Mychelle Fruit Enzyme Cleanser
When it comes to creating an effective acne-cleansing routine, gentle and frequent exfoliation is key to purify your skin and remove breakout-causing blockage from accumulating in your pores. Opting for a gentle, AHA-fortified cleanser like the MyChelle Fruit Enzyme Cleanser replaces harsh, irritating scrubs from your regimen with its skin-polishing and brightening blend of citrus fruit and pineapple extracts. Its also great for smoothing away unwanted texture and tone while also neutralizing any damage in your skin caused by environmental stressors and free radicals.
Treat Spots And Feel Good In Your Skin With These Must
Piecing together the best skincare routine can be puzzling, and when you have acne it can be even more overwhelming trying to figure out which products are helping, hurting, or simply doing nothing for your complexion. For many people, a multipronged approach is best instead of picking one or two products dedicated to acne-prone skin, creating a whole routine thats built for targeting spots, clearing away excess oil, and nourishing skin thats been through the wringer is often a better approach and more likely to bring relief.
This guide will provide you with a whole regimen that prioritises acne-prone skin and its needs. Acne is a finicky beast and doesnt confine itself to one skin type so whether your skin is oily, dry, or mature, you need products that target spots without sucking moisture or depositing too much oil. From a gentle but effective cream cleanser to a zit-zapping clay mask, here are the essential skincare products for acne-prone skin.
For more permanent acne solutions and medical treatments, consulting a specialist, like a dermatologist or your GP, is always the best course of action. This guide can help you keep pimples under control on a daily basis, but should be used in conjunction with advice from your medical practitioner.
Best Patch: Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch
If you have a pimple thats inflamed and you want to bring it down fast, these patches are a perfect overnight fix. Much like a bandage, hydrocolloid patches help the acne medication penetrate deeper into the skin by keeping it where its neededno rubbing off on your pillow. The patch environment keeps the skin moist and permeable while keeping out bacteria. They have an almost magical ability to flatten even the worst zits and reduce their appearance quickly.
What Our Testers Say
“I wasn’t expecting a quick fix the next morning, but I am happy to report that while the pimple wasn’t gone, it was significantly smaller. I count this as a win in my book. I don’t believe in overnight skincare treatments, but these patches changed my mind.” Bianca Lambert, Product Tester
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Dermatologists Say These Are The Best Skincare Products For Acne
Dealing with acne-prone skin is complicated whether you’ve experienced breakouts since you were a teenager or got your first set of pimples as an adult. It’s a tricky skin condition to deal with because there are so many causes that can kickstart the formation of bumps and breakouts.
“Acne can be due to a variety of causes,” says Dhaval Bhanusali, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. This includes an increase in oil production that leads to clogged pores, slow cell turnover, which causes dead skin to pile up and clog pores, and reactions to topical creams or makeup.
On top of all the different causes of acne, there are also varying types of the condition, says Joshua Zeichner, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. “Generally speaking, acne is divided into inflammatory and non-inflammatory subtypes,” he says. “Non-inflammatory acne includes blackheads and whiteheads typically seen in the T-zone, inflammatory acne includes the red bumps, pus pimples, and even the deeper nodules and cysts.”
If you’re prone to breakouts, you probably know that there’s no shortage of acne products available on the market, which is great but also intimidating if you don’t know what to look for. Luckily, with the help of top dermatologists, we’ve gathered the best acne products. Keep reading for the best treatments, serums, cleansers, moisturizers, and more to help get rid of pimples.
When To See A Dermatologist For Acne
If breakouts leave scars or dont respond to a regular routine of gentle cleansing, exfoliation and spot treatment, a consultation with a dermatologist might be in order, said Gohara. Some people need something stronger to manage their acne, like an oral antibiotic, she said.
And teens shouldnt get discouraged. Though acne can be really annoying, 99.9% of cases are curable, according to Gohara.
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Kate Somerville Eradikate Daily Foaming Cleanser
While the scent certainly leaves something to be desired, sulfur is another powerhouse when it comes to fighting acne. Dr. Hirsch says the ingredient is effective for many, especially those who cannot tolerate other, harsher ingredients. This cleanser features 3% sulfur to not only clear existing pimples but also prevent future breakouts.
What The Experts Say
Every dermatologist I contacted stressed that not every treatment will work for everyone. Skin is the largest organ in the body, and its very temperamental and individual to the person. You may have to try a few remedies before something helps, and it may never happen with just over-the-counter products. If your teens acne is stubborn, treatment-resistant, or painful, its time to see a professional.
However, if your child has mild acne, starting with OTC teen acne products is the way to go, according to dermatologist Dr. Courtney Rubin, M.D. of Figure 1 Beauty. She tells Best Products, The best over-the-counter acne products typically contain benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinoids. These ingredients help to fight acne-causing bacteria, clear out clogged pores, and reduce excess oil. Generally, topical acne treatments need to be used consistently for 4 to 6 weeks before you can determine whether theyre working or not.
Ingredients to Look For
Benzoyl Peroxide: Well-known for fighting blemishes, this is a topical antiseptic that can be harsh on the skin, so our experts suggest that you only use it as you need it. They also note that you should always be moisturizing, but it’s even more important when staving off the drying effects of benzoyl peroxide.
Retinoids: This is a class of ingredients derived from Vitamin A. They are known not only for their powerful acne-fighting abilities, but also their anti-aging properties.
