Somme Institute • Transport Pads • Treatments

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nlarace on 4/18/2013 11:06:00 PM more reviews by nlarace

Age: 36-43   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

I was really excited to try the Somme line. I know this section is just for Transport, but I used the entire line so I'm going to review it all here.

First of all, I haven't really seen a whole lot of positive change, and it's been over a month. What I have seen, however, is massive endless breakouts. I'm talking cystic acne, here. And while I typically get the occasional breakout, it's nothing like this. (The only thing that did this to me worse was La Roche Posay Redermic R.)

I followed all of the reviews and stuck with it... but here I am, coming to the end of the product and the breakouts just.do.not.stop. And the dark spots from the blemishes are not fading. I have to wear a ton of makeup to cover them and I hate the way I look. I prefer to be a tinted moisturizer and go kind of gal.

I give up. I ordered a ton of new product, including Lotion P50 1970, Skinceuticals serums and Valmont creams. Appointments for facials will be required to undo this damage. So mad!

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*TOP REVIEWER* pinknika on 1/8/2013 12:48:00 AM more reviews by pinknika

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Brown    

EDIT: I'm uping the rating to a 5. I have since ran out of them, but I continue to use the rest of the system, since the bottles are not gone yet. What a difference, since I stopped using this, my skin is breaking out, it feels rougher and isn't as smooth. I'm not going to buy these again only because by the time it arrives, my bottles will probably be used up. But man, what a difference this stuff has clearly made.


Its been almost 3 months using this line and I might buy this again, I really think it does a good job taking off all the left over gunk the cleanser in this line leaves behind. It stung initially but I think my skin is used to it now. I did try cutting the pads in half but I thought they were too small after that and I like to swipe my neck down to my décolleté. I'm not sure if these would be a good stand alone product because I think it's supposed to be used with the rest of the line, maybe they're comparable to Peter Thomas Ross unwrinkle pads or maybe Dr. Gross peel pads? I haven't tried those two but I assume they work like these do. I don't really see results that I'm expecting to see but this works pretty good like a toner as these are really saturated.

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phoebeweatherfield on 12/28/2012 8:49:00 PM more reviews by phoebeweatherfield

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Red, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

So far, so good with these. I've been following the advice of other reviewers and cutting them in half, and I only use them at night (my skin's a little sensitive and I use a Clarisonic in the morning, so I don't want to overdo it on exfoliation). No overly harsh reaction, and it seems to be helping with some lingering red marks from old pimples. I do wish that they were either a little cheaper, or that they'd alter the size of the pads and sell a larger container of smaller pads for the same price to save me the cutting up the pads, but whatever, they're a good product and worth the hassle.

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arlenena on 8/11/2012 10:38:00 AM more reviews by arlenena

Age: 44-55   Skin: Dry, Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I have been using the Somme line for over a year and so far not tempted to try anything different. I love everything except for the extra spf moisturizer. It make my eyes water and is a little heavy so I leave that one out. I bought this in the trial size at the beauty salon I go to on the recommendation of my colorist who happens to be my daughter that I trust. She told me that the owner of the salon is a breast cancer survivor and that she had been approached by hundreds of companys to sell their product. After lots of research this is the only one she would consider. That sold me! My friends ask me if I got botox........ I too cut the pads in half to make it go further.

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momofthreeboys on 8/5/2011 11:15:00 PM more reviews by momofthreeboys

Age: 30-35   Skin: Dry, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Blond, Wavy   Eyes: Brown    

So I bought these pads in a special value size at Nordstrom. The container (hideously ugly) contains 100 thoroughly saturated pads. The first thing I did was sterilize scissors and cut them in half making the 100 count into 200. The pads are plenty big and saturated for this. I really like these as they seem to do a great job exfoliating and brightening my face. I only use them once a day rather then twice as I don't want to irritate my skin or let my skin get to "use" to them. This also makes them very economical. I use it almost as a toner after I cleanse my face before putting on my serum/moisturizers. The packaging is cheesy, ugly, cheap looking yet very practical... lets just say that it get tucked away in my cupboard after EVERY use. I would recommend this and I will be repurchasing.

