I Haven't Had a Single Spot Since Using This Cleanser

dr dennis gross alpha beta pore perfecting cleanser review: Alyss Bowen
@alyssbowen

I'd like to say that I'm one of those people that don't get upset over a spot (or multiple spots), but I'm not. And for about six to nine months, I suffered daily with a case of hormonal acne that quite literally wouldn't budge. No matter what products I used, no matter how little makeup I wore, no matter how much I tried to relax and not stress, the spots stayed firmly on my chin and jaw area, and it made me miserable.

Acne isn't a flaw, and it isn't something we should feel like we have to hide. However, there's no shame in admitting it's something that can get us down, and nine times out of 10, getting down about it only causes us and our skin to stress more. Six months into my experience with hormonal acne, I honestly thought this was just how my skin would be forever. Until I had a life-changing facial and switched my cleanser up.

The cleanser in question is Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting Cleanser (£46). For those of you who aren't familiar with Dr Dennis Gross' products, I strongly urge you to check them out. Dr Dennis Gross is a certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon who launched his first skincare product in 2000. Now he has an entire skincare range, and the products draw from his experience as a dermatologist and use advanced ingredients combined with medical grade formulas. There's no denying you see results fast.

Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting Cleanser
Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting Cleanser $38.00
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The Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting Cleanser is a gentle gel-based cleanser containing hydroxy acids that help to buff and exfoliate away makeup, dirt and dead skin cells. Willow bark, farnesol and barosma betulina help to wash away any bacteria or clogged pores (hence why it's great for acne-prone skin) and snow ear mushroom hydrates the skin and maintains your natural moisture levels.

I started using it after I had my very first LED Fire and Ice Facial at The Ned, so my skin had started to clear up, but given that my hormonal acne was pretty resilient, I thought it would just be a matter of time before it appeared again (it didn't). This gentle cleanser has helped keep any spots at bay—so much so that I haven't had a single spot in almost two months, and my skin has never looked better. I only use it in the evenings, as I have quite sensitive skin. Once a week, I like to use it with my Foreo Luna Mini to really give my skin a deep cleanse. It's safe to say this cleanser will be staying firmly on my shelf alongside these other Dr Dennis Gross products I've been using.

Dr Dennis Gross Universal Daily Peel
Dr Dennis Gross Universal Daily Peel $88.00
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Loved by beauty editors far and wide, these Universal Daily Peel Pads help to treat and target the signs of aging. In this two-step treatment, you first wipe the exfoliating pad across your face to help resurface your complexion and then use step two to restore and hydrate your skins moisture levels. I use these once a week, as daily can be harsh on the skin. You're left with glowing, radiant skin.

Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Exfoliating Moisturizer
Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Exfoliating Moisturizer $68.00
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Alongside the cleanser, I've been using this Alpha Beta Exfoliating Moisturizer from the same range. This lightweight moisturizer is enriched with seven Alpha Beta acids to help eliminate dead skin cells, resurface dullness and reduce pores, fine lines and wrinkles. Plus it gives you an extra boost of hydration. I use it morning and night and it sinks right in, so it's super handy when you're in a rush and need to apply makeup straight after.

Glossier Invisible Sheid
Glossier Invisible Sheid $20.00
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Make sure you apply a sunscreen after, as your skin can be extra sensitive to UV light after using chemical exfoliants. I love this Glossier one.

What products do you use to keep spots at bay? Come and tell us in The British Beauty Line.

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