CLEAR FAQ'S
What You Need to Know About Paula’s Choice CLEAR Anti-Acne System: A Truly Unique Way to Treat Breakouts
Who should use the CLEAR system?
The CLEAR 3-Step System is ideal for men and women of any age who suffer from occasional breakouts, mild to moderate acne and/or blackheads. It is alcohol-free and does not contain needless irritants that only serve to make acne worse. Back to Top
Why don't CLEAR products contain alcohol, coloring agents, essential oils, or fragrance?
Most acne treatments on the market today include irritants including alcohol, fragrance (both synthetic and natural), or cooling agents such as menthol or peppermint, or citrus irritants such as lemon. Paula did not use any of those ingredients because research shows they make breakouts worse, increases oil production, and makes inflamed, blemished skin look redder. [Source: 1Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, June 2008, pages 124–135, 2Biochemistry and Pharmacology, June 2007, pages 1786–1795, 3Contact Dermatitis, June 2006, pages 303–312, 4British Journal of Dermatology, July 2005, pages 124–131] Back to Top
Why is alcohol so bad for my skin?
Research shows alcohol causes free radical damage, hurts the skin’s ability to heal, and kills skin cells. It is a potent irritant on skin and, as is true for all irritating ingredients, it also increases oil production making skin look and feel greasier. Alcohol also causes inflammation making skin look red and become dehydrated. [Source: 5“Skin Care—From the Inside Out and Outside In,” Tufts Daily, April 1, 2002, 6eMedicine Journal, May 8, 2002, volume 3, number 5, www.emedicine.com, 7Cutis, February 2001, pages 25–27, 8Contact Dermatitis, January 1996, pages 12–16, 9http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh27-4/277-284.htm] Back to Top
Why will CLEAR products work for me?
Paula's Choice 3-step system is the only acne-fighting skin care routine that combines the superior benefits of precisely formulated salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide without skin-damaging irritants. Research about the effectiveness of these ingredients is extensive. Along with gentle cleansing you have an intelligent, well-documented way of treating acne. [Source: 11Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, November 1999, pages 710–716, 12Lancet, December 2004, pages 2188–2195, 13Seminars in Dermatology, December 1990, pages 305–308, 14Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy, April 2008, pages 955-971] Back to Top
How will I know CLEAR products are working for me?
You will feel the unique difference Paula's Choice CLEAR products have on your skin almost immediately. Your skin will feel softer, more hydrated, less oily, and redness will be greatly reduced. Back to Top
What results can I expect from using CLEAR?
We guarantee Paula's Choice CLEAR system will greatly improve the appearance of mild to moderate acne, and significantly reduce the healing time of the red marks left after acne is gone. You will also see a significant reduction in blackheads, perhaps more so than any anti-acne routine you’ve used in the past. [Source: 15Archives of Dermatologic Research, April 2008, pages Supplemental S31–S38;, 16Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, March 2007, pages 59–65, 17Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, May 2006, pages 283–289] Back to Top
How soon will I see results?
How soon will I see results? Within only 1 week, most of our testers saw a reduction in the redness and severity of their existing blemishes and red spots (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation). Results will continue with ongoing use and adherence to your CLEAR daily routine. [Source: 18The British Journal of Dermatology, May 2005, pages 1,015-1,021] Back to Top
How should the CLEAR system be used?
Use each of the 3 steps, Cleanser, Toner and Acne Fighting Treatment twice a day or as recommended by your physician. If you have occasional acne or breakouts, we recommend you start with the regular strength toner and treatment. If you do not get the results you expect after 4 weeks of daily use, then switch to the extra strength versions. If you have moderate to severe acne you may want to start with the extra strength toner and treatment. Adjust frequency of use and/or product strength based on how your skin responds. Back to Top
How will my skin react to the CLEAR products?
You can expect our comprehensive 3-step system will leave your skin feeling clean, soothed and looking noticeably clearer. Back to Top
I have sensitive skin. Can I use the CLEAR system?
