11 out of 14(79%)reviewers recommend this product.
Product Reviews
Overall rating
1/ 5
JCNC
fromNorthern VA
Skin Type:normal
Age:25-29
I wanted to love this!
PostedDecember 5, 2012
Prositched, burned, caused breakouts, no spf
First of all, I have to say that I so badly wanted to love this product line! I was so encouraged by all of the glowing reviews and was hoping to write my own. For reference, before using Arcona, my skin was fairly normal in terms of dryness-oiliness, but did suffer from mild adult acne. I typically had about three or four small blemishes at a time, with that number spiking to 10 to 15 once a month. I was using drugstore products to combat this with reasonable results, but thought that a higher level of skincare might prove more effective, especially against the hormonal breakouts.
Unfortunately, after eight full weeks of diligently using the system perfectly (following the directions to the letter, never missing a single session, and even minimizing makeup use), my skin is in significantly worse condition than when I began.
After about a week of regular use, my entire face erupted into one giant breakout. Not a single inch of my face was spared a pimple, and most had several. It was worse than I had ever seen on anyone, including the "before" pictures of a TV acne treatment commercial. I spoke with both a Nordstrom beauty consultant and an Arcona specialist, both of whom said it was a common side effect of skin adjusting to a new regime, and was only temporary.
After another couple of weeks, this extreme breakout did begin to subside, but I was left with horrible red acne scars over my entire face from the eruption. (Six weeks later they are barely starting to fade, but it will still be at least several more months before they fully disappear, if they do.) Even though that initial breakout subsided, I still had more blemishes at any given time than I had before I began the program (about 10-15 compared to the previous 3-4). I also developed blackheads and large pores around my nose area - two things I had never had issues with before.
What’s more, I did not find the products enjoyable to use. Although I have never in my life had sensitive skin, I found most of the product to cause my face to burn and/or itch. The Raspberry Acne Bar and Cranberry Gommage smelled fine enough, but nothing extraordinary. I also disliked that none of the products contained an SPF, and the directions specify not to use any additional facial products (to include a sunscreen, I assume) during the first 2-6 weeks.
I am absolutely thrilled for those for whom the product line did work, and I hate to ruin the perfect five-star rating streak, but I had to share my experience. It just goes to show that everyone’s skin is different. Fortunately, Nordstrom customer service is wonderful, and I was able to return the product I did not use. For reference though, the AM Acne Lotion, Tabula Rasa, and The Solution in the travel kit lasted about six weeks, with the Raspberry Acne Bar and Cranberry Gommage lasting about eight or nine weeks.
5 of 6 found this review helpful.
Overall rating
5/ 5
Kris33
fromGeorgia
Age:30-34
Finallly, something that works
PostedApril 11, 2012
I highly recommend this product. I had always had "good" skin up until I was around 20 years old. After developing a strange rash on my face, I took accutane for four months. My skin then was completely clear for about ten years. Now in my early 30s, I have developed tiny pimples around my mouth and chin. I also sometimes get a cyst-like pimple on my neck. I work on TV...HD TV...so I want my skin to look good at all times. I have tried everything imaginable. Nothing really worked...either made my skin too dry, too sensitive or never cleared the breakouts. After searching on the nordstrom site, I noticed arcona. I decided to give it a try. Within four days, I noticed a huge difference. Acne has cleared. Complexion looks even, and it is even glowing. I am so extremely happy! I bought the travel kit, and I plan to look into more products. Thank you nordstrom and thank you arcona!
2 of 2 found this review helpful.
Overall rating
5/ 5
irm11215
fromRenton, WA
Age:30-34
Love love love it!
PostedMarch 11, 2012
I have tried almost everything for my skin from super cheap to super expensive products - Neutrogena, Clearasil, Clean and Clear, Revive, Cle de Pau, Kate Sommerville, Khiels, Bliss, Clinique, Shiseido, Aesop - you name it. I haven't found the right one that I just fell in love with...until now! I have been using the ARCONA Basic Five for Problem Skin kit for about a week now and saw results as soon as the very next day! I have combination skin, but I mainly got this for my hormonal acne. I don't have a severe acne problem, but I do get the very annoying pimple/s here and there. I have had these little pimples on my chin for the longest time and immediately after starting the program, the pimples have gone down. The kit comes with a very handy card that tells you what products to use on certain days for AM/PM. Love it. The Cranberry Gommage and Raspberry Clarifying Bar smell amazing! I lather my face with the Raspberry Clarifying Bar and then use my Clarisonic. My face feels so clean and fresh after each use! Once I clean up the acne on my face, I may switch to the kit for oily skin.
2 of 2 found this review helpful.
Overall rating
5/ 5
Pavonica
fromTulalip, Wa
Age:30-34
finally clear
PostedDecember 3, 2011
After over ten years my skin finally looks its best. You name it, I have tried it. Creams, facials, pills, etc, etc. I got this kit about two months before my wedding and my skin looked amazing by that special day. Since then I have purchased all the products in full size (I did get the solution pads instead) and the tea tree mask. Worth every penny and still cheaper than going to the doctor or getting a ton of facials. Follow the directions and use the products when you should and your skin will be looking great.