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Curlygirl007 on 7/28/2011 2:15:00 PM more reviews by Curlygirl007

Age: 30-35   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Grey    

I have to be honest and say that I have been using Somme for five years and truly love the quality of their products. Can you do w/o the cleanser and use something else as mild, yes and save the money, absolutley BUT steps 2-4 are not to be replaced. It made my sensitive skin irritated at first, for about 2 weeks and then it was fine. It has evened out my skin tone, i have mild redness, reduced fine lines and gives me an overall healthy glow. If you shop on hautelook, they have it on there every few months for 50% off. Cheers.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Kayelle on 7/20/2011 12:21:00 AM more reviews by Kayelle

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Blue    

I'm not a big fan of treatment pads for several reasons: the price is more than twice what you'd pay for a bottle of toner with the same ingredients (yet you go through pads much faster), and the texture is often sticky. Though I'm still not sold on using these in place of a good glycolic toner, they leave my skin soft and glowing. It's unlikely I'll buy again as they're not worth $1-2 per day, but some may find the expense worthwhile.

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Clearskin on 7/22/2010 11:04:00 PM more reviews by Clearskin

Age: 44-55   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Red   Eyes: Blue    

Was in tears over my skin until Somme. The Transport pads are clearing my adult cystic and regular acne and blackheads. You have to be patient but I've tried the full price range of products--M Lab, Murad, La Mer, Zelens, Bliss, Phytoceane, Omorovicza, DDF--none gave me the results and actual hope for clear skin. I use most all of the Somme Institute line, these reviews for Somme are my first. I cannot recommend it enough.

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tabitha75 on 3/28/2010 6:45:00 PM more reviews by tabitha75

Age: 30-35   Skin: Normal, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

So far so good with this one. I put aside my beloved Peter Thomas Roth Hydrating Gel to give Somme's Transport Pads a try. For Christmas, my darling husband gave me a spa day at the Mandarin Oriental in NYC, and Somme is the product line that they carry. My facial was so lovely and my skin so beautiful for weeks afterward that I couldn't stop thinking about Somme and finally decided to give it a shot.

I bought the Transport Pads nearly 3 weeks ago and so far my skin has been pretty happy with the results of twice daily use. Somme's packaging says to expect some "purging" as a result of using the product and to not discontinue use. I have experienced mild purging (very minor, actually), although I have always been suspicious of this phenomenon. Instead I wonder, is it really purging or is it irritation and sensitivity?

Regardless, I believe that Somme's Transport Pads are currently outperforming PTR Hydrating Gel in giving me more smooth, soft, and evenly colored skin. I have also been using Somme's C Serum in conjunction with the pads, and again have been overall pleased with the results.

My skin tingles after use, and I cut each pad in half so that I can double the lifespan of the product. There is more than enough saturation to make this possible.

If you're looking for a potent glycolic/salicylic acid product, check this out! It's pricey, but for me it has been worth the price and I will definitely be repurchasing.

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debbarker on 2/26/2010 12:36:00 PM more reviews by debbarker

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

I have officially used this product for a year and I'm quite pleased. I suffered from cystic acne for years. Other than the random pimple during my cycle, my skin has completely cleared up. Even the few I get now go away much more quickly and without scarring. The Somme website says that it also works on sun damage. It didn't really help much with my melasma, unfortunately, but I am still giving it a 5 because of what it did for my acne. (because I have tried almost every product out there) People have commented that my skin glows. I never received those comments before. It's a bit difficult to find other than online but drugstore.com usually runs good deals on the transport pads. I

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clandis on 1/3/2010 10:30:00 AM more reviews by clandis

Age: 36-43   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

I am almost 43, with acne and the beginning of fine lines. After 2 weeks of using the pads, serum and Abomb, my skin is glowing and my breakouts are reduced to one small blemish. Expensive, but it works.

