Review: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo

Hello lovelies,

It seems so long since I last reviewed anything! But it would just be plain rude of me not to review this much hyped product... when in France and all that jazz. I'm sure everyone has heard of this product as it's been making regular appearances on the blogosphere but for those who haven't, I'll explain. 

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo aims to help "reduce the appearance of imperfections and purifies pores. Effaclar Duo is a complete skincare solution that combines 4 active ingredients to act on the 2 major signs of skin with imperfections. Niacinamide and Piroone Olamine help reduce severe local imperfections by purifying the skin and protecting against breakouts developing. The LHA/Linoleic Acid combination helps unclog pores by eliminating dead cells responsible for their obstruction. These active ingredients are combined with soothing and anti-irritating La Roche-Posay thermal spring water." I hear you asking what? Basically a non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic light moisturiser that helps to purify and clear blemish prone skin.

Does it work? I apply this on cleansed skin in the evening, I use it as a moisturiser, some people apply it as a serum. If you had dry-combination skin, I would suggest using it alongside a separate moisturiser. I noticed an instant difference the first morning, my skin felt softer and smoother. I'm not saying it worked miracles over night because no product does, you have to use a product on a long term basis to work out if it's right for you. My skin was gradually improving from day to day but around about the two week usage mark, my skin broke out. I persevered, I felt that the Effaclar Duo was helping to purge my skin and draw all the impurities out. It got worse before it got better. 

I've been using this for around about a month now and I have noticed my pores are starting to feel and appear less clogged, the blemish marks are fading and becoming less noticeable. I feel like this sinks in well, the skin doesn't instantly absorb it but it doesn't leave any residue either. I would class it as lightweight moisturiser for problem skin. I have seen negative reviews but I reckon when it gets to the breakout stage, people stop using it and thus a negative view is formed.

It's something that I will continue to purchase for as long as it works for me. I picked mine up in Parapharmacie in France for 7.99 euro but for those in the UK, it is currently on offer for £9.75 at Boots (normally £13.00)

Have you tried this? Did it work for you?