Hello everyone! Today I have a special post for you made possibly by the lovely people from Mary Kay. So, you probably don’t know this about me, but when I was a teenager, and even up through college, my biggest insecurity was my acne. I couldn’t leave the house for five minutes without foundation on. Now that I’m an adult, my acne has become much more manageable, but never really gone away, and today I’d like to share my experience with the Mary Kay Clear Proof Acne System.
This cleansing system consists of 4 treatments that you use each time you wash your face.
- Clarifying Cleansing Gel
- Blemish Control Toner
- Acne Treatment Gel
- Oil-free Moisturizer
The Clarifying Cleansing Gel: This always leaves my face feeling tight and clean after I use it. A little bit of this stuff goes a long way, and I really like the cleansing feeling it gives my skin.
The Blemish Control Toner: This formula is very good at clearing out the dirt in your skin after you’ve used the cleansing gel to open up your pores. I will say, though, that after a few days of using the toner, my skin started to get really dry. When I realized this, I continued using the rest of the products daily and the moisturizer twice a day, but only used the toner every other day. That took care of the problem completely within two days.
Acne Treatment Gel: This is used for spot treatment of any acne you may have. I saw mild success with this.
Oil-free Moisturizer: This was probably my favorite part of the Clear Proof regime. I’ve used a lot of acne products in the past, and I usually end up having to discontinue use because of how dry they leave my skin. When I started experiencing that same result with the Mary Kay Clear Proof system, I was able to get my skin back to normal really quickly with the help of this moisturizer.
Here are my results after using the Mary Kay Clear Proof Acne System for 10 days (please excuse the stupid look on my face…I always like to smile really big in pictures, but I thought it would show off my skin better if I didn’t do a big cheesy grin for these. So, this is what happens when I don’t do my usual big smile).
Overall, I feel like there are a lot of great benefits to using the Clear Proof Acne System. I always love the way it makes my face feel—so clean, smooth, and tight. It also gave my skin an overall much healthier look in my opinion (the pictures don’t really do it justice). Also, like I mentioned before, because of the moisturizer in this kit, my skin didn’t get really dry like I’ve experienced with other products in the past.
That being said, in 10 days I can’t say I really noticed much of a difference in the amount of acne I’ve had. Full results are suppose to come into effect after 30 days, so maybe it is just going to take a while longer.
So, I hope this review was helpful for you if you are looking into a new facial cleansing regimen. I really have enjoyed using this product, and I hope you will too.
Disclaimer: I received this product complimentary for testing purposes.
Mandee is a professional graphic designer, amateur bird watcher, and rollercoaster enthusiast. She is a wife to hardworking high school teacher and mommy to three adorable little humans. She fell in love with graphic design when she started working on a comedy website with a guy she met her freshman year of college. Design wasn’t the only thing she fell in love with, and they were married a year and a half later. She created Designs By Miss Mandee to be a place where she could merge her passion for design with her lifelong love of crafting. 30 Comments on My Experience With the Mary Kay Clear Proof Acne System
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Florence
October 31, 2015 at 7:24 pm (8 years ago)Do you still use it? If yes, could I have an other picture of you to show it to my friend? Question of showing the food results and convince her of the benefits of this products. Thank you! 🙂
Mandee
November 4, 2015 at 8:57 am (8 years ago)Yes, I do! I only use the toner sparingly though, because it started to dry out my skin.
Susan
November 18, 2015 at 1:52 pm (8 years ago)I am thinking about purchasing the clear proof set for my 13 year old grand daughter. Do you think it would be too harsh for her skin. It is sensitive but she is having a lot of breakouts.
Mandee
November 24, 2015 at 1:04 pm (8 years ago)What a nice gift! I think she should be fine. If it does start to dry out her skin, I’d say to just use the toner every other day. 🙂
Florence
January 15, 2016 at 9:38 am (8 years ago)I can confirm ? MK’s products are all made for sensitive skin and approved by dermatologist. It should really be fine for her! If you have other question, write me on my email ?
