Review - Help:Clear Skin

I've spoken a lot about my adult acne and the numerous products I've trialled, but the one thing I hadn't used before was a supplement.  So I was very intrigued when I was contacted and asked to review Help:Clear Skin* for the blog.  Basically the box contained 28 sachets (one to be taken daily) of fine, white powder, which is diluted into water, drinks or soft food.  Sounded pretty simple to use and it was.


I wanted to use it first thing in the morning as I already have a routine with the medication I take and knew I would remember it that way.  The thing is I only have a very small glass of fresh orange juice with my breakfast and the sachet said it was best dissolved in at least 250ml of liquid.  So instead I poured it into a big glass of tap water, stirred and drank that.  It turned the water cloudy and left my mouth very dry after drinking and while there was no taste, I decided to try something different the next day.  I poured a sachet into a bowl, put in my cereal, then poured in milk and stirred.  This was much better and I ended up doing it every day.  I'm pretty sure the amount of milk I put in isn't as much as 250ml, but the powder seemed to disappear anyway.  I would on occasion find a little lump and I can only liken it to sugar in your cereal (when I was a child and had Weetabix, Mum would sprinkle some sugar on top and I'd try and leave it until the end (!) or with Frosties, some sugar would be left in a lump at the end with the milk).  Anyway I have to be one of the fussiest people regarding taste and smell and this didn't bother me in the slightest on either counts, it just tasted sweet (when mixed this way).  One thing to note and I'm sure it was a direct result as it only happened for the month I used these sachets, was I felt a little 'gassy' (think that's the right word).  You know when you've been drinking fizzy drinks a lot and just feel a bit bloated and like you need to burp?  Well that.  I can't for the life of me burp (really, it just won't happen), but I wished I'd been able to, I just felt 'unsettled' in my throat if that makes sense.    
As you know, at the time, I was using the La Roche-Posay trio which was less than kind to my face.  So I was definitely keen to try something that worked from the inside, rather than slathering another thing on my skin that could cause a reaction.  Simply put, this product works at reducing bacteria, which is the source of many skin complaints including acne. In more detail, each sachet contains something called PravENAC, a clinically proven bioactive protein, rich in lactoferrin, which has been shown to reduce the development of bacteria due to its antimicrobial effects.  There's 200mg of lactoferrin in each sachet, which is the full recommended daily intake.  Each serving also contains high extract aloe vera and zinc gluconate which have an antimicrobial and nourishing effect on the skin and oligofructose which is a source of soluble fibre (and probably the cause of that gassy feeling) extracted from the chicory root.  It is suitable for vegetarians, diabetics, lactose intolerant and is gluten free.  
I found it hard to judge the condition of my skin when I knew I was using other products that didn't work for me.  Luckily the overlap using both, was only a week or so.  In that time I didn't notice the development of any new spots, but I had many existing ones.  The spots were quick to clear up (quicker than normal), which I did mention in my skincare review and I believe that was down to using these sachets.  Despite the 'problem' areas on my chin and lower cheeks (where spots were visible), the rest of my face was looking really fresh.  I just felt it looked really clear and healthy.  I haven't been fully rid of acne during the 4 weeks, but I thought my skin texture was much improved and like I said, it looked healthier than normal.  Once I stopped using the LRP products and went back to my regular skincare routine, my skin continued to improve.  Dare I say I even had a little 'glow' about me, whoop!  I've also noticed since I stopped using Help: Clear Skin that a few little spots have resurfaced (same areas again), so I genuinely think it was working for me.    
It's £22.94 for a 14 day supply or £39.95 for the 28 sachet pack I tried.  I personally think that's quite pricey.  To compare, I wouldn't spend £40 on a new moisturiser every month...but then I can't argue with the results.  I like that it can be used in many ways; hot or cold drinks, even soup and you can experiment to see what best suits you.  It's fuss-free and easily slotted into a daily routine, taking less time than it would to apply moisturiser or similar products and I really think I saw an improvement in my existing spots and a lack of new ones developing.  I also like that it's working from the inside (though I don't like that bloated feeling) to fight against acne.  The cost is the biggest downer for me, though some would say you can't put a price on clear skin!  If you would be interested in trying this, there is an opportunity for you to win a 4 week supply, like I trialled here, by filling in this quick survey regarding acne.  They are looking for your views on how acne affects you and it doesn't take long at all.  What do you think, is a natural supplement something you would consider using?

Post contains affiliate link, product was sent for my consideration to review.