How to Use Face reality Products - The AOS Clear Skin Method
At Art of Skin Care, we proudly partner with Face Reality because we believe in real results—without harsh treatments or guesswork. I collaborated directly with Laura Cooksey, the founder of Face Reality, to develop the AOS Face Reality Clear Skin Method. This proven protocol has helped thousands of clients achieve consistently clear, healthy skin. With a 99% success rate and hundreds of 5-star reviews, we’re confident in the power of this method to transform your skin and your confidence.
Clear Skin starts with knowledge. That's why we encourage you to take the time to read—and revisit—our Acne Lessons. These expert tips are essential for understanding your skin, avoiding common pitfalls, and achieving lasting, clear skin. The more you know, the better your results!
Why your Face Reality Routine Will Evolve
Clear skin doesn’t happen overnight, and your skincare routine shouldn’t stay the same throughout the journey. The AOS Face Reality Method is designed to evolve with your skin. That’s why we recommend adjusting your routine every two weeks until your skin is clear.
As your skin acclimates, we’ll gently increase the strength or frequency of your corrective treatments to keep progress moving forward. Sometimes that means adding extra moisture; more often, it means fine-tuning how you use your active products.
This two-week cadence helps us stay one step ahead of your skin’s needs—preventing irritation, avoiding plateaus, and ensuring steady improvement. Think of it as a clear skin strategy that adapts with you, every step of the way.
What to Expect on Your Face Reality Journey
While some Face Reality clients experience early improvements within a few weeks of starting their acne protocol, achieving consistently clear skin is a gradual process that typically takes around three to four months. It's completely normal to experience breakouts—sometimes even a temporary worsening—during the purging phase as your skin begins to detoxify, rebalance, and heal.
Progress tends to happen in cycles, with the skin acclimating every two to three weeks. Our goal is to see breakouts noticeably slow by the 90-day mark.
If you're unsure about your progress or need personalized support, don't hesitate to reach out to your Acne Specialist or connect with us via Live Chat. For clients who require additional guidance, our Online Acne Consult is an excellent option. Our licensed estheticians have helped hundreds of clients achieve clear skin, and we're proud to have over 100 five-star reviews to show for it.
IMPORTANT TIPS
- Do not eat anything that contains biotin or iodine. Use non-iodized Salt.
- Do not use dryer sheets or fabric softeners of any kind.
- Do not eat peanuts, peanut butter, or soy products.
- Minimize dairy intake.
- Do not use anything on your skin that contains acne-causing ingredients. The products on AOS that are best for you have a gray acne-safe badge on the image. Here is our list of ingredients to avoid: Pore-Clogging Ingredients List
- Please check your hair care products for acne-causing ingredients.
Get Started Guide: Weeks One & Two
FACE REALITY MORNING ROUTINE
Use the products in the exact order given.
Cleanse:
Cleanse using the AOS Dry Cleanse Method: Dispense one pump of cleanser onto dry hands. Rub hands together to create a foam. Gently rub onto dry skin—wet hands and massage to emulsify. Continue massaging for two minutes. Remove with a warm AOS Luxe Cloth.
Read here for tips on how to properly cleanse your face. Well-cleansed skin can drink vital nutrients, boosting the efficacy of every product you apply to your face.
Tone:
Face Reality Moisture Balance Toner
Apply using toner pads. These pads will help your toner last longer and will provide additional exfoliation.
Corrective Serum:
Face Reality Mandelic Serum 8%
Apply one pump to dry skin. Allow the skin to fully dry after application.
Moisturize:
Choose One
Face Reality Hydrabalance Hydrating Gel
Recommended for oily skin types
Face Reality Clearderma
Recommended for normal and combination skin types
Face Reality Cran-Peptide Cream
Recommended for dry or mature skin types
Protect:
This step is required. Your acne care products cause increased sun sensitivity.
Face Reality Daily SPF 30 Plus
Acne Safe Makeup:
Illuminare Mattifying Mineral Foundation
Beginners like to mix this with a little sunscreen
Following cleanse, ice face with an AOS CryoSpoon or CryoGlobe for two minutes on inflamed breakouts. Ice reduces inflammation and enhances the penetration of Acne Med.
Tone:
Hydrate:
Hydrabalance Hydrating Gel
Allow the skin to fully dry after application.
Antibacterial Support:
Acne Med 2.5%
DO NOT SPOT TREAT. Use a dime to nickel-sized amount over the ENTIRE acne-prone area, avoiding the eye area.
IS DRYNESS AND BURNING NORMAL?
Mild dryness is common as your skin adjusts and begins to clear, but burning or stinging is never normal.
If a product burns or stings for more than two minutes, rinse it off right away and reach out to our support team.
If you're experiencing excessive dryness, cracking, or peeling, don’t worry—we have plenty of solutions to keep you on track without compromising your progress. The key is to contact us as soon as you notice an issue, so we can guide you through the necessary adjustments to maintain your momentum.
