La Roche-Posay Effaclar - The Mythbusting Series

Welcome to The Mythbusting Series, where we shed some light about the function and usage of our most popular products to help you make an informed choice about what’s best for your skin type.

In this post we’ll be taking a closer look at the best-selling La Roche-Posay Effaclar range. If you need any recommendations or further help, just leave a comment below and we’ll get back to you.

The La Roche-Posay Effaclar range offers a complete solution for all types of oily, imperfection and blemish-prone skin, designed to soothe, clarify and repair. All products in this range contain a dose of La Roche-Posay’s much-admired thermal spring water which helps skin to repair itself naturally and zinc which acts as an antibacterial agent to acne.

However, while that’s all well and good it’s the different kinds of effaclar products offered that leave us confused. Do you need Effaclar H, Effaclar Mat or Effaclar K? It’s a real minefield! Well worry no more, as we’ve resolved this conundrum below!

So, what’s Effaclar Mat?

Simply put, Effaclar Mat is best for those who’re looking to reduce oily shine and mattify skin. It works to regulate sebum production and reduce the appearance of enlarged pores to leave skin shine-free and smooth all day. It’s oil-free, lightweight gel-crème formula contains Sebulyse, a sebo-regulating active ingredient which acts as an oil blotter and is clinically proven to mattify skin and tighten pores.

So, if you suffer with skin that’s generally clear but shiny and oily day after day this is the moisturiser for you. It’ll work hard to keep the oil at bay whilst also gently hydrating and refining. Great as a make-up base and suitable for even sensitive skin.

Effaclar K explained!

Effaclar K has been specifically formulated to repair irregular skin texture and clear out clogged up pores. It’s best suited to those who suffer with uneven, imperfection prone oily skin and those with painful, tight, bumpy under the skin spots: the kind that linger underneath the skin but never surface with a head. Effaclar K is particularly good at unclogging these irregularities and improving the appearance of bumps and all other types of spots by refining the texture of oily skin.

If the above sounds like you, then the Effaclar K Daily Renewal Moisturiser might just be what your skin has been waiting for. This daily renewal fluid will transform the feel of imperfection-prone, oily skin thanks to a blend of Mircoexfoliant LHA, and Retinol Linoleate in the formula which work together to unclog pores and supply a targeted micro-exfoliation to reveal a smoother, radiant complexion. Perfect for morning use as a make-up base, similar to the much loved Effaclar Duo+.

What’s the deal with Effaclar H?

In a nutshell, Effaclar H has been developed to repair fragile, acne-prone oily skin that has been weakened by prior use of skincare products that have dried out and stripped the skin of its natural oils. So, if you’ve mistreated your skin in the past with misguided skincare choices or harsh acne treatments like Roaccutane that have left your skin feeling sore, thin and delicate then this is the range for you, no matter your age.

There are two products in this group, both of which can be used together if necessary. Firstly we’ve got the Effaclar H Soothing Compensation Moisturiser which provides skin with the lipids it desperately needs to rebuild the protective outer hydrolipidic film. An intact hydrolipidic film will prevent the entry of germs and bacteria into the skin, retains moisture and maintains the skin’s natural suppleness. The formula also contains Bisabolol which will calm irritation and reduce any inflammatory redness. After use the skin feels soothed, hydrated and most importantly, comfortable.

Also available in the Effaclar H range is the Dermo-Soothing Deep Cleansing Foam which will gently cleanse acne troubled, oily skin. Formulated specifically for those undergoing prescription acne treatments which are more often than not extremely drying, but also suitable for use for those whose skin is ultra-sensitive, prone to blemishes or break-outs as the ultra-light formula won’t strip the skin. The foam contains a blend of skin boosting ingredients including Squalane and Linoleic Acid which will maintain the strength of the hyrdolipidic film and Ceramide 5 which restores the skin’s barrier function.

Have a question about anything Effaclar? Get in touch below or tweet me @EscentualKay!