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Reviews
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X-Out
Review
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X-Out is the
latest acne treatment from Guthy-Renker, the makers of
Proactiv. You might think that with Proactiv's huge success,
launching a competing product would just cannibalize sales,
but G-R seems to know that even their star product has some
drawbacks. Case-in-point: Proactiv is a multi-step
treatment, and thus can be a hassle to apply. X-Out aims to
fill the gap for acne sufferers who want not just clear
skin, but also convenience, by positioning itself as a
1-step solution.
So how does it
work? X-Out is a "wash-in" cleanser that uses coconut
extract to penetrate your pores and deliver a very strong
dose of 8.5% benzoyl peroxide. BP is one of the most
reliable acne killing chemicals, but it's also known to be
harsh on your skin (if your skin is sensitive at all, I
don't recommend going over 2.5%). This cleanser must be
applied twice per day for 2 full minutes, and works as a
stand alone, although they also give you a tube of X-Out
Shine Control when you purchase. The Shine Control is a
leave-on cream that can be worn under makeup to reduce
oiliness.
With the Shine
Control, X-Out starts to look more like a multi-step system,
but this second step is apparently optional. The important
thing to keep in mind here is that X-Out is a cleanser with
the strength of an acne spot treatment. The FAQ warns that
"your skin might become a bit irritated", and that you
should quit if that irritation becomes severe. Following
with a moisturizer may also be a good idea (although this
again adds another step). |
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X-Out at a
glance
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1-step treatment = less hassle to use |
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Benzoyl Peroxide is proven to kill acne
bacteria faster than most alternatives. |
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Coconut extract pulls gunk from your pores
and helps the BP penetrate better. |
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8.5% BP is quite harsh, and can cause
irritation and pealing for those with
sensitive skin. |
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You may end up having to apply additional
steps for best results, losing that 1-step
convenience. |
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Can kill existing pimples, but doesn't
counteract the underlying causes of acne. |
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Key
Ingredients
Cleanser:
8.5% Benzoyl Peroxide
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Who should try
X-Out
If you're tired
of having to apply cleansers, creams, lotions, toners, spot
treatments and more, multiple times every day, then the
convenience of a 1-step treatment is hard to ignore. Just
make sure your skin is tough enough to handle it, as unlike
1-step alternatives that use vitamins or another oral means
to counteract acne, X-Out is not a gentle solution. This
topical cleanser will blast your skin with concentrated BP,
for fast but sometimes abrasive results. At least you won't
have to wait forever to find out if it works. I would
recommend having a non-comedogenic moisturizer on hand, just
in case your skin gets overly dry.
Who should
not
try X-Out
If you've
suffered from acne for a while, you've probably used
treatments based on benzoyl peroxide before, and thus know
whether it will severely irritate your skin or not. X-Out's
8.5% concentration is stronger than most, so proceed with
caution if you have sensitive skin. A generous application
of 2.5% BP is also shown to work just as well for most acne
sufferers, making the Acne.org Regimen a smart alternative
if you want the benefits of BP without quite as much of a
punch. Despite its strength, X-Out is aimed at moderate to
mild acne sufferers. It will not penetrate enough to stop
deep cysts, so if your acne is more severe, or you simply
need something that will prevent breakouts before they
begin, look to internal treatments instead.
Average Price
$25 + S&H for a
one-time purchase. $20 + S&H if you subscribe.
Alternatives
AcneFree, Clean
& Clear Advantage, Clearasil Ultra
Have you tried
X-Out?
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