Check the active ingredients: the UK and German Clear Skin Clearing Treatment contains 0.5% salicylic acid, while a historical Canadian Clear Daily Skin Clearing Treatment listing identifies a 2.5% benzoyl peroxide lotion. Similar names do not mean identical formulas, because apparently the word Clear has been given several jobs.345

The Canadian lotion listing has cancelled pre market status, as does a separate Clear Regular Strength System listing containing 2.5% benzoyl peroxide and 2% salicylic acid. Treat those as historical products, not directions for the bottle you have now.56

What can Clear do for hormonal acne?

Hormones can drive acne, but genetics, stress and medicines can contribute too. Increased testosterone can increase sebum, the skin's oil, and inflammation. That extra oil can clog pores and lead to blackheads, whiteheads and pimples. Mild acne triggered by testosterone can be treated with nonprescription options such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or adapalene.1

Benzoyl peroxide reduces bacteria on skin and helps with spots and blocked pores. Paula's Choice describes the UK and German salicylic acid formula as targeting breakouts, marks left by breakouts and redness, with a lightly hydrating, matte finish. The marks get their own job description, rather than being asked to disappear as a courtesy.347

How do you use Paula's Choice Clear Acne Treatment?

  1. 1Cleanse gently. For the UK or German Skin Clearing Treatment, Paula's Choice places the treatment after cleansing and any toner or exfoliant already in your routine.
  2. 2Apply a pearl sized amount to the face and neck. Paula's Choice allows this formula to be used alone or added to a moisturiser or serum.
  3. 3Follow with moisturiser. In the daytime, finish with sunscreen rated SPF 30 or higher.
34

For a benzoyl peroxide version, follow your own label. General benzoyl peroxide guidance is to start with the lowest strength and apply a thin layer to gently cleaned, dry skin. Keep it away from eyes, mouth, cuts and infected skin; wash your hands afterwards.7

Can you use Paula's Choice Clear Acne Treatment every day?

Yes. Paula's Choice directs once or twice daily use for the UK and German formula, in a morning or evening routine. Benzoyl peroxide is also usually used once or twice daily, but reduce frequency if it causes dryness or peeling. More than the recommended amount increases side effects rather than speeding results.47

Does Paula's Choice Clear Acne Treatment dry out skin?

Benzoyl peroxide can cause dry, peeling, red, itchy or painful skin. Ask a pharmacist or doctor about symptoms that persist or bother you. Stop using it and get emergency help for throat or tongue swelling or difficulty breathing. The UK and German formula is described as lightly hydrating, not as a product with a measured dryness rate.47

Use benzoyl peroxide alongside other acne treatments only with a doctor or pharmacist's approval. If pregnant or breastfeeding, check before use; do not apply it to the breasts while breastfeeding.7

How long should you give it?

Benzoyl peroxide usually starts working within four weeks. General acne guidance gives treatment six to eight weeks before reassessing persistent blemishes. Seek help sooner for worsening acne, widespread breakouts or deep nodules and cysts, which can leave permanent scars.127

If you take gender affirming testosterone, a dermatologist can treat acne while you continue therapy. Do not reduce or stop testosterone on your own to manage breakouts.1

Where this answer comes from

  1. 1How to clear acne due to gender-affirming testosterone therapyaad.org
  2. 2How to treat different types of acneaad.org
  3. 3Clear Skin Clearing Treatmentpaulaschoice.co.uk
  4. 4Clear Daily Skin Clearing Treatment BHApaulaschoice.de
  5. 5Product informationhealth-products.canada.ca
  6. 6Product informationhealth-products.canada.ca
  7. 7Benzoyl peroxide: a medicine to treat acnenhs.uk