Clear Skin Isn’t Luck. It’s the Right Protocol.
Acne is a medical condition, not a hygiene problem. Over-the-counter washes and spot treatments manage symptoms — the best clinical-strength acne treatments target all four root causes. Our quality-verified protocols use the same ingredients used in clinical practice, delivered to your door.
Understanding Your Skin
Acne develops weeks before you see it, driven by four factors: excess sebum, abnormal cell shedding inside pores, C. acnes bacterial proliferation, and inflammatory immune response. OTC face washes contact skin for 30 seconds before rinsing — clinical-strength leave-on treatments work for hours at the cellular level, preventing blockages from forming.
Types & Variations
What You’ve Tried (OTC)
- Benzoyl peroxide face washes
- Tea tree oil products
- Charcoal masks and strips
- Salicylic acid cleansers (low %)
- "Oil-free" moisturisers
- Spot treatments
What Actually Works
- Adapalene 0.1% (retinoid, normalises pore function)
- Tretinoin gel 0.025-0.05% (stronger retinoid)
- Azelaic acid 20% (antibacterial + anti-inflammatory + depigmenting)
- Salicylic acid 2% gel (BHA, penetrates pores)
The Truth:Face washes rinse off in seconds. Clinical-strength leave-on treatments work for hours at the cellular level.
Shop Your Protocol
Everything you need, nothing you don’t. Pick a protocol and start today.
The Gentle Start
The gentlest clinical-strength acne protocol. Adapalene is the best-tolerated retinoid with built-in anti-inflammatory properties. Combined with salicylic acid for pore clearing and SPF for protection.
Morning
- 1.Cleanser — Gentle cleanser.
- 2.Salicylic Acid 2% — Thin layer. (Wait 5 min)
- 3.SPF 50 Sunscreen — Apply generously.
Evening
- 1.Cleanser — Gentle cleanser.
- 2.Adapalene 0.1% — Pea-sized amount to entire face. (Wait 20 min)
- 3.Moisturiser — Hydrating moisturiser.
Complete protocol • 0 products
Clear & Control
The comprehensive acne protocol combining a retinoid for prevention with azelaic acid for antibacterial and anti-inflammatory action. Targets all 4 causes of acne simultaneously. Also fades post-acne dark marks.
Morning
- 1.Cleanser — Gentle cleanser.
- 2.Azelaic Acid 20% — Thin layer. (Wait 5 min)
- 3.SPF 50 Sunscreen — Apply generously.
Evening
- 1.Cleanser — Gentle cleanser.
- 2.Adapalene 0.1% — Pea-sized amount to entire face. (Wait 20 min)
- 3.Moisturiser — Hydrating moisturiser.
Complete protocol • 0 products
The Advanced Protocol
For stubborn or severe acne that hasn’t responded to gentler approaches. Tretinoin gel provides the strongest retinoid action in a non-comedogenic vehicle. Combined with azelaic acid for antibacterial/anti-inflammatory power and salicylic acid for deep pore clearing.
Morning
- 1.Cleanser — Gentle cleanser.
- 2.Azelaic Acid 20% — Thin layer. (Wait 5 min)
- 3.SPF 50 Sunscreen — Apply generously.
Evening
- 1.Cleanser — Gentle cleanser.
- 2.Tretinoin Gel 0.05% — Pea-sized amount to entire face. (Wait 20 min)
- 3.Moisturiser — Hydrating moisturiser.
Complete protocol • 0 products
Why It Works
87%
Clearance Rate
Adapalene 0.1% achieved 87% reduction in blackheads/whiteheads in 12 weeks.
Shalita et al., Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 1996
4 causes
Root Cause Targeting
Prescription protocols target all 4 pathological acne factors vs 1-2 for OTC products.
Zaenglein et al., Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2016
73%
Inflammatory Reduction
Azelaic acid 20% reduced inflammatory lesions by 73% without antibiotic resistance risk.
Graupe et al., Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 1996
0 seconds
Time Face Wash Works
Face washes rinse off in seconds — leave-on treatments work for hours.
UK clinical treatment guidelines
“Acne develops weeks before you see it, driven by four factors: excess sebum, abnormal cell shedding inside pores, C. acnes bacterial proliferation, and inflammatory immune response. OTC face washes contact skin for 30 seconds before rinsing — clinical-strength leave-on treatments work for hours at the cellular level, preventing blockages from forming.”
Acne & Breakouts — Your Questions Answered
The most common questions from first-time customers.
Yes, likely weeks 2-6. Retinoids push existing microcomedones to the surface — a temporary worsening that means it’s working, not a true breakout.
Face washes rinse off in seconds. Clinical-strength leave-on treatments work for hours, penetrating pores to prevent breakouts from forming.
Adapalene and tretinoin are contraindicated during pregnancy. Azelaic acid 20% is pregnancy-safe (Category B).
Gel — non-comedogenic, absorbs fast, matte finish. Creams can worsen comedonal acne unless skin is very dry.
Retinoids increase photosensitivity. UV darkens post-acne marks and triggers sebum production. SPF 50 is essential.
Adapalene is the best starting retinoid for acne — it's as effective as tretinoin 0.025% for comedonal acne with 40% less irritation. Tretinoin gel 0.05% is stronger and better for stubborn or severe acne that hasn't responded to adapalene. Clinical guidelines recommend starting with adapalene and stepping up if needed.
Our Clear & Control protocol combining adapalene 0.1% with azelaic acid 20% is the most effective topical approach for hormonal jawline and chin acne. Adapalene prevents pore blockages while azelaic acid reduces inflammation and kills bacteria — targeting hormonal acne without oral medication.
Most people see significant clearing within 8-12 weeks. Weeks 2-6 involve a purging phase where existing blockages surface — this temporary worsening is a sign the treatment is working. Full results continue improving for 16-24 weeks with consistent use.
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Your Skin Deserves More Than Another Face Wash
Clinical-strength protocols that target the root cause of acne — not just the surface. Quality-verified. Clinically proven. Results in 8-12 weeks.