Janeth
January 14, 2016 at 4:31 pm (8 years ago)hola, yo empeze con este tratamiento hace 2 dias, debo mencionar que mi acne es muy intenso al segundo dia de usar estos productos tuve reacciones alergicas! aun tengo la cara roja y con mucha picazon e incluso la cara un poco inchada… que puedo hacer??? el agua hace que me pique mas! ayudenme por favor :L
Mandee
January 15, 2016 at 9:27 am (8 years ago)Hi Janeth! I am very sorry to hear that! I would try taking out each step one at a time to see what is causing the allergic reaction. For me, the Blemish Control Toner was hard on my face, so maybe try taking that one out of the routine first. Hope that helps!
Florence
January 15, 2016 at 9:33 am (8 years ago)Hi Janeth! I’m a independent consultant in Mary Kay’s products! Your reaction is normal because your face skin is trying to exteriorize what’s not good for you. So all the “bad” stuff is leaving your face and in 2 to 4 weeks you’ll see differences in your wonderful face 🙂
Kathie
May 9, 2016 at 3:34 pm (8 years ago)My 16 year old is panicking because of the “rash” it’s creating. Florence, you say that that is normal?
Classic Ruby
July 3, 2017 at 12:30 am (6 years ago)An actual rash isn’t normal, no. It is normal when you begin using a product (that is working to clear out your pores) to see what can be termed as “purging”. It’s kinda the idea where it gets worse before it gets better.
Typically a pimple takes a few weeks to form, so a breakout you’re getting now is usually from habits or activities from a couple weeks ago.
If you already have a lot of blocked pores that are forming into pimples and you start to use a product that is going to clear out your pores, flush out the bacteria and oil and other build up and then keep them clean, and it is working…basically all those pimples that would have slowly started showing up over the next couple weeks will start coming to the surface…since the products are speeding up this process.
Typically though purge pimples may be many but they are usually less severe than normal and go away more quickly with less fuss and less scarring.
Another way you can tell it’s purging is if the pimples you currently have at the beginning of the process have gone away/healed and the new ones are coming up in common problem areas for you.
After starting with a new product, if you are getting pimples in areas you never had problems with before, if they are deep cystic acne, very painful, with a slow build up that then takes FOR EVER to go away, or you get an all over face rash or inflammation and redness…THAT IS NOT NORMAL! THAT IS NOT PURGING!
Typical issues some people have experienced that cause reactions even though the product would work for them include:
1) using toner on your dirty skin in place of cleanser. Toner is not a cleanser. It closes your pores. If you haven’t removed the dirt BEFORE closing your pores, you are sealing dirt and bacteria info your pores!
2) not moisturizing. Some people think that because they have oily skin they should skimp or avoid moisturizer. The opposite is true. When your skin is dry or irritated it will over produce oil to try and compensate and protect itself. After cleansing or cleansing then toning, always use a moisturizer.
3) moisturizing on already dirty skin. Whether morning or night, your skin has been building up with oil, dirt, dust etc for hours. Moisturizer will seal in dirt. If using a harsher cleanser twice a day is too drying, consider getting a light cleansing milk or something that cleanses using natural non abrasive alternatives for morning time before using your moisturizer.
These are the most common tips I’ve come across with my clients who have used any of the Mary Kay products on their acne prone skin
However, if after troubleshooting for these and common other issues (dirty cell phone or pillow cases) allergens, sensitivity, or general this just isn’t the product for you is my final verdict.
Purging can last a few weeks. However long before you can tell things are starting to get better.
If you have any of the bad signs like real rashes or painful cystic acne, I promise that isn’t purging.
Joy
July 2, 2017 at 12:20 pm (6 years ago)Florence, I disagree. The ONLY products that is designed to cause skin purging are AHA’s. Reactions like that to products that aren’t AHA’s are negative skin reactions and should STOP being used. This is backed by every dermatologist and esthetician. Not to mention, it’s seriously skincare advice from twenty years ago.
Jennifer Reinoehl
July 28, 2018 at 6:55 am (5 years ago)Joy,
Any active acne ingredients can cause “skin purge” including the alpha hydroxy acid you mentioned, retinoids, and BHA (salicyclic acid). The last is in the Mary Kay Botanicals.
