How often should you use Effaclar Duo?

*This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link! This supports me and keeps my blog running.*

This post will be reviewing the La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo.

When treating acne, you sometimes have to try a few products here and there to find what works for your skin, especially if you don’t have access to a dermatologist. Most of us start with Salicylic Acid. Depending on how severe the acne is, we move to Benzoyl Peroxide and Adapalene.

A few others are not always lucky as they have to resort to antibiotics to treat their acne and deal with all sorts of side effects. It goes without saying that if you can treat your acne with over-the-counter products, you should be grateful. Some people actually have it tough.

With many single-ingredient products on the market, finding one that combines all the essentials for acne that won’t break the bank seems few and far between.

This is why I was so shocked when I discovered the La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo. I know how popular the product is; I just didn’t realize it was so underrated. It needs to be talked about more, especially for acne-prone skin.

I’ve recently discovered it, and I’m ready to share my thoughts.

First Impressions of the La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo+

According to La Roche Posay,

Specifically formulated for oily, blemish-prone skin in adults and teenagers. A dual-action daily gel moisturiser that reduces the appearance of blemishes and blackheads controls shine and helps protect the skin from the causes of red and brown coloured marks that are often left by spots. Hydrates skin for 24 hours. This cosmetic moisturiser is also suitable for acne-prone skin.

Anti-blemish moisturiser that corrects and hydrates oily skin.

Visibly reduces blemishes, controls shine and helps to reduce the appearance of marks.

For clearer skin in 4 weeks

Ingredient List & Fragrance

I’m really excited about this ingredient list because it combines three of the most effective ingredients you need for acne-prone skin, including:

• Salicylic Acid unblocks clogged pores.
• Niacinamide controls oil production and helps to fade dark marks.
• Zinc PCA also controls oil production and shine.

For hydration, they sprinkled in some Glycerin and the patented Procerad to help with the appearance of acne scars. Honestly, what’s not to love?! This is a must-have if you have oily to dry, acne-prone skin.

No, it’s not as drying as I expected, especially since oily skin also needs hydration. But if you do find it drying, you can always layer a moisturizer over it.

It has a slight fragrance, but it is nothing too overwhelming. I can’t pinpoint what it smells like, but it is slightly medicinal.

Packaging, Texture & Consistency

This moisturizer is packaged in a 40ml applicator tube, making it super convenient to apply. It has a lightweight gel-cream consistency, perfect if you want to skip the moisturizer and just use sunscreen in the mornings. It’s not too heavy and won’t clog your pores or weigh your skin down.

Price & Availability

For a 40ml product, it retails for £18, which is not the most affordable, but when you consider all the ingredients you get from one product instead of using multiple serums, it’s not too bad. Thankfully, La Roche Posay regularly has sales, so you can get it as low as £13.50.

This is a super easy product to use as it is gentle enough to use both in the morning and evening. But you should simply use it once a day for starters. Also, I suggest you skip other serums that might interfere with its performance.

This moisturizer is a two-in-one product, so aside from any hydrating product you might be using, you don’t need to use it with any other treatment serums. Don’t forget to wear your sunscreen daily as well.

Performance

When it comes to over-the-counter acne products, everyone gets results differently. Personally, due to my dry acne-prone skin, I get results faster with Adapalene in about a few days, a maximum of a week. But for Salicylic Acid, I get results in about two weeks. I don’t have oily skin, so I can’t speak on the effectiveness of Niacinamide and Zinc PCA.

But based on the reviews, you have to use this product for a minimum of six to twelve weeks to get results. It goes without saying that you have to be consistent with it. Depending on your skin concerns, you can use it as a spot treatment or all over your face.

In Conclusion,

If you have mild to moderate acne and don’t want to layer multiple serums, this is a must-have product, especially if you have oily skin. It would save you so much time and money because you’re getting treatment and moisturizer all in one product