Today I’m talking about a product that I get tons of questions about and being the Spotty Queen that I am, I think I’m the right person to help you decide whether or not to try this much-talked about (read ‘dreaded’) product to treat your acne.

 

 

When it comes to pre-soaked acne treatment pads, I think Stridex Maximum Strength Pads is quite the popular one and there’s a very good reason why – these pads contain 2% salicylic acid, which is the highest percentage available without a prescription. Let me cover some basics about this product before I share my personal experience with you.

 

 

 

 

 

What it Claims to do:

 

• Treat acne
• Reduce number of blackheads and active pimples
• Prevent any new breakouts

 

 

 

 

 

How to Use it:

 

Take a pre-soaked pad from the jar container and glide it all over cleansed skin. Make sure avoid the eye and mouth area, as this product causes dryness.

 

If your skin is sensitive, you might feel some tingling, which is normal. If you wish, you can wash your face after 30-45 minutes. However, if you feel any burning sensation, this might be too strong for your skin.

 

I also recommend that after 30 minutes or so of applying this product you use a hydrating product like a serum or moisturiser, to ensure that your skin’s healthy barrier is maintained.

 

Pro- Tip: You can also use these pads for your body. Use it to treat ingrown hairs, body acne and even texture around the elbows and knees!

 

As or how often you can use it – I would say no more than thrice a week (if you’re a beginner and new to acids). But, if you’re someone who uses chemical exfoliants regularly, you can use the Stridex Maximum Strength Pads once everyday…NO MORE! I know the packaging says you can use these 3 times a day, but that’s just crazy…please don’t try it ‘coz your skin will surely freak out and hate you!

 

 

 

 

 

Full list of Ingredients:

 

The Active Ingredient here is the 2% Salicylic acid

 

Inactive Ingredients: Ammonium lauryl sulfate, ammonium xylenesulfonate, citric acid, DMDM hydantoin, fragrance, *menthol, PPG-5-Ceteth-20, purified water, simethicone, sodium borate, tetrasodium EDTA

 

CosDNA analysis

 

 

 

 

 

Now that I’ve got all the basics covered, let me tell you about my experience with the Stridex Maximum Strength Pads.

 

I added these to my skincare routine about 11 months ago. My skin was beginning to break out, but it was by no means severe. I have had great luck with salicylic acid in the past and I know that my skin responds well to this acne treatment, however, I was quite surprised by how much these pads made me break out! 😢

 

I used them once a day, every single day… and by day 7 my skin was 10x worse than it was on the day I started using them. Looking back, I now realise that it was a natural process and something I should have been ready for.

 

 

 

 

 

Salicylic acid is a BHA (beta hydroxy acid) – it is oil soluble, meaning that it is an oil loving acid and will go into the deeper layers of your skin and break down oils, helping to unclog your pores. BHA is best for oily, acne prone skin as it works from the inside to the outer layers of your skin, removing sebum and dead skin cells. It also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, something that is a BIG PLUS for those dealing with aggressive, cystic acne (in short, me!)

 

See how I side-tracked there?! Coming back to my story – this is the reason I broke out even more once I started using the Stridex Maximum Strength Pads. The salicylic acid brought all the gunk to the surface…and because the only way your skin can detox is by purging, I broke out like $hit!

 

There was a point when I truly started to freak out (i think end of week 2 of using them daily) and I decided to dial it back a bit. I changed my skincare routine and used these pads only 2-3 times a week and my skin started to get better.

 

So, bottom line – these pads work, but are quite potent. Be careful with them and maybe use them only 2 times a week to start with to see how your skin responds to the 2% salicylic acid. If you’re good by the end of week 2, by all means increase the usage, but never more than once a day…please!

 

 

 

 

 

I think the Stridex Maximum Strength Pads are a very effective treatment for acne. I could see a visible reduction in blackheads and it even reduced the size of pores. They are also super convenient to use as they are pre-soaked. There are 90 pads in the plastic jar container. Another good thing is that these are textured pads – there is a smooth side and an embossed side. Also, they are alcohol-free, so it doesn’t tingle or burn my skin.

 

The only negatives about these is that I do not like the packaging – the tub/jar is so bulky, which means it’s not really travel friendly. Secondly, these will dry out the skin with regular use, so you will have to make sure you are using hydrating products to combat that issue.

 

Related Article:

 

Avarelle Acne Cover Patch With Tea Tree & Calendula Oil | Review

Do I recommend the Stridex Maximum Strength Pads? I would have to say Yes 🙂

 

Go ahead and give it a try if you are struggling with acne…. but let me warn you – it can go either way … it might become your HG product or you might end up chucking it in the bin… either way, don’t forget to let me know which one it was! 😛

 

And btw, there’s two other Stridex pads available in the market – the Sensitive with soothing aloe vera and the other Essential with Vitamin C & E to promote healthy skin.