Abike
October 6, 2016 at 8:37 am (7 years ago)Hi also facing some challenges using it,actually I’m experiencing excessive dryness ,therefore I stopped …I’m actually new to it ,in my second day which was yesterday ,was when I experienced the dryness ,will be glad if you could help out ….I’m scared of continuing
I have all 4 set
Mandee
October 6, 2016 at 9:16 am (7 years ago)Hi Abike,
I’ve heard that your skin can take up to 2-4 weeks to get use to the whole system while it gets rid of the “bad stuff” in your skin. If it’s too much to handle, though, I would suggest maybe just taking out the Blemish Control Toner or only using that sparingly. It’s pretty strong, and dries my skin out if I use it too much as well.
Brittney
October 13, 2016 at 10:29 am (7 years ago)Hi everyone, this looks like a somewhat old post, but if anyone still uses this I have a tip! A lot of you have been worried about dryness and rashes when you first start to use the product. I can confirm that it is only because you’re starting a new skin care product.
My go-to skin care line has always been the Mary Kay timewise miracle set. When I first started using it 4 years ago, I was super scared because my face didn’t feel good at ALL. But I stuck to it and my face started feeling like velvet.
Fast forward to now. I still use the timewise miracle set, but I could NOT get rid of the breakouts that happen on my chin ALL the time. Never ending. So I contacted my old director and ordered the clear proof set. I used it for the first time 2 days ago, and as I sit here typing, my chin and upper lip are super dry and itchy. Well, no wonder. I started a new skin care regimen that my face isn’t used to. DO NOT STOP using it. As mentioned above, you can use the toner every other day. But don’t give up on your new regimen because your face really does need to learn the new products. Our skin is as alive as we are, made up of live cells. It’s no different than watering a plant for months with diluted plant food, then switching to just water, or vis versa. When you change the routine, your skin has to adjust! Just trust the product and keep going.
Now for the timewise set if you ever decide to go go that. Make sure you get the right formula. If you have oily skin, don’t use the normal formula or you won’t get rid of the oily shine because it moisturizes deeper. If you have normal/dry skin DON’T use the comb/oily formula or it will suck the moisture you do have right out.
I hope this helps!
Kalli Payment
November 3, 2016 at 4:37 pm (7 years ago)Thank you for sharing your experience with this system! I just started using it a week ago. So far, it is working good. It seems like stuff is surfacing right now.; hopefully it will completely clear up in the next few weeks. I agree with the fact that the toner leaves skin a bit dry. I switched from using it every day to using it every other day or every few days.
Nashay
June 25, 2017 at 11:42 am (6 years ago)Hello I have been using These products for about a week now. And I have a major breakout all over my face and neck. Is this normal or should I stop using it? And if normal, how long before it clears?
Mandee
June 26, 2017 at 4:18 pm (6 years ago)Hi Nashay! I’m not a Mary Kay consultant, but a couple people that are consultants have comment on this post. One has said that it’s normal to breakout, but it will clear up in 2-4 weeks as your skin releases the bad chemicals. Another posted this:
“A lot of you have been worried about dryness and rashes when you first start to use the product. I can confirm that it is only because you’re starting a new skin care product.
My go-to skin care line has always been the Mary Kay timewise miracle set. When I first started using it 4 years ago, I was super scared because my face didn’t feel good at ALL. But I stuck to it and my face started feeling like velvet.
Fast forward to now. I still use the timewise miracle set, but I could NOT get rid of the breakouts that happen on my chin ALL the time. Never ending. So I contacted my old director and ordered the clear proof set. I used it for the first time 2 days ago, and as I sit here typing, my chin and upper lip are super dry and itchy. Well, no wonder. I started a new skin care regimen that my face isn’t used to. DO NOT STOP using it. As mentioned above, you can use the toner every other day. But don’t give up on your new regimen because your face really does need to learn the new products. Our skin is as alive as we are, made up of live cells. It’s no different than watering a plant for months with diluted plant food, then switching to just water, or vis versa. When you change the routine, your skin has to adjust! Just trust the product and keep going.
