Today I’m sharing my review of the Banish Acne Starter Kit, which was designed to reduce acne scars and boost collagen production in the skin. If you’re a regular to the blog, you know I love anything that can boost my collagen production for plumper looking skin with less fine lines and texture, so this Kit was super exciting for me to try out.
Banish is a skin care line dedicated to helping people reduce scars from moderate to severe acne. For anyone who has suffered from chronic acne, the scarring that can be left behind is a constant reminder of that struggle. Daisy Jing, the founder of Banish, was one such acne survivor who suffered from constant insecurity from her acne and subsequent scarring. But after discovering the healing abilities of microneedling in combination with Vitamin C for acne scarring, Daisy decided she wanted to share this natural remedy with other acne sufferers.
Curious about the Banish Starter Kit and how it can reduce acne scarring and boost collagen? Keep reading, because I’ll be sharing all the products that come in this Kit and how they might be the answer your skin is looking for.
*this post contains affiliate links. I earn a small commission if you choose to purchase any products through these links (thank you!). All products were gifted for my honest review*
But First, What Are Acne Scars?
Most blemishes or pimples will come and go with little to no evidence of them ever having been on your skin. However, some types of acne can leave behind texture changes, dark marks, pitted areas, craters or redness on the skin.
Depending on the type of scar, it may remain there for several months or even years.
4 common types of acne scars are:
–rolling scars (depressed scars with less of a defined edge or ridge)
–ice pick scars (deep and narrow scars)
–boxcar scars (shallow scars with a strong straight and defined edge)
–hyperpigmentation (dark spots and discoloration which can range from shades of black, brown, purple and red)
Of the above acne scar types, hyperpigmentation is easiest to reduce in appearance ,while the other scar types can be more permanent without treatment.
What Does The Banish Starter Kit Do?
The Banish Starter Kit includes products designed to:
-Reduces the look of old or new acne scars and dark marks
-Improves look of uneven skin tone and texture
-Promotes firmness and plumpness of skin
-Reduces appearance of fine lines
The line is designed for use by all skin types.
Not sure which products to try? You can complete the brand’s skin care quiz here.
You can see a number of before and after pics and testimonials of previous Banish skin care customers here.
What Comes In The Banish Acne Scars Starter Kit?
The Banish Starter Kit retails for $263USD (current sale price is $195USD!) and includes six full size products to keep your skin looking clear, healthy and radiant. The brand also sent me the All Clear Mint Cleanser to try out, which does not come in this Kit.
The Banish Starter Kit is the brand’s best-selling kit and their number 1 recommendation for customers starting on their acne healing journey.
All of the products in the Starter Kit are free from parabens, sulfates, petrochemicals, mineral oil, silicone dyes and artificial fragrances.
They’re also vegan and cruelty-free.
The products in the Banish Starter Kit include:
–Banish Oil (Vitamin C serum) – Made fresh with the most potent form of Vitamin C (a.k.a. L-ascorbic acid), this antioxidant oil reduces the look of acne scars and hyperpigmentation better in comparison to other forms of Vitamin C and can be applied after a microneedling session with The Banisher 2.0 or any time you need an antioxidant boost.
–Vitamin C Beauty Elixir – A facial mist for a spritzing boost of Vitamin C – it adds moisture back to the skin and is super light and refreshing.
-The Banisher 2.0 – The new and improved microneedling tool that is going to boost collagen and destroy acne scars. The Banisher 2.0 features 77 24k gold plated titanium bristles, a built in protective cap and disinfectant cleaning container and a stamping design that improves the pressure and effectiveness of the tips.
–Pumpkin Enzyme Masque – Packed with exfoliating alpha-hydroxy acids (for brightening) and beta-hydroxy acids (to deep clean pores), this mask sloughs off dead skin cells and revitalizes and improves the texture and tone of skin. Wonderful for acne prone, dull or congested skin. It also looks and smells like pumpkin puree!
–Fighter Gel – A water based gel that’s great for calming redness, eczema, irritation and inflammation. It can be used as a spot treatment for breakouts or on areas that need some extra TLC.
–Vitamin C Creme– A fragrance-free skin repairing cream concentrated with 20% Vitamin C. It has a light texture that doesn’t feel heavy or greasy, which I quite enjoy!
–Storage Bag and Instructions – To carry your Starter Kit wherever you go.
Banish also sent me the All Clear Mint Cleanser , a peppermint-scented liquid cleanser that generates a lovely foam when mixed with water. It cleans skin without stripping it and includes Vitamin B5, aloe juice and cucumber peel extract to soothe and heal skin.
All of the products in the Banish Starter Kit can be purchased separately as well and Banish accepts payment installments via afterpay if needed.
