Effaclar Lotion Astringent Review (and general update)

I thought I'd better post this seeing as my original Effaclar review post gets a lot of search engine love on a daily basis so I figure that it helps people.  I promised I'd give on update on my Effaclar routine with the Lotion Astringent incorporated into it, so here it is.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Lotion Astringent

I'm happy to say that the Lotion Astringent sits happily in my routine and really does seem to enhance the effect of Effaclar K. It's a smoothing, exfoliating lotion to be applied to the skin twice a day with a cotton pad after cleansing. It contains the same exfoliating ingredient as Effaclar K so in theory you're getting double the exfoliation.

I've noticed that my skin is smoother and less 'bumpy' and I've not really broken out at all since using this new skincare programme. I've had the odd blocked pore or tiny spot and I still have blackheads on my nose (eugh!), but overall I'm starting to feel happy with my skin again. Those annoying little brown scars are fading too.

I'm currently on my second tube of Effaclar K which I interchange now with Lush's Vanishing Cream seeing as my skin is past the critical state. I've also started using Aveda's Exfoliating Lotion at night after cleansing whilst using the Effaclar lotion in the morning. I'm really loving the Aveda too so I'll probably do a short review of that once I've used it a bit longer.

The Effaclar Lotion Astringent does contain alcohol which is supposed to dry out the skin. I can honestly say that in the whole time I've been using this system my usually combination-dry skin has not felt dry or dehydrated at all. I think it all depends on the balance of ingredients and the quality, and I do believe this is a high quality product at a very reasonable price (approx. €14/£11).

I've nearly finished my bottle so I'll probably give it a little break before I buy another one and just use the Aveda at night

While I'm at it, I must also continue to heap praise upon Cicaplast for being the ultimate skin soother when I've upset my skin by picking at mercilessly. I don't need to use this as much as I did in the beginning, but knowing it's on hand to sort out 'home-facial disasters' is very comforting.

Let me know your thoughts if you've tried any of La Roche Posay or indeed the other products mentioned.