I have found Paula's Choice exfoliants to be very effective, and have yet to find any affordable alternatives in Australia.
I use a combination of BHA and AHA exfoliants. BHAs are most effective for acne prone skin, as they break down oil and dead skin cells that can block pores. AHAs are most useful for reducing fine lines, as they work on the upper layers of the skin.
I have combination skin - oily t-zone with enlarged pores and redness. I'm prone to breakouts, and also have some fine lines (around eyes and on my forehead) after years of sun worshipping. I'm also a serial picker and need to stay far far away from mirrors when I have a breakout, otherwise I end up looking like a zombie apocalypse.
PC products have helped to reduce the frequency of my breakouts, and have also reduced the size of my pores. I have been trying a few new products lately (Resist Vitamin C and Resist Retinol Serum) to reduce fine lines. I've got sensitive skin, and have often broken out in rashes after using new skincare products (esp. L'Oreal Revitalift), but have not had any adverse reactions to the PC products. They have a good returns policy and helpful customer service, so it's easy to return a product if you have a reaction to it.
Here's my routine (night) -
Wash face with Olay Sensitive Skin Foaming Face Wash or Neutrogena Extra Gentle Cleanser (both rated highly on www.beautypedia.com - Paula Begoun's skin care product review site) and rub gently with a clean face washer.
Tone with PC
Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing TonerUse either the PC Resist Weekly Retexturizing Foaming Treatment 4% BHA or PC Resist Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum. I mix a few drops of PC Resist C15 Super Booster in with the serum, and found that both combined have helped to fade acne scars and reduce fine lines.
Use PC Resist BHA 9 Treatment as a spot treatment on acne and blocked pores.
Day routine:
1. Cleanse
2.Tone
3. Use Paula's Choice RESIST Daily Pore-Refining Treatment 2% BHA
4. Use PC Resist Ultra Light Serum
5. Use Clinique Cityblock SPF25 - it's very important to use an SPF product in combination with BHA and Retinol products to protect your delicate, newly exfoliated skin from the sun.
If you're new to Paula's Choice, you can use my referral link https://goo.gl/XOGqja to get $15 off your first order (and I'll get $15 too)
You also get 3 free samples when you spend over $9.95
Check reviews on Paula Begoun's site www.beautypedia.com when purchasing new skin care and make up products from other brands
Pity the aha 5% has been out of stock for 6 months now.