‘I Tried AzClear’s Action Medicated Lotion For Angry Acne Prone Skin, Here Are my Honest Thoughts’

Spoiler alert, it’s understatedly good.

Acne girlies navigate the skincare world a little differently – more cautiously, more curiously and more hopefully (on most days).

I would know- and so would my textured, combination, acne-prone skin.

From teenage to adulthood, I have been the easiest consumer of the latest ‘hero’ ingredient.

Whether it’s the old school bleaching benzoyl peroxide or the unignorable (and often too strong) salicylic acid, I have been tempted by anything that was put in the same sentence as ‘breakouts’.

While some ingredients lived up to the hype, the benefits would often come at the cost of dryness, irritation and other side effects.

Trust me, it’s a cost that you and I do not have to put up with- our acne-prone skin already puts up with so much.

What Azelaic Acid is and How it Works For Your Skin

Meet Azelaic Acid, a skincare ingredient that genuinely has your back and your skin, with no sneaky side effects.

Naturally occurring in wheat, rye and barley, Azelaic Acid has been welcomed into acne skincare for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and melanin (pigment) inhibition properties.

The way this ingredient targets pimples, blackheads, papulopustular rosacea and hyperpigmentation, could very much make it your acne-prone skin’s next best friend.

(And a best friend that doesn’t blindside you by surprise dryness, irritation, or by bleaching your clothes/pillows when you’re not looking.)

My Honest Review of AzClear’s Medicated Lotion

Look, I was not thinking of my angry breakouts when I was enjoying that last slice of cake. Luckily, AzClear’s Medicated Lotion was.

As unassuming as the packaging is, it is easy to underestimate the Lotion’s lightweight, nearly invisible texture.

I put the spot treatment to test on a few inflamed papules and pustules at a careful pace of three nights a week given the 20% Azelaic Acid concentration.

For three weeks, I experimented with it under my day moisturiser, and on top of my nighttime moisturiser.

It became an exciting process to make visual notes of how AzClear was working it’s magic, even overnight – I could already see reduced redness and tenderness as the days passed.

Three weeks later, my favourite outcome was probably skipping the deep blemish stage that usually follows my stubborn pimples.

Unlike other spot treatments, AzClear’s Medicated Lotion had calmed my breakout without leaving behind a prominent proof of it.

TGA disclaimer: Always read the label and follow the directions for use.

Other Products in The AzClear Range I Tried

While the Medicated Lotion remains the main character of the fragrance-free range in my opinion, the Foaming Wash and Action Soothing Serum make remarkable supporting characters with the same acne-fighting backstory.

If my skin is already feeling overwhelmed, the least I can do is make its life easier with a simpler, kinder routine.

Fewer but focused steps, targeting the tough areas with gentle formulas.

Azclear Foaming Wash, $15.99

I know, I know, foaming cleansers have a reputation of being stripping and don’t compare to cream/oil cleansers.

This is exactly why the AzClear Foaming Wash stood out when it retained a surprising level of moisture and comfort through its gentle formula.

One pump is ample enough for my face and neck, making the 150ml product size a generous one.

Azclear Action Soothing Serum, $18.99

In case you missed it, the AzClear Action Soothing Serum just had a packaging makeover!

Beyond its exterior, the lightweight serum is packed with soothing ingredients like Niacinamide, Pro Vitamin B5 and Avemide – everything you need for strengthening your acne-prone skin barrier.

Similar to the Medicated Lotion, I found the serum to act noticeably fast where it easily calmed my usually bumpy, congested cheek area.

If you get anything from the range, let it be this dynamic Soothing Serum-Medicated Lotion duo.

Also available in the range is the Azclear Action Day Moisturiser SPF 30, best for oily and sensitive skin types.

How to Use AzClear Products in Your Routine (And The Best Order)

• Start off with one pump of the Foaming Wash and gently massage across the face and neck for a good minute.

• Apply the Soothing Serum on target areas – for me, that’s the bumpy region on my cheek and jawline where I break out the most. Leave it on for a few minutes, get your tea sorted while it gets absorbed.

• It’s showtime! Dot the Medicated Lotion on any active acne or healing acne spots. The angry red ones, the sneaky imminent ones and the fading ones.

• Give the Lotion a few minutes to work its magic before following up with your favourite AM/PM moisturiser.

Final Thoughts

It’s reassuring as an acne-prone girlie to see gentle acne treatments having their moment.

After years of accepting the side effects of harsher methods, it’s nearly a relief to have kinder options which are just as effective – with AzClear being a brilliant reminder of this.

The entire AzClear range is available at Chemist Warehouse, Priceline and most local pharmacies.

TGA disclaimer: Always read the label and follow the directions for use.