Photo: Courtesy of La Roche-Posay. Certain beauty products — think NARS blush in Orgasm, Clinique's Black Honey lipstick — are so good, they're practically famous. And, while we do love so many of those well-known, well-loved products with a loyal following, we've been wondering why others have been quietly flying under the radar. With that in mind, meet our new beauty series, Cult Classics, in which we'll introduce you to the products you really, truly should know about (and try, like, right now). They're not brand new, but trust us: They've got staying power.
As a beauty writer, there are certain questions I'm always asked. They range from "What's the best red lipstick?" to "What's your go-to product for beachy waves?" and my responses seem to fluctuate based on whatever I'm obsessed with that week. But, there's one answer I always give whenever people ask me how I cleared up my mild acne seemingly overnight: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo.
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This cream is a double whammy of blemish-fighting ingredients. Micronized benzoyl peroxide and micro-exfoliating LHA work together to reduce inflammation, exfoliate your skin, and even out its texture. Forget Batman and Robin — these guys are the heroes I turn to when I need my enemy acne's butt kicked.
The best part about Effaclar Duo? Not only does it work well, but it also works fast. Three days after I started using this stuff, I saw a noticeable clearing of my existing zits. After a week, they were completely gone — and none showed signs of cropping back up. Now, if I do break out (typically around my period, when my hormones stage a coup against my face), the blemishes only last a day or two before going back to where they came from. I'm assuming that place is hell.
While the treatment is good for all skin types, I'd suggest starting slow. Try using Effaclar Duo every other day, and then work yourself up. I now use it twice daily and have never suffered from irritation or rashes.
La Roche-Posay's itty-bitty tube has earned a permanent place in my skin-care regimen. Even when I swap things around for the seasons, this guy is what stays in constant rotation. If you're seeking something that will banish your acne quickly, look no further.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Acne Treatment, $36.96, available at Ulta.