3isEnough]

I looked around and it seems that Dermstore.com sells these same products. Anyone try those? http://www.dermstore.com/list_NuCelle_500376.htm
I looked into thier long distance program and sounds like a lot of work, check-ins, pictures.

I haven't tried the other products so can't speak to those, but I would suspect they are at least similar.

As for the check-ins and pictures, that's actually the easy part. I take the pictures using my ipad, which takes just a few minutes, and then complete the check-in form on their website using my ipad so I can upload the pictures directly. The whole process probably takes me 10 minutes max and I only have to do it every 2 weeks. However that said, the "lot of work" part for me is the skincare regimen. It's sort of a pain because there are multiple steps and I'm usually in a big hurry in the morning, but I keep telling myself that the time I spend doing the multi-step skincare stuff now is still less than the amount of time I used to spend applying foundation, cover up, etc. just to hide my breakouts. Now with my skin clear I can do makeup and look ready to go in just a few minutes because I'm not spending endless time just to get every pimple covered up. It's a good trade off of time :)

[Mommy2Two]

do you mind sharing the names of the acual products? If easier, I can PM.

[3isEnough]

Sure I can list the products, and you can see them all here http://facerealityacneclinic.com/products.php and here http://facerealityacneclinic.com/acne_skin_products.php

Face Reality has several different products within the same category, such as several moisturizers, different acne meds, sunscreens, etc. They choose the ones that are right for you based on your skin type and type of acne. They recommended the following for me:
Sensitive Skin Cleansing Gel
Moisture Balance Toner
Hydrating Emulsion
Daily SPF 30 Lotion
Acne Med 5%
Mandelic Serum 8%

I think the Acne Med and Mandelic Serum are the 2 key products, while the others help balance everything out.

[jerseygirl07067]

My regimen is the same except I am using the 2.5 % Acne Med, which is benzoyl peroxide. I recently found two good subsititutes to cut down on the cost....acne.org sells a very good benzoyl peroxide 2.5% in a huge tube that lasts me 6-9 months. Also they sell a gentle cleanser which is somewhat similar to the sensitive skin cleansing gel. I didn't want to start substituting products since it was working so well, but these have worked out well. The mandelic for me is so key, and I have looked at replacements, but none compare so I will keep using that. Once I was clear for a while, they also recommended the Vitamin A serum, for antiaging and it also helps with breakouts. But I don't use it as consistently as I should. It is very powerful stuff! Like a milder version of Retin-A.

[ShanaMama]

I'm late to this thread but thank you both for the rec. I am pretty desperate for some skincare help. I've had cystic, hormonally induced acne since puberty. Years of tetracycline & every cream in the book did nothing but support my dermatologist. I actually went on Accutane for a short while & my skin was clear for several years after that. (I would never ever go on it in this stage of the game.) once I started having kids my skin got bad again & currently I am pretty much used to horrible skin. Every one of my trouble areas is covered in tiny whiteheads that are invisible to everyone but me but they aggravate the heck out of me. Then there's the cystic acne which is now showing up twice a month!! So I'm either broken out or about to break out. I have a horrible tendency to pick & pop & I scar easily. Can you tell this is a sore point for me? I would love to try their long distance clinic, the $ doesn't scare me if the products actually work. I hate going for facials or consults where all they want to do is sell you their own product. I've never felt like any skin care person had any understanding of my skin- & I've been to many different people over the years. They always just throw products at me. I will definitely be looking into this & I really hope I can join your acne free fan club!

[ShanaMama]

I just spent some time on their website. It's nice that they give you pricing & basic expectations up front. That makes it seem non- scammy for lack of a better word.
Have either of you used their products while pregnant and / or breast feeding? Do they just continue to adjust your regimen based on what your body's going through at any given time?

[jerseygirl07067]

I used them all except Vitamin A, while breastfeeding. While pregnant, I also did not use the Vitamin A, but I did use the mandelic acid. And I believe I used the benzoyl peroxide too. It made my skin amazing. Luckily, my skin clears up during my 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy.

