Hibiclens Antiseptic, Antimicrobial Skin Cleanser, Liquid 16 fl oz (473 ml)

This stuff really is a life saver!

I am embarassed to write this review, but I really feel as if I should, for those people out there who are currently ashamed of their facial blemishes. About three months ago, my...Read complete review

I am embarassed to write this review, but I really feel as if I should, for those people out there who are currently ashamed of their facial blemishes. About three months ago, my face was so bad I could barely leave the house. I seriously thought about quitting my job, so I wouldn't have to deal with life.

To be honest, I was horrified the very first time I used this product. All the blemishes on my face reacted severely, as if from an extreme allergic reaction, they swole up big time. But as the days went by, using it every morning, I noticed that this product sort of dried out the blemishes, without really drying out my skin. I think what's really happening is that it's blocking the growth of bacteria, and preventing the spread of infection.

Honestly, I spent quite a lot of money on antibiotics and topical ointments before trying this product. Months went by doing exactly as my doctor prescribed, without many results.

Using this stuff takes some getting used to. First and foremost, I suggest you do not use it without a pump. The first bottle I purchased, there was no pump, it was awkward, it was messy, and there was definitely a lot of waste. When you try to use it directly, it runs down your arms, and a lot of it ends up washing down the sink without ever actually being used. Although this stuff is cheaper than antibiotics and ointments, it's still more expensive than your typical facewash. Regardless, even if it were free, waste is never a good thing.

So, when you have a pump, make sure you press down lightly. And always make sure you turn the seal to lock it after each use. And keep it somewhere that isn't extremely hot or cold. When you use it, again, make sure to press lightly, so it doesn't spray everywhere, and I suggest letting it sit on the inside of your hand for a few seconds before applying, that way the first few bubbles can pop, that way they don't end up popping in your nose or ears or eyes or mouth when you're applying it to your face, which the directions warn very strongly against.

I like to apply it in the morning. I recommend washing your face first, that way you don't spread around any dirt. I like to let it sit for about 15 minutes, until it's nearly dry. Don't let it dry all the way, because it starts flaking, and, once again, you really don't want to get this stuff in your eyes or ears or nose or mouth. When you wash it off, I recommend doing it in the shower, just take a deep breath, close your eyes, and let the water run over your face. I always wait until I can't hold my breath any longer before I open my mouth, and at this point I continue running the water over my face and begin using my hands to rub it off.

This stuff is supposed to continue working for about 6 hours after you use it, and even though using excessive water to remove it might counteract this activity, I think letting it sit on your face for awhile ends up being actually rather effective.

If you are impatient for your skin to get better, I've found that it's okay to use it multiple times in one day, but you really want to spread it out as much as possible. If you use it in incriments too close to one another, you may begin feeling nauseous. The chemicals saturate the bloodstream, so spread it out.

I've read people complaining about the color of this stuff, but I think it's fine. I think it'd be foolish it it were a neutral color, because then it could get into places it doesn't belong and potentially be dangerous. But when it's this bright pink, you can see everywhere it goes, and if it ends up in the wrong place, it's easy to wash it away. Also I find that this color is great when applying it on the face, you can see everywhere it goes!

I went through all of my adolescene without any acne, then out of nowhere (perhaps I picked it up from the subway or gym or the bus or a bar or a club, I don't know) my face started breaking out horribly. Some sort of persistent skin infection. Apparently I made it worse by trying to pop the blemishes, I thought what I was doing was getting the poison out and exposing it to oxygen, but I guess I was wrong, I was just making it worse. So if I were you, I'd refrain from touching the blemishes. Also, I've read that a lot of harmful bacteria resides inside the nose, so I recommend washing your hands after blowing your nose, and you need to not touch your face after.

This stuff is safe to use all over the body. Not everything which causes your face to break out resides permanently on your face, I've read it can flourish all over the body. So wherever I notice an itch, I apply it and let it sit for a few minutes. Whenever there's something that looks like a bite, too.

Also, I recommend buying some sterile alcohol pad pouches, that way you can carry them in your pocket and wipe off any blemishes discreetly in a bathroom, to try and prevent a bothersome breakout until you can make it home to fully clean.

I know this is a long review, but a path of recovery really is a lifestyle, and I'm hoping that my hardwork will save you a lot of headaches and heartaches. This stuff has worked wonders on my face, I've finally got my good skin back... Good luck!