Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser and Mask

After noticing an increasing frequency of light break-outs, I decided to try Neutrogena's Clear Pore Cleanser and Mask. I opted for this specific product because I wanted something that I could use everyday as a cleanser, or leave on longer and use as a mask. It seemed like an easier solution than purchasing two different products when one could do the same thing I was trying to achieve.

The product claims to fight excess oil and fight against bacteria. It contains 3.5% benzoyl peroxide and comes in a 4.2 fl. oz. tube. I picked it up for about $6.50.

The first night I used it, I tried it as a mask. It was a little hard to spread on and was thick and white and smelled like beonzoyl. The directions said to leave it on for about five minutes. It was tingly and almost had a burning sensation, though I was never uncomfortable while wearing the product. I washed it off and my skin felt smooth and refreshed. I put on some Cetaphil moisturizer and went to bed.

The next morning I noticed that the blue hand towel I had used on my face had white splotches on it. I realized it was from the face mask and was annoyed by the results. It was not an expensive towel, but regardless, I didn't want to bleach it out with a $6.50 facial product. "There should be a warning about this!" I thought to myself. I turned over the bottle and saw that the instructions warned that it could bleach out fabrics. After years of trying products, cleansers, masks, and acne treatments, you'd think I would remember that most products containing beonzoyl peroxide can cause bleaching.

That night I used the Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser and Mask again, but this time as a cleanser. I spent some extra time rinsing off my face and again my skin again felt smooth and refreshed. I applied some moisturizer before I went to bed. Once again, there were new bleach spots on the towel by the next morning. I thought I had completely rinsed my face, but I suspect I must have had residue near my hair line where I didn't see it.

Over the next few days, I frequently discovered new bleached spots on the towel, but had more or less given up on trying to avoid it. The towel was ruined my now anyway, so I would just keep it laundered so I could have it handy during my Neutrogena test. I also noticed that my skin was starting to feel dry. It was a particularly cold few weeks, so I wondered if that had something to do with it. And while Cetaphil moisturizer has always worked for me in the past, I thought I might need something stronger. But I've never had dry skin before, even in the winter.

I noticed some dry flakes on my forehead and decided to stop using the Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser and Mask everyday. Instead, I tried it every 2 or 3 days which seemed to stop the dryness. The blemishes on my face had more or less cleared up, but my skin also seemed a little dull and lackluster.

My overall experience with Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser and Mask was fairly neutral. I enjoyed the fresh, invigorating feeling while using the product, but was annoyed by how easily it bleached fabric. It also seemed to dry out my skin more than necessary. I also didn't think the product offered anything special. For $6.50 it was above average compared to other products I've used in the same price range, but didn't come close to transforming my skin in any way.

I would recommend this product to someone who has moderate to severe acne, but for my personal needs, I think a regular cleaner or on-the-spot acne treatment would have worked just as well. If you do try this product, pick up a good moisturizer and just stick to tissue or an old hand towel to dry your face.How did Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser and Mask work for me?http://www.neutrogena.com