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*TOP REVIEWER* TwoBostons on 6/20/2009 10:24:00 PM more reviews by TwoBostons

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

I got a sample of 20 pads and liked them enough to purchase the full size jar. They are comperable to several similar products, but have a little extra kick to them. I get an occasional bit of stinging (usually only after I use a face scrub), but not much. The pads are soaked in a great deal of the liquid, so you don't need to worry about them drying out. I often cut them in half so they last longer. When applying, it almost has that 'hydrogen peroxide on a scrape' bubbling feel--no pain, and no visible bubbles, just that sensation. The only complaint I have about these, other than the $$ price, is the ridiculously cheap packaging. Cheap white plastic jar with a purple sticker on it--seriously, the kind of round sticker you'd use for a garage sale price tag! Other than that, a very effective aha-bha product. Would repurchase.

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maibae on 5/6/2008 9:37:00 AM more reviews by maibae

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

So I bought the mini travel kit of the entire 5 step system (the cleanser, treatment pads, serum, a-bomb, and sunscreen). I have to say I am very impressed. I just started using it the other day and already it's clearing out my skin. I used to have these annoying little bumps beneath my skin that I just couldn't get rid of, but these products have purged those out to the surface. So it's treating my existing breakouts and then bringing the rest of the gunk up to the surface as well. I'd rather have them out then in! Another big plus is it doesn't dry out your skin like other acne systems. The first day I used it I noticed my face had a little glow to it that it usually lacked. The cleanser feels a bit heavy/creamy when you put it on but don't worry, it does the job. Anything else left over will be taken away by the treatment pads. I agree with everyone else that they're a little too saturated, so I just squeeze the excess back into the container so I can sop it up later. I'll keep you posted, but it's only day 3 and I'm totally pumped up =) My only complaint is the price is a little steep for all these products. I'd suggest starting with the travel kit before making any bigger $$ commitments.

Update:
The first week is pretty rough, but stick it out! This is when all the gunk underneath your skin is clearing out! As the site says give it 4-6 weeks to see significant improvements. Despite the purging, the older breakouts are gone. It doesn't cause acne marks like some of the other products I've tried. Although it's a process, I'm still happy with the results after this first week.

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curren3 on 2/3/2008 2:16:00 AM more reviews by curren3

Age: 25-29   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

Great product, amazing line for acne and againg situation, although works great for acne alone too!

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Andrea2251 on 9/16/2006 8:26:00 PM more reviews by Andrea2251

Age: Unknown   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

My facialist recommended the Somme Institute system for my acne prone (and beginning to age) skin. I used the Transport Pads, the A-Bomb and the Serum together for two weeks, morning and night. The products made my skin feel sticky, and a little oily, but the texture looked beautiful. I had super smooth, bright, perfect cheeks. The problem is that it clogged my pores on my upper lip and caused my already blemished skin to have more pimples. It's been four weeks since I've stopped using the Somme system and went back to using my Neutrogena Anti-wrinkle Anti-acne cream and those clogged pores have finally almost all been purged.

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*TOP REVIEWER* rae_rae on 7/21/2006 7:31:00 PM more reviews by rae_rae

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Tan   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

This product is the only thing that cleared up my repeated acne infections and cystic acne and helps my skin look smoother, and clearer. When my skin is getting healthy, i reduce using them to once every other day as part of my evening cleansing and that helps to not overdry my skin and create new problems. Squeeze out the pads slightly and cut in half to lengthen how long this lasts. It has both AHA and BHA in it to counter act all the different causes of acne. LOVE IT and will never stop using these!

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msbuttercup on 4/30/2006 3:13:00 AM more reviews by msbuttercup

Age: 30-35   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

Although I'll never buy this system again, these pads worked the best for me. The pads come in a jar and they are SOAKED in so much liquid that they're practically dripping. I used DHC silky cotton pads to press down and absorb the liquid, thus essentially doubling the number of pads. Too bad this expensive regimen was a total waste of money for me.

