Aqua Glycolic Alpha Hydroxy Acid Skin Care System, Facial Cleanser 6 Ounce, Toner 6 Ounce, Face Cream, 2 ounce 1 kit

I used this line of products faithfully in college after a dermatologist recommended it and had great success for many years, even with less than stellar lifestyle factors. Now in my late 20s, I've struggled (and I mean really struggled) with adult acne for several years as a result of switching contraception methods with different hormones. I never had any issues with my skin as a teenager or college student and it's been quite a trying experience. However, after trying countless products (to cleanse, exfoliate, tone, mask, spot treat, moisturize - you name it) and a variety of methods (such as oil cleansing, spa facials, IPL photofacials, antibiotics, vitamin supplements, different hormone combinations, blue light therapy) in addition to improved lifestyle factors (such as a healthier diet, consistent exercise and more sleep)...I'm once again back to the Aqua Glycolic products and hormone combo that worked so well for me during those college years and my stubborn hormonal acne seems to finally be under control again.However, take heed, this process doesn't happen overnight! Both times I've seriously committed to these products **there has been a purging process** that takes about a month (in my experience) to resolve the hormonally-triggered skin issues. Although I realize that there isn't one solution for everyone, I'm concerned that previous reviewers who were less enthusiastic about these products either gave up too soon or altogether have a different trigger for their acne. During this several week transitional period, spots will pop up in places on your face they usually don't as the alpha hydroxy acids bring up the stuff that clogs pores, emulsifies it and then promotes faster cell turnover. The cleanser and toner might sting in particularly broken-out areas during this time but unless you suspect a larger allergic reaction, try to put up with this as much as you can. Also during this time I strive to use all three products twice a day, however there are instances when my skin feels overly dry or sensitive so I'll swap the trio out for something gentler like Cetaphil cleanser and Cerave moisturizer for a round before going back.My typical daytime routine consists of applying a few pumps of the Aqua Glycolic cleanser to a DRY face with my DRY fingertips (as instructed on the bottle), waiting about a minute and then rinsing as usual with warm water. (Note: the cleanser at first won't feel very effective because it doesn't sting on regular skin nor does it work into a rich lather, but just stick with it. It just takes some time, usually a week or two, to start seeing results). After cleansing, I apply the toner with a cotton ball and about a dime-sized amount of moisturizer all over my face, with a little extra on trouble areas. I wait a minute or two for this to absorb before applying a little bit of gentle day moisturizer (I like Aveeno Ultra-Calming Day Lotion), then sunscreen (IMPERATIVE! I use Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion+ Broad Spectrum 50+), then gentle makeup primer (Fresh Rose Primer) before my regular makeup routine.My typical nighttime regime begins with makeup removal using a drugstore brand makeup remover, then again using the cleanser on a DRY face with DRY hands. Just as before, after rinsing off the cleanser, I apply the toner and moisturizer. I really believe that these products are the most effective when used together because they are complementary - and this is coming from a girl who usually isn't brand or collection-loyal. At night, I also apply an additional moisturizer but one that's a little thicker such as the Cetaphil cream or Cerave.Overall, although effective in many ways, I find these products a tad drying, which is why I add a little bit of another moisturizer on top of the AG cream. Otherwise, this line has helped clarify my skin by bringing deeply-rooted blemishes to the surface, fading leftover hyperpigmentation spots and improving overall skin texture to be smoother and more fresh-faced...especially now that I'm in my late 20s and a few faint lines that have appeared are already less noticeable. Yes, the transition period is a bummer. But even just using products that minimize active breakouts (that for me were often painful and deep jawline cysts) by bringing gunk to the surface more quickly has alone made a huge difference. Fading hyperpigmentation areas (again, daily sunscreen is key here) and smoother skin are awesome bonuses - not to mention help in reducing future wrinkles. I won't stray again and anyone wanting my supply of these products will have to pry them out of my cold, dead fingers.

This is just like Blitzkrieg for your skin, it will eliminate roughness and acne an multiple ways with Glycolic acid which is godsend for acne! This set is a convenient and economical way to start this AHA regimen.Cleanser: This is a rather unique cleanser as it is used like a cleansing oil. The consistency is like a cream gel that emulsifies into a cream-oil and then washes away easily. To use, you take dry hands and apply a liberal amount to dry face. Massage it around, during this time you should really massage your face because you'll notice the cleanser will really get into the pores and little flecks of dirt and roughness will come out of your skin. Afterwards, get some water on the tips of your finger and massage onto your face to melt the cream, which will then turn into an oil and carry away all the dirt and skinflakes. Then rinse it off.Afterwards my skin feels very clean but not tight.Toner: The toner has alcohol in it so it might be drying, but I find that it is very effective on cutting oil from my face and getting it super clean, if you have acne this will sting your pimples, which means it's working. I can only recommend this for people with acne or oily skin because it might be too strong for dry skin users and they probably wont benefit as much from this.Moisturizer: This moisturizer can also cause flaking if you have dry skin, or if used more than once or twice a day. However, like I said before, this is great for oily and acne skinned people. It dries up my acne and causes the swelling to go down. For acne that is still active, it helps it come to head faster. I put it on at night and in the morning my face is smooth and bright, and my acne heals. It is not oily as it absorbs in 10 mins.The acid in this can also sting the eyes so don't get it in your eyes!Overall, I super recommend this for oily and acne skinned people. If you have combination skin or regular skin, I can also see this helping with mattifiying your skin and or evening skin tone and making your overall appearance brighter. If you experience dryness of flaking, you should either not use all the products at once, or use it less often. I had some flaking in the beginning but my skin adjusted and now I am really satisfied with this set.