How To Use The Banish Starter Kit
The Starter Kit can be used on its own or mixed into your regular skin care routine as needed.
I like to use the All Clear Mint Cleanser (sold separately from the Kit) at night to help remove dirt and oil from the day, and any makeup that my oil cleanser doesn’t fully remove. It has a delicious peppermint scent and a cooling sensation that feels ultra refreshing without stripping my skin dry and creates a light foam when mixed with water.
The Vitamin C Beauty Elixir is the loveliest, peppermint scented misting spray that I use as a hydrating toner both morning and night to refresh my skin. It also has a cooling sensation when it hits the skin that will feel super dreamy when the weather gets hotter.
The Pumpkin Enzyme Mask is truly delicious and is a treatment I like to use once a week to brighten up any dull bits on my face (I wouldn’t use it more than twice a week max). It has a slightly tingly sensation and leaves my skin super soft after I rinse it away.
The Vitamin C Creme is a moisturizer I use in my nighttime skin care routine; it has a great lightweight texture that isn’t heavy or greasy and is a hydrating and nourishing treat for my tired skin at the end of a long day.
The Banisher 2.0 is definitely my most favourite part of the kit and is a microneedling tool that I try to use once per week – usually on a Friday or Saturday night – to boost collagen production and skin healing.
For anyone not familiar with microneedling, it’s a skin care treatment that uses super fine needles that are pressed into the skin to create small micro-tears.
These micro-tears then encourage the skin to increase collagen production to heal the tears. The increased collagen production not only heals the micro-tears, but also heals acne scars and creates plumper looking, smoother skin with regular use.
The gold plated needles of the Banisher 2.0 need to be disinfected before each use by being soaked for 5 minutes in rubbing alcohol. Luckily, the Banisher 2.0 has a lovely screw-on top that can be filled with rubbing alcohol and then screwed onto the needle head to easily disinfect the tool while it is standing upright in its case.
After 5 minutes of disinfection, let the Banisher air dry for 2-3 minutes before use on cleansed skin.
Tip: As always, you need to apply sunscreen during the day to keep your skin protected from the sun’s harmful rays, especially when using exfoliating products or completing microneedling sessions that can leave skin more sensitive to sun damage.
To use the Banisher 2.0: gently press the Banisher onto the areas you want to treat in a stamping motion with pressure you are comfortable with.
Then rotate the Banisher 90 degrees and repeat this motion on the same areas – you want to make as many micro-tears as possible during the treatment, which is why you rotate the tool (you can see more of the Banisher in action in the video included further down the post).
Microneedling can be uncomfortable, especially on the areas of the face that are more delicate (e.g. around the eyes) or where the fatty layer under the skin is thinner, like along the forehead.
Since you control the amount of pressure used, you can adjust as needed for more sensitive areas. You can also apply an ice pack to the skin in advance to help numb it before using the Banisher.
Note: It’s normal to have some pinkness/redness after microneedling. Never apply acids or retinoids before or after microneedling and stay away from makeup application until at least the next morning.
Also be sure to avoid active breakout areas, cuts or skin infections when microneedling.
Once you have treated all the areas you want – for example, areas with acne scarring or areas with fine lines/wrinkles that need some plumping – apply 2-3 drops of the Banish Oil.
The Banish Oil is a Vitamin C serum that works with the Banisher to further boost collagen production while brightening the skin and preventing free radical damage. This oil can be used any time in your skin care routine either on the entire face or as a spot treatment.
The Fighter Gel is a brown-tinted, lightweight, peppermint scented gel that’s meant to be used as a treatment for inflamed, irritated or otherwise angry skin. It contains Centella Asiatica, which is known to promote skin healing while reducing inflammation. This gel is to be applied after serums and before moisturizer.
How Banish Worked For Me
How Banish Worked For MeI don’t suffer from chronic acne, but I have been getting the odd pimple here and there lately due to having to wear a mask more often at work.
However, my biggest hope with the Banish Starter Kit was that the products and the Banisher 2.0 would help plump and firm my almost-40 year old skin – which it did.
I’m not a stranger to microneedling, so it came as no surprise that the Banisher 2.0 helped to reduce the lines I get on my forehead and minimized the large pores I get on my cheeks.
I also liked the stamping motion that can be done with the Banisher 2.0, as opposed to traditional dermarollers that have the needles enter the skin on an angle from having to roll them into the skin.
All of the topical products from Banish were awesome as well; I had zero skin irritations with them and they helped to hydrate and nourish my skin whenever I used them (I especially loved the Pumpkin Enzyme Mask – such a fall treat!).
RELATED READING: Microneedling: Everything You Need To Know
I really enjoyed everything in this Banish Starter Kit and think it’s a great idea for anyone looking to finally banish those acne scars for good from the comfort of your own home.
