At Prodermi, we have three of the leading Acne and Blemish ranges available, but it can be a bit confusing when it comes to choosing.
Dermalogica's Clear Clear Start
Dermalogica's Active Clearing Range
IMAGE Skincare's Clear Cell
Dermalogica Clear Start
Dermalogica's Clear Start range is specifically formulated for younger, breakout-prone skin, addressing common adolescent concerns such as oily skin and blemishes. The products incorporate salicylic acid to clear pores and reduce breakouts, complemented by botanicals like tea tree oil and lavender to soothe irritated skin. Designed to be gentle, the range aims to prevent irritation that could lead to further breakouts. It offers a comprehensive line of products, including cleansers, toners, moisturizers, and spot treatments, providing a full skincare regimen.
While Clear Start is targeted at teenagers, it can also be a suitable option for adults experiencing acne, offering an accessible price point. However, it may not address concerns like hyperpigmentation or fine lines, and some formulations could be too drying for older skin.
My Favorite: Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash
Why I Love It: This cleanser is like a fresh start every morning. The texture is light and foamy, with a clean scent that feels refreshing without being overwhelming. It lathers beautifully and leaves your skin feeling thoroughly clean but not stripped. There’s a subtle hint of tea tree, which makes you feel like it’s really working to fight breakouts. It’s perfect for that squeaky-clean, fresh-out-of-the-shower vibe that sets the tone for the day.
Dermalogica Active Clearing
Active Clearing is Dermalogica's solution for adult acne. It’s a more premium and refined range compared to their Clear Start line, specifically tailored for older skin that often needs a gentler touch. Unlike products aimed at teenage breakouts, Active Clearing also addresses the visible signs of aging, such as fine lines and pigmentation, making it a great option for those dealing with both concerns.
This range uses a blend of high-performing ingredients. Salicylic acid works to clear out clogged pores, niacinamide reduces inflammation and pigmentation, and retinol helps to speed up cell turnover, improving both skin texture and tone. It’s designed to target the kind of acne adults often experience, while also tackling wrinkles and uneven skin.
With a variety of products including cleansers, exfoliants, spot treatments, and serums, the range allows you to create a personalized skincare routine. The formulations are sophisticated, catering to the specific needs of mature, acne-prone skin, offering both immediate breakout relief and long-term skin health benefits.
That said, the active ingredients—especially retinol and salicylic acid—can sometimes cause dryness or irritation, particularly for sensitive skin or those new to these powerful components. The range also comes at a higher price point, which reflects its dual-action focus and advanced formulation.
Dermalogica's Active Clearing range is a great fit for adults dealing with stubborn acne and aging concerns. However, starting slowly and introducing the products one at a time is recommended to avoid potential sensitivity.
My Favourite: Retinol Clearing Oil
Why I Love It: This oil feels like a little luxury every night. It’s silky, lightweight, and absorbs quickly without leaving any greasy residue. The scent is subtle—just a hint of something clean and herbal, nothing too strong. I love how it glides on so effortlessly, and by morning, my skin feels softer, smoother, and less congested. It’s my go-to for when my skin needs a reset, tackling both breakouts and those pesky fine lines that sneak up on you.
Clear cell by IMAGE and our opinion
IMAGE Skincare Clear Cell
IMAGE Skincare's Clear Cell range is a powerhouse collection designed to tackle acne at its source while soothing and restoring the skin. It’s aimed at a wide audience, from teenagers battling breakouts to adults dealing with more stubborn or hormonal acne. The products are formulated with clinical-grade ingredients, delivering professional results in an at-home regimen.
The range features potent actives like benzoyl peroxide to kill acne-causing bacteria, salicylic acid to clear clogged pores, and glycolic acid to exfoliate and smooth the skin. These ingredients work together to treat current breakouts, prevent new ones, and refine the skin's texture. Clear Cell also incorporates anti-inflammatory agents to calm redness and irritation, making it suitable for inflamed and sensitive acne-prone skin.
With products spanning cleansers, masks, serums, and moisturizers, Clear Cell offers a complete toolkit for managing acne effectively. Whether you’re dealing with occasional spots or chronic breakouts, there’s a product in the range to address your needs.
However, the strength of the active ingredients means this range might not be the best fit for everyone. Users with sensitive or dry skin may find some products overly drying or irritating, especially if not paired with adequate hydration. Additionally, IMAGE Skincare is a professional-grade brand, so these products are often sold through authorized retailers or clinics, which may make them less accessible than over-the-counter options.
Overall, IMAGE Skincare’s Clear Cell range is a highly effective choice for those looking for clinical-level solutions to acne. It’s particularly well-suited to those who want fast, visible results but should be used with care to avoid potential dryness or irritation
My Favourite: Clarifying Salicylic Blemish Gel
Why I Love It: This gel feels like a precision tool for tackling breakouts. The texture is lightweight and silky, gliding on effortlessly without any stickiness. It absorbs quickly and leaves a matte finish, which is perfect if you’re layering it under makeup or just want to avoid that greasy feel. The scent is subtle—fresh but not overpowering—so it doesn’t clash with other products.
Summary of the acne product ranges
Summary of Acne Product Ranges
When managing acne, it’s important to remember that skincare isn’t one-size-fits-all. Each of these ranges has its strengths, and you can mix and match, try new products, or switch if something doesn’t work for your skin.
Dermalogica Clear Start is perfect for teenagers and young adults with oily, breakout-prone skin. It’s affordable, gentle, and packed with soothing ingredients, but it may not address issues like pigmentation or fine lines. If it feels too drying, it’s worth exploring other options.
Dermalogica Active Clearing is designed for adults balancing acne with aging concerns. Its potent ingredients target blemishes, fine lines, and pigmentation, but sensitive skin types may need to introduce it gradually. If you find it too strong, you can try a gentler product or combine it with hydrating treatments.
IMAGE Skincare Clear Cell is a professional-grade range for all types of acne, from occasional spots to stubborn breakouts. Its powerful actives work quickly, but if dryness or irritation becomes an issue, consider pairing it with more hydrating products or experimenting with other brands.
The key is to stay flexible—if one product or range doesn’t work for you, don’t hesitate to try another. Skincare is a journey, and finding what works best for your unique skin may take a bit of trial and error.