TreeActiv Salicylic Acid Cystic Acne Spot Treatment, 0.5 fl oz, for Face and ...

A couple weeks ago, I had one small pimple near my cheekbone. Normally, when I get one there, it turns into a cluster within days, it's like my skin decides that the whole area should break out at once. I decided to try this cream right away instead of waiting for it to get worse. I applied it in the morning before work and again before bed. The difference was noticeable by a few days. The pimple was already smaller, less red, and most importantly, nothing else had popped up around it. I kept using the cream for another two days, and it healed without ever becoming a big, swollen spot. That was the first time in months that I managed to stop a breakout in that area before it spread. I've also noticed it works well on both surface whiteheads and those deeper ones that just feel like lumps under the skin. The deep ones still take longer to go away, but this cream definitely speeds things up and keeps them from getting as big. I've started applying it at the first sign of a breakout, and it's saved me from a lot of frustration.

This stuff WAS amazing!! I struggled with cystic acne all through my adult years and this was the first product to change the pain, pressure, and redness of a cyst over night. I would apply by finger and be able to just smear it directly on. It would slowly dry and remain intact on my face all night. I could easily wash it off or gently scratch off the crust formed from the dry clay. I recently ordered two more jars, & they have been horrible! I am so sad. Upon first impression of this third and forth jar, the container is different and the constancy is like a whipped light play sand, where it used to be a darker, smooth, creamy texture. The product now rolls into odd chunks that do not adhere to my skin, rather than smearing on like a clay paint, as it previously did. You can no longer thinly smooth it on. The paste dries and flakes off with in the first twenty minutes. I will smear on as thin as possible and the product is completely gone by morning. After applying I get half, if any, of the effects that I used to.

I've been dealing with acne for years, and most products either dry my skin out badly or don't do much at all. I bought this cream after reading a few good things about it, but I kept my expectations low. The first time I used it, I applied a thin layer directly on a painful spot before bed. By the next morning, the swelling had gone down a bit, and it felt less sore. That was a good sign for me. I've now been using it for a while whenever I feel a cyst starting to form. It doesn't make them disappear overnight, but it does seem to stop them from getting as big and painful as they normally would. I like that it's not greasy and doesn't leave a weird film on my skin. It absorbs pretty quickly, and I can use it under makeup without any problem. The smell is mild, nothing strong and it hasn't irritated my skin so far. I know everyone's skin is different, but for me, it's been one of the few things that actually helps manage these stubborn spots. I'm definitely going to keep it in my skincare routine.

This is a good product overall, but keep the lid on because it will dry out quickly. In a pinch, add a dab of water to lubricate the paste if it does dry out. It is not moisturizing, but that's not its purpose anyway, so that rating is not applicable for this product.

I've tried a lot of acne products over the years, especially ones claiming to work on deep breakouts, and most either overpromise or totally dry out my skin. This cream was a pleasant surprise. I use it mostly at night before I go to bed, especially on my chin and jawline. It brings down the swelling and usually stops it from turning into a full-on breakout. If the pimple still comes up, it's way smaller and goes away faster. I also appreciate that it doesn't leave a white cast or flake off. I've even used it under light makeup during the day and it didn't mess anything up. Definitely keeping this in my skincare drawer from now on.

This container is tiny; it's much smaller than it appears in the photo. It only lasted for about 10-15 small applications, and the little bit left at the bottom dried up before I was able to use it. Will not buy again.

Usually when I feel acne coming in, it grows huge and sticks around forever. With this cream, I can put it on early, and it doesn't blow up into something painful. It's nice that it doesn't leave residue or make my skin flaky. I've even used it under makeup during the day without a problem. It feels like it helps keep the breakouts under control before they get too bad. Definitely worth keeping in my routine.