Review: Dermalogica Breakout Control

I have relatively good skin, but occasionally I get breakouts. I get hormonal breakouts, I get pimples when I take certain medications or am stressed, and I sometimes get them as a reaction to a makeup or skincare product I’ve used. Over the last two months, I’ve had breakouts as a result of ALL of these reasons – not cool!

This has, however, given me ample opportunity to put Dermalogica’s Breakout Control to the test. I’ve tried products that claim to get rid of pimples, and all they’ve done is dry out my skin, which results in either flaky skin (gross) or making it oily and yuck. No dice – I’d rather wait out the zits than have to deal with a whole new load of skin issues!

When Dermalogica sent me a bottle of their Breakout Control back in December, I decided to give it a go for three reasons. Firstly, I’m a long time fan of Dermalogica – their products work and they make my skin feel great. Secondly, everything is worth a try at least once, right? And thirdly, I had used a product that disagreed with me and left my skin a pimply wreck. Actually that last reason was my main one. Call it desperation in the middle of Christmas party season when going out could not be avoided and my skin left me feeling less than confident.

“This fast-absorbing gel contains natural antibacterial agents, including Lactobacillus Ferment, to help clear and prevent breakouts without over-drying the skin. An Azelaic Acid derivative helps control oil production for improved skin tone and texture. Tea Tree and antioxidant Zinc Sulfate also help soothe the skin. Contains Colloidal Silver, known to help eliminate bacteria and control acne. Formulated without artificial fragrances, colours or parabens.”

So I crossed my fingers and gave the Breakout Control a go. It’s pretty easy to use – after you’ve washed your face, you apply a thin layer all over your face and let it dry before following it up with your moisturiser. A couple of days later, my skin was clear. Despite being a Dermalogica product I figured it was probably just a coincidence (what can I say, I’m always very suspicious of miracle products!), and put the bottle aside as I returned to my usual skin regime. But then a couple of weeks later my period was due and hormones made my skin freak out (this happens every single month and it drives me crazy!), and my boyfriend had a pimple so we both took the opportunity to put the Breakout Control to the test (again). And again, it worked like freaking magic. And again the next time I had a breakout.

It doesn’t dry my skin out or make it feel yuck, it just clears up my skin. Within a couple of days, my skin is back to it’s usual clear self – even when I’ve used it on pimples that are sitting under the surface (you know the ones – they are sore as heck but when you look there is nothing there apart from a bit of redness!). Take THAT, pimples!

Now I’ve never suffered from bad acne (my heart goes out to all of you who do!), so I’m not sure if this would be a great product for you. My experience with zits is pretty limited to the odd pimple (with the occasional full on break out if I’ve used something that really disagrees with me), so please do let me know if you try Breakout Control and find it helps your skin!

SHOP IT: You can buy Dermalogica Breakout Control for $79.00 online or at selected stockists.

What kind of skin do you have, and how do you deal with blemishes?

 Disclaimer: I tried this product courtesy of Dermalogica.