Vitamin A and salicyclic acid are the big no nos during pregnancy. Breastfeeding...it's been a while but I remember looking it all up and it was safe. Double check though, to be sure!

[MommyofAmaya]

Just checking to see if this program is still working as well for you. I might be ready to take the plunge, as my skin seems to be actively breaking out more often as I inch towards 40.

[3isEnough]

OP here. I missed ShanaMama's previous posts, sorry! I haven't used their products while BF'ing or pregnant so I can't speak to that, sorry.

And yes, the products are still working wonderfully for me. I've been on the regimen almost 4 months now and my skin looks better than ever. I know the cost of the products was a concern to some but just FYI I think they say the products will last 3 months but I'm still using the original products I purchased for most of the steps in my process. I had to buy more mandelic acid at about the 3 month mark and now need to purchase more acne med, but I have A LOT left in all of the other products. So if cost is a concern for anyone just know that in my experience, most of the products will last well over 3 months.

I'm still very, very happy with the program and can highly recommend it. MommyofAmaya, if you try it let us know how it goes!

[MommyofAmaya]

I'm revisiting this post again with more questions since I have not taken the plunge yet and would appreciate your guidance. What do you do about cosmetics on this program? I looked through the ingredients on my favorite items (foundation, primer) and there are a couple ingredients WAY down the list that are not recommended. Did you have to change your entire makeup routine? Are there ANY cosmetic products that made the grade? THANKS!

[DualvansMommy]

This is such a timely thread! Ever since I got pregnant with DS1, I'm suffering more breakouts (not sure if it's classified as acne though) and much noticeably red skin on my face. It would come and go, but have gotten significantly worse now since the birth of DS2. 6 months ago. My breakouts are quite embarassing with red raised big pimples and such, ugh! So in desperation I went to see my dermatologist last week. Was dx having rosacea with acne, and prescribed a daily topical cream to put over my face 2x daily. It's only been few days so I can't say it's working.

I'm curious if those products work well for people with rosacea as well?

[jerseygirl07067]

I'm revisiting this post again with more questions since I have not taken the plunge yet and would appreciate your guidance. What do you do about cosmetics on this program? I looked through the ingredients on my favorite items (foundation, primer) and there are a couple ingredients WAY down the list that are not recommended. Did you have to change your entire makeup routine? Are there ANY cosmetic products that made the grade? THANKS!

If the ingredients are way down on the list they are probably okay but you could ask the skin care specialists at Face Reality for any recommendations. I don't wear foundation and I just make sure my blush doesn't have the worst ingredients high on the list.


This is such a timely thread! Ever since I got pregnant with DS1, I'm suffering more breakouts (not sure if it's classified as acne though) and much noticeably red skin on my face. It would come and go, but have gotten significantly worse now since the birth of DS2. 6 months ago. My breakouts are quite embarassing with red raised big pimples and such, ugh! So in desperation I went to see my dermatologist last week. Was dx having rosacea with acne, and prescribed a daily topical cream to put over my face 2x daily. It's only been few days so I can't say it's working.

Rosacea is a lot more complicated, just check out their website or e-mail them and ask. I know the products are different than the ones I use. They do have rosacea pics of clients on their website I do believe. :)

I'm curious if those products work well for people with rosacea as well?

[calebsmama03]

I've not tried this clinic before and have gotten my skin largely clear by going off gluten and watching dairy (specifically drinking milk) but I also discovered mandellic acid products at Makeup Artists choice and have been really pleased. They have a wash, toner, serum and peel specific to the MA line. I only use the serum and peel and really like them a lot. Good products and very affordable so for the people hesitant to pay the money for the clinic perhaps try the MA line from MUAC as a cheaper trial. They sell sample sizes, too.

Fwiw, I also have used and been impressed with other products outside their MA line. Their gly luronic serum is awesome, as are the lactic and glycolic peels.