The effective yet gentle formulas are good for sensitive skin, and the salicylic acid products are recommended for those struggling with acne and rosacea. [Source: 20Cosmetic Dermatology, July 2008, pages 383–386] You should not use these products if you have a known sensitivity or allergy to benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Back to Top
I only have occasional breakouts. How often should I use the CLEAR system?
Just like any other anti-acne skin-care routine, the CLEAR system requires daily compliance for best results. Acne can be successfully controlled with a CLEAR routine, but only if you’re diligent about using the products as directed. [Source: 18The British Journal of Dermatology, May 2005, pages 1,015-1,021] Back to Top
Will CLEAR help blackheads and clogged pores as well?
The Clear system’s salicylic acid products can eliminate blackheads and clogged pores due to its exfoliating action inside the pore lining, where blackheads begin. [Source: 19 Journal of Cosmetic Science, November-December 2004, pages 519-531] Back to Top
Can I use other products while I’m using the CLEAR system?
All of the Clear products may be used with other Paula’s Choice products such as sunscreens, moisturizers, serums, and skin lightening products.
If you are using a prescription topical product to combat acne, please consult your prescribing physician before beginning the CLEAR routine. Your doctor can advise you on how these products should be used with your topical prescription product. Back to Top
What is the difference between the Regular and Extra Strength Toners?
The difference is in the delivery system and what works best for your skin type. While both products contain 2% salicylic acid, the Regular Strength has a nearly weightless feel on your skin and a pH of around 3.9, making it gentler on the skin. The Extra Strength version can penetrate deeper into the pore and has a pH of 3.5 that works better for more stubborn or persistent breakouts. Both toners are highly effective options; you may need to experiment with both to see which works best for your skin type. Back to Top
Is the CLEAR Extra Strength Toner different than the 2% Liquid BHA?
The Extra Strength Targeted Acne Relief Toner is exactly the same as Paula’s Choice best-selling 2% BHA Liquid. They are also the same size and price. The only difference is the packaging. Paula felt that those with acne might not realize the benefits her 2% BHA Liquid provides and wanted to add it to her CLEAR line because it is so effective for winning the battle against blemishes. Back to Top
I already use a Paula’s Choice cleanser. Do I have to use the CLEAR cleanser?
You don’t have to but it is recommended. The Clear Normalizing Cleanser contains a unique antibacterial agent that’s designed to begin the process of killing acne-causing bacteria. It is designed to work with the other products in the CLEAR range, but if you prefer your regular Paula’s Choice cleanser, you may continue to use it with other CLEAR products. Back to Top
I have been using (or previously used) Paula’s Choice Blemish Fighting Solutions with Benzoyl Peroxide. How are those products different from the new CLEAR Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Fighting Treatments?
Other than the name, CLEAR Acne Fighting Treatments are identical to our Blemish Fighting Treatments which are being phased out. The same formula that’s worked so well for thousands of Paula’s Choice customers struggling with acne has been repackaged, renamed, and added to our CLEAR line. Paula wanted to reposition this product as part of her streamlined, 3-step approach for achieving clear skin. You’ll get the same great results, now organized into a proven system for managing acne. Back to Top
The CLEAR Normalizing Cleanser contains triclosan, an ingredient Paula has mentioned isn’t a good option for acne. Why did she include it?
Paula and her team decided to include triclosan in our CLEAR Normalizing Cleanser due to its potential to begin the process of killing acne-causing bacteria. Recent research indicates that triclosan may play a stronger role than originally thought when it comes to anti-acne skin care. We have used triclosan in an amount that is effective as a first line of defense against acne-causing bacteria; however, benzoyl peroxide (the active ingredient in our leave-on CLEAR Acne Fighting Treatments) is the antibacterial powerhouse when acne is the concern. [Source: 20European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, November 2003, pages 407-412] Back to Top