If you always wanted to know how French girls deal with acne, here is my ultimate guide on how to beat acne the French way! In this article, I’ve compiled a list of the best French pharmacy beauty products specifically designed for oily, acne-prone, and blemish-prone skin. There are the most effective French pharmacy products to beat acne on the market right now!
Several years ago, I’ve been dealing with adult acne; breakouts all over my face, redness, oily skin, and acne scars around my chin and on my forehead. And even if acne on the face and body is a common issue for most people, I know for sure that it’s not easy to deal with it every day. But did you know that acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting 50 million Americans annually?
It’s such a common skin condition that for sure every woman will deal with acne at least once in their life: due to hormonal imbalance, pollution, antibiotics, stress, and other pore-clogging aggressors. However, bad skin is by no means something to resign yourself to. Indeed, solutions exist but it does require a few lifestyle changes and a proper skincare routine to get your skin right back on track.
Maintaining clear skin and preventing breakouts, blemishes, and discoloration involves taking special care of your skin to keep bacteria and oil at a minimum. French pharmacy acne brands such as , , and are reputed to solve oily skin problems, and are even prescribed by French dermatologists! Today I’ve compiled a list of the cult best French pharmacy acne-focused skincare that works wonders and really helps me to get clearer and smoother skin.
French Pharmacy Products French Girls Use To Treat Their Acne
SkinCeuticals LHA Cleanser Gel
One of the best French pharmacy cleansers for acne-prone skin is the . The LHA Cleanser Gel is a deep-digging facial wash that penetrates your pores to decongest and offer cell-by-cell exfoliation while washing away impurities. While LHA exfoliates the skin, decongests clogged pores, and refines the skin’s surface, glycolic acid eliminates dead skin cell buildup and improves skin hydration. Also, LHA has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. This cleanser is suitable for oily, combination, and aging skin types.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Acne Cleanser with salicylic acid and LHA is a great and cheaper option as well. And if your skin is very sensitive you can use Avene’s Cleanance Cleansing Gel. It’s a soap-free gel that helps regulate oil secretion and prevents blemishes without irritation. Indeed, the pH-adjusted formula respects the skin’s natural balance to mattify and moisturize the skin.
La Roche-Posay Serozinc
The Serozinc toning spray is one of the best-selling products from La Roche-Posay. And, I’m not surprised as it works wonders on acne-prone skin types. Serozinc is made with just three ingredients: water, healing zinc sulfate, and astringent sodium chloride. Together, those three ingredients target blemishes, marks, and excess oiliness, ensuring your complexion feels fresh and comfortable.
The versatile formula is perfect for use as a toner between cleansing and moisturizing. Or it can be used at any time of day to refresh and treat your skin. It’s a simple and effective solution to mattify oily skin, prevent excess shine and tighten the appearance of pores. This lightweight mist rebalances oily complexions, leaving it with a matte finish that actually lasts all day; an absolute must for people who suffer from a regular breakout or bad acne.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Acne Treatment
A true anti-acne hero, La Roche-Posay’s Effaclar Duo is a favorite among French dermatologists who prescribe the effective oil-free formula to those plagued by acne. Effaclar Duo is pretty much the product that made La Roche-Posay the loved skincare brand that they are now. Designed to unclog pores and refine skin texture whilst providing essential moisture, it is suitable for even sensitive skin.
This acne treatment is formulated with 5.5% benzoyl peroxide to dry out blemishes and 0.4% micro-exfoliating LHA smoothes skin texture. It eliminates blemishes while preventing new breakouts and it unclogs pores as it clears blackheads and whiteheads. Because excessive drying of the skin may occur, start with one application daily, then gradually increase to two or three times daily if needed. If excessive dryness or peeling occurs, reduce application to once a day or every other day. Also, if going outside, apply sunscreen like the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin.
SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense
is an advanced solution to help eliminate acne while addressing wrinkles, fine lines, and uneven skin tone. A combination of 2% dioic acid with LHA, salicylic and glycolic acids prevent blemishes while diminishing hyperpigmentation and reducing wrinkles and fine lines. This targeted treatment also inhibits excess sebum production, unclogs pores, and helps prevent skin darkening from UV exposure. It’s the perfect French pharmacy product for acne-prone, oily, combination, and aging skin types.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% Retinoid
Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% Retinoid Acne Treatment is an oil-free, fragrance-free acne treatment that contains adapalene gel, a dermatologist-recommended retinoid. Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives that regulate skin cell turnover to help clear skin and prevent blackheads, whiteheads, clogged pores, and acne blemishes.
Be careful when using this product. Use only once daily and a thin layer is enough. Applying more than directed will not provide faster or better results, but may worsen skin irritation. During the early weeks of use, your acne may appear to worsen before it improves (this is normal). Also, stop using this product if irritation becomes severe. Avoid using more than one topical acne medication at a time. Also, apply a sunscreen, such as Anthelios Clear Skin, to protect skin against sensitivity to the sun often caused by retinoids.
Cleanance Hydra Soothing Cream
Whatever active ingredients you’re using to fight acne (benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, niacinamide, etc.), never stop moisturizing. Moisturizing is vital to the appearance of healthy skin—even if you’re oily or acne-prone. This step allows your skin to replenish its natural storage of hydration and moisture to maintain a strong barrier, prevent water loss, and maintain balance.
Avène Cleanance Hydra Soothing Cream is the perfect moisturizer that calms dry, irritated skin due to the effects of acne treatments. Glycoleol restores hydration with a nourishing blend of essential fatty acids while Avène thermal spring water soothes redness and boosts suppleness. This hydrating cream restores moisture that has been lost due to excessive dryness, minimizes the appearance of redness, and restores the skin’s natural barrier.
Avene TriAcneal Night Smoothing Lotion
is one of the most effective French pharmacy beauty products to clear acne that is recommended by French dermatologists! Made to clarify your complexion, this intensive night treatment exfoliates your skin to lighten the appearance of acne scars, mend blemishes and prevent future flareups. It effectively reduces the appearance of blackheads, blemishes, acne scars, and redness while calming irritation caused by acne. Gentle on skin but tough on acne, this nighttime lotion is suitable for all ages and skin types including sensitive skins.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Sunscreen SPF 60
If you have oily or acne-prone skin it’s very important to protect your skin from the sun’s harsh rays. The La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60 provides broad-spectrum sun protection to oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types. The dry-touch formula sets to a matte, weightless finish that doesn’t irritate skin or clog pores. While the anti-shine complex absorbs excess oil throughout the day to prevent midday shine, even in hot, humid weather. The perfect sunscreen gel-cream for oily or acne-prone skin!
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Clay Face Mask
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Clay Face Mask is the first clay mask that clarifies congested skin. Made with kaolin clay, this multitasking face mask gets rid of impurities and excess oil while controlling shine for a smoother, more refined complexion. It gently removes excess sebum from the skin’s surface without over-drying or causing inflammation. You can use this mask once a week to remove excess oil. Apply a fine layer to clean, dry skin. Leave on for 5 minutes then rinse off thoroughly with water.
Caudalie Glycolic Peel Mask
Caudalie Glycolic Peel Mask is a gentle peel treatment that visibly tightens pores, reduces oil, and smoothes skin’s texture. Indeed, this gentle treatment buffs away dull, dead skin cells and brightens dark spots to reveal a glowing, smooth complexion. The formula is made with powerful ingredients such as viniferine, papaya enzymes, and glycolic acid to brighten, invigorate and illuminate the complexion. Suitable to all skin types, you can use it twice a week. Leave for 10 minutes, then rinse with water.
Shop The Post
Disclaimer: I carefully select and personally love every product featured on Leonce Chenal. If you buy through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Merci for your support <3