Now for the timewise set if you ever decide to go go that. Make sure you get the right formula. If you have oily skin, don’t use the normal formula or you won’t get rid of the oily shine because it moisturizes deeper. If you have normal/dry skin DON’T use the comb/oily formula or it will suck the moisture you do have right out.
I hope this helps!”
Ashley
July 6, 2017 at 9:01 am (6 years ago)How long does it usually take to work and clear up your ache?
Mandee
July 13, 2017 at 9:10 am (6 years ago)I can only say from my own experience. My acne never fully went away using this regimen, but it became more manageable within a few weeks.
Emanuela
December 10, 2017 at 9:04 pm (6 years ago)I wanTed to know how should I apply the gel the 3rd step on my face if I have acne all over my face
Elisiah
March 14, 2018 at 6:06 pm (6 years ago)What I found is a little goes a long way, you can do a small dot of product on your finger (smaller than pea size) and tap that for onto your face in four places (forehead, chin, left and right cheek) and then massage it in circular motions to get the whole area of your face without wasting too much product.
nenna
January 18, 2018 at 10:52 pm (6 years ago)can you tell me about the steps of using these products? which come first and next? thank you
Mandee
January 19, 2018 at 8:41 am (6 years ago)Apply in this order:
1. Clear Proof® Clarifying Cleansing Gel
2. Clear Proof® Blemish Control Toner
3. Clear Proof® Acne Treatment Gel
4. Clear Proof® Oil-Free Moisturizer for Acne-Prone Skin
For more info, feel free to check out the product description and application tips on the website. 🙂
Hannah
April 6, 2018 at 5:40 pm (6 years ago)Hello. I started using this product two days ago and then i realise everytime i wake up in the morning my face will feel super itchy and it will cause my face to swell. is this a normal reaction? I am worried that i may have an allergy towards the product.
Mandee
April 9, 2018 at 8:56 am (6 years ago)I would suggest speaking with your Mary Kay rep about it. Itchiness would be normal, but I’m not sure about the swelling.
michell
November 21, 2019 at 3:58 am (4 years ago)When I use the Mary Kay acne my face is so very itchy
Lisa
May 16, 2018 at 10:23 am (6 years ago)My daughter started using this product two days ago, woke up this morning face swollen and rash/texture all over face. Took her to the dr and he said she is definitely having an allergic reaction to it. To stop using products immediately! Swelling and rashes ARE NOT NORMAL!!! There is something in this product that some people must be allergic to. I don’t understand people telling people to continue use, when u have no idea what they are experiencing and what it may be. I suggest calling your doctor, because my daughter absolutely had an allergic reaction to something in the clear proof line.
Jennifer Reinoehl
July 28, 2018 at 7:15 am (5 years ago)Lisa,
I agree, swelling is not normal. I think the people telling others to continue are defining a rash as a pimple breakout- not as something that is causing their face to swell up. If you have a pimple breakout, this is normal when you begin using a new acne product. Any type of swelling is not normal. You need to stop the product immediately and contact a doctor who will probably have you take Benedryl or some other antihistamine or prescribe a cream. In extreme cases, you may need to go to the emergency room, especially if you are having any breathing difficulties. When it comes to a rash that is a simple redness (and potential itching) with no swelling, there is a gray area. Many acne products cause redness, including the salicylic acid in the Botanicals line, but redness (and itching) are also caused by an allergic reaction. The only way to truly know is to contact a dermatologist, but a good rule of thumb is if it gets worse, stop.
Latasha
August 10, 2018 at 8:06 am (5 years ago)I found this article after searching Mary Kay Clear Proof break out. I was concerned because I have dryness, itchiness and rather textured looking skin on my face and neck. What it isn’t however is red or swollen. I have been using the product for 5 days and I can see some of the discoloration that I had prior to use going away and while my skin is tighter and dryer than it is normally I think that I’m going to stick with it. I haven’t been wearing any foundation as I normally would because I don’t feel like I want to put anything else on my skin that may increase the itchiness but as the discoloration decreases I don’t think that I need it. I’ll try to come back after I’ve used it for two weeks or more for an update.