There are few skin problems more frustrating than acne. Whether you suffer from frequent whiteheads, blackheads, or cystic acne, there is, unfortunately, no straight path to clear skin. Instead, it's all about finding the right solution for you and your skin type.
"We are still learning so much about acne," says Doris Day, MD, dermatologist of Day Dermatology and Aesthetics in New York City. "The common causes we can point to now are hormonal imbalances, pomade acne, which is from heavy makeup or hair products that end up on the skin, and acne excoriée, which is acne compounded by picking at the skin."
What ingredients should you look for in acne products?
While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to acne, there are a few common ingredients known to help treat breakouts. "Look for ingredients that can penetrate into the follicles. I prefer salicylic acid over glycolic acid for my patients with acne," says Dr. Day. "Retinols are also an excellent first-line acne treatment, and azelaic acid also has keratolytic properties, which means it helps unclog pores, and also can help with redness."
Dr. Day notes that it's also important to not over-treat breakouts because that leads to dryness and irritation and doesn't help the acne clear up any quicker. She also recommends treating the surrounding area, not just specific spots since the more pimples are usually brewing under the skin in the area.
The best products for acne-prone skin
To help you get started in your search, here are 10 acne treatments we love–seven of which have already received rave reviews from Ipsters who received these products in past Glam Bags.
1. CUROLOGY Acne Patches
When you need to clear a breakout ASAP, use one of these acne patches. Made from hydrocolloid, a breathable transparent material, they adhere to breakouts. Hydrocolloid absorbs all the gunk and oil in zits without extracting moisture from the skin. These can be left on the skin overnight or throughout the day. They even stay put in the shower. Plus, they’re a physical blocker to help you avoid picking at your pimples.
"I've used these over the last couple days to treat a huge bump on my face," one Ipster writes. "They definitely kept the inflammation down and made it so that it wasn't as big and painful as usual."
2. MURAD Rapid Relief Acne Spot Treatment
There's a reason spot treatments have been a go-to acne product for decades. These treatments are super concentrated and work to aggressively kick breakouts to the curb. This formula uses two percent salicylic acid to exfoliate the skin and clear pores, while a pine and thyme complex promotes a healthy skin balance, and chestnut and oat extracts soothe the skin and reduces redness.
One Ipster writes, "This stuff really does work basically overnight!" For fast results, apply this to a breakout morning and night until the spot has diminished. It's also important to note that this formula uses alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) to chemically exfoliate the skin and promote cell turnover. These acids can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so be sure to top the treatment with SPF sunscreen.
3. ZAPZYT Acne Gel
The star ingredient in this acne gel is benzoyl peroxide, one of the most popular over-the-counter acne treatments. It's antimicrobial and actively works to unclog pores. This product is water-based and therefore fast-absorbing, meaning it's ideal for morning application when you also might want to apply makeup over top.
"This worked really well. I applied this gel on a pimple and it shrank immediately," one Ipster writes. "My pimple was gone the next day!"
4. GLAMGLOW TROPICALCLEANSE™ Daily Exfoliating Cleanser
This exfoliating acne cleanser uses fruit extracts and enzymes to eliminate dead skin cells and excess oil, both of which can contribute to acne-prone skin. Meanwhile, purple clay deep-cleanses the skin, penetrating even the smallest of pores.
"Exfoliation helps to minimize skin cell buildup on the surface of the skin to help with acne," says Dr. Day. "However, over-stripping the skin from aggressive exfoliating can create a rash in the skin.” Remember to always exfoliate sparingly and gently.
"I have sensitive, combination, acne-prone skin with a lot of texture issues and this stuff seems to solve it all," writes one Ipster. "My skin is so soft and I haven't seen a pimple since I started using it."
5. CUROLOGY Cleanser
Some acne cleansers are so strong that they dry out the skin and strip it of too much oil. This often leaves the skin feeling tight and itchy and can even result in more breakouts. This cleanser does just the opposite. Instead, gentle surfactants cleanse away dirt and excess oil while leaving just the right amount of moisture in the skin. Remember to top it with your favorite non-comedogenic lotion.
"This cleanser makes my skin feel absolutely amazing," writes on Ipster. "It helped with my oily skin and the redness and helped clear up my acne in almost no time at all."
6. AROMATICA Tea Tree Balancing Foaming Cleanser
Tea tree oil is the headlining ingredient in this foaming acne cleanser. While few scientific studies have proven its effect on acne, the natural ingredient has been a go-to acne product for centuries, primarily because of its natural antiseptic properties. Aloe also comes into play here, further soothing and moisturizing irritated skin.
"This is my absolute favorite cleanser," one Ipster writes. "My skin is usually acne and oil-prone throughout the day and this cleared my acne right up."
7. ESSENHERB Tea Tree 90 Toner Pad
If you prefer a gentle cleanser that’s free of active acne-fighting ingredients, you can still try out tea tree oil by using these toning pads. Whenever you are experiencing more breakouts than normal, wipe a pad across your face, neck, and décolleté. "I have already bought the full product," writes one Ipster after receiving it in her Glam Bag. "It's a great toner for my sensitive skin."
Dr. Day notes that while tea tree oil does have inflammatory and antiseptic properties, it's also estrogenic. She points to a study that found young boys had hormonal side effects after using tea tree oil. For that reason, it might best for young men to avoid using the ingredient.
8. GRACE & STELLA CO. Acne Treatment Facial Sheet Masks
Whether you're suffering from hormonal skin or just experiencing more breakouts than normal, opt for an intensive, all-over treatment like this facial sheet mask. While this sheet mask is formulated with acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid and witch hazel, it also features glycerin and hyaluronic acid to keep skin from drying out. Additionally, honeysuckle is used to soothe your flared up skin and help even your skin tone.
9. HANHOO Blemish Patch
Like the CUROLOGY acne patches, these HANHOO Blemish Patches also use hydrocolloid material to unclog pores and reduce inflammation. These blend in well with the skin and can be worn during the day or overnight. Either way, you should keep them on somewhere between six to eight hours. Remember to always apply these patches to clean, dry skin, and don't apply any other acne treatments under the patch.
10. BETTER SKIN CO. Better Skin Zit No More
This spot treatment combines salicylic acid with tea tree oil and rosehip oil, a natural ingredient that can help control excess oil in the skin. Meanwhile, vitamin E works to fade any dark spots and reduce the appearance of acne scars. This easy-to-apply formula is also boosted with PhytoVie® pollution, which helps to keep harmful pollutants out of pores.
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