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MarilynMalibu on 2/24/2006 2:07:00 AM more reviews by MarilynMalibu

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

This review is for the first four products in the Somme Treatment Line: I've been using the Somme line (the first 4 products, I have a sunscreen already) for 2 months already. It isn't a magical line, but this is the only line I have found to help my troublesome skin. I was using step 2 and 3 only for a time, but an esthetician recommended I use steps 1-4 to not disturb the pH balance. Upon taking her advice, I noticed a dramatic improvement in my skin. I used to break out ALL the time, and they were horrible breakouts, especially around that certain time of the month. I still break out, but nothing like before, and even around that time of the month, it's not half as bad as it used to be. The cleanser is a non-foaming creamy type of cleanser. I find that if I makeup remover first, then cleanse, rinse, and then cleanse again, that it does the trick in removing the day's grime. Be sure to massage the cleanser in well; that will help break up the dirt, makeup, etc. Second, I use the pads only at night. I found my skin was acting all sensitve when I used them twice daily, so one at night is good. The pads help exfoliate your skin. It's still good to use a mechanical scrub at least once a week to help slough off the dead skin cells. Third, I use about 2-3 pumps worth of the serum. The packaging on this could be better, especially when you get to the bottom of the bottle. The serum has helped smooth out my skin tone - it has become less bumpy. It has also helped fade past acne scars. Lastly, I apply the A-Bomb which is a moisturizer that contains Vitamins A and E, which are good to smooth the skin further, fight acne, etc. It does leave kind of a tacky feeling to the skin, but it's bearable. I do not like scooping out of a jar to get my moisturizer. Now, I'm using the line for acne, but I have noticed that it does smooth out some fine lines. After looking at the before and after pictures of people using the product (to treat acne, wrinkles, etc), I was even more impressed. The prices are steep, no doubt about that. Luckily, I work in a spa that sells them, so I get a discount. (I plan on quitting soon, so I'm gonna stock up!). I'm so impressed with the results I've had after 2 months, I can't wait to see how my skin looks after 4! Even people I work with have noticed a dramatic improvement in my skin and tone. I'm so happy with these products, and I hope you will be, too! PS - sorry for the novel of a review! I just had to share!!

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jricker on 12/7/2005 6:57:00 PM more reviews by jricker

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I absolutely Love this product and the serum and A-Bomb. I use these three products with my normal cleanser and during the daytime follow them with a light moisturizer. I have never, ever been happy with my skin or skincare, but this product works miracles! It has absolutely transformed my skin. I have fewer fine lines (don't have a ton to worry about right now; I'm in my 20's), and don't break out anymore. I have always had sensitive skin..so, when I do breakout, I get red spots that stay for weeks...this has removed these red 'scars'. I have never ever felt that I have healthy, glowing, smooth skin...until now!! I have been using this set of products for about 2 and a half months. At first I used all five, then, because of price, eliminated the first (cleanser) and last (sunscreen)...and I actually think that I am seeing more results now!! I can't say enough about this product. To me, you can't put a price on feeling great about the way you look (and any of you who have suffered from broken out or sensitive skin know how self conscious and depressed you can feel when you know your skin looks bad), and to me there is nothing better looking then healthy, bright skin. This product is expensive, but definitely worth the cost.

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icit on 12/1/2005 10:18:00 AM more reviews by icit

Age: 36-43   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

I really like the 3 core products. These are a great pad for a final cleansing of the skin and prep for the vitamin c serum. As many have said they are expensive for a container of 60 pads so many have cut them in half.
They don't sting me and I have sensitive skin. I'm used to other aha/glycolic products though
nov. 2009 - i'm back to using these after stopping and using Environ. I love them and beauty.com has some great package deals.

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