Getting Skin Clean
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Pca Skin Gentle Hydrating Face Wash
- An essential step in your daily skin care routine. Apply a dime-sized amount to damp skin and lather
- Face wash that helps with blackhead reduction, cystic acne and comedones
- Foaming cleanser that hydrates and exfoliates the skin while cleansing
- A gentle face cleanser that removes makeup, oil, dirt and environmental impurities
- Ingredients include lactic acid, aloe vera, antioxidants and willow bark extract
Rael Miracle Acne Pimple Absorbing Cover Patch
Rael Miracle Invisible Spot Cover gently draws pus and impurities straight from the source. Made with medical-grade, highly absorbent hydrocolloid. Non-drying and hypoallergenic. Available in 2 sizes . Invisible clear, matte finish and extra thin outer edge seamlessly blends in with all skin tones and stays on skin all day and night. Tapered edges keep patches adhered to skin, while effectively covering spots. Protects skin from leaks, bleeds and irritants. Vegan and Cruelty-free.
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Skinceuticals C E Ferulic With 15% L
SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid is a powerhouse in anti-aging and anti-acne
This patented daytime vitamin C serum combines 15% pure vitamin C paired with 1% vitamin E and 0.5% ferulic acid. Together, these potent ingredients go to battle against skin aging. The active ingredients work to provide protection against environmental impurities by neutralizing free radicals, brightening the overall look of the complexion, and boosting firmness. The serum continues to work for at least 72 hours after application, providing long-lasting benefits.
When To Talk With A Doctor
Some people try at-home, OTC solutions for their acne before seeing a doctor. This may be enough for mild to moderate cases but usually isnt the best option for severe and cystic acne.
Seeing a dermatologist right away is helpful for treating any type of acne the most effectively. This can cut down on irritation from using too many active ingredients and reduce the risk of scarring.
If you havent seen improvements within 1 to 2 months of using OTC products, it may be time to see a doctor.
While you may not need to see a doctor at the first sight of a whitehead, you can consider seeing a doctor shortly after noticing signs of inflammatory and cystic acne.
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First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
Available at and , $16
I’ve been hearing about First Aid Beauty all over the internet and didn’t understand the hype at first. The packaging and formulation just scream ‘typical moisturizer,’ but that’s what makes it a go-to for my evening skincare routine. Its ingredient list includes colloidal oatmeal, ceramides, and soothing eucalyptus oil, and its allergen-tested, fragrance-free, acne-preventing goop is pure moisture.
It’s the simplest skincare product I’ve ever owned, but simply the most revolutionary for my skin as it has not caused a trace of acne. My father and boyfriend always ask me to use some if they are experiencing dry skin, which is fitting as the product is made to help relieve eczema irritations. A larger, more expensive option is available too. Victoria Giardina, former Insider Reviews fellow
Tonymoly I’m Real Sheet Masks
Available at and Ulta
When I went to Seoul, Korea for the first time, I was an ignorant person who had never used a sheet mask or any face mask, for that matter . Before I left, I asked my friends what I should bring back from my trip, and they all said the same thing: Tonymoly sheet masks. So I dutifully went to the busy shopping district in Seoul and wandered through skincare shop after skincare shop, laden down with free samples until I found Tonymoly and bought three packs.
I now use these sheet masks from Tonymoly regularly to hydrate my skin. Since the ingredients are plant-based and gentle, these masks don’t irritate my skin, either. Malarie Gokey, lead training coordinator
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Cetaphil Gentle Foaming Facial Cleanser
Available at Target and Ulta, $10.99
Cetaphil is, quite literally, the only thing I put on my face . I have very sensitive skin, so often beloved acne-fighting face washes cause me to break out more.
I’ve used Cetaphil’s traditional Gentle Face Cleanser for years, but I recently switched over to the Gentle Foaming Cleanser, and I noticed a difference immediately. I have combination skin, so my forehead is oily and breakout-prone while the rest of my face is constantly dry. The foam formula is the perfect balance between combating the oil on my forehead without drying out the rest of my face. The first time I used the Gentle Foam Cleanser, I woke up genuinely shocked to see a pimple-free forehead without feeling tight and dry. Considering I put a total of two products on my face, I’m confident that Cetaphil is a champion for sensitive skin. Emily Hein, Insider Reviews story producer
Best Spot Treatment: Mario Badescu Drying Lotion
Key Ingredients
Sulfur is a natural element that is an essential component for all living cells. Sulfur-based products tend to work best for mild-to-moderate acne, primarily whiteheads, blackheads, and papules.
Ask any woman whos ever struggled with acne and shell at least have heard of this cult acne-fighter. People swear that just one drop of Mario Badescus famous drying lotion can heal and dry a zit up overnight the calamine, colloidal sulfur, and salicylic acid ensure it.
What Our Testers Say
“Mario Badescu’s Drying Lotion does just what it says: stops pimples in their tracks and calms them at the same time.” Bianca Lambert, Product Tester
Key Ingredients
Aloe vera is a naturally derived ingredient known for its soothing and moisturizing properties. The aloe plant’s inner gel mucilage is made up of 99.5% water.
This clarifying serum is 100% natural and plant-based to gently calm irritated and acne-prone skin. It has aloe vera to increase skin’s elasticity and restore its optimum pH balance, and alcohol-free witch hazel to control oil production and prevent future breakouts. The real star ingredient is calendula, which promotes the fast healing and regeneration of skin.
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Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Water Gel
A drugstore-favorite for all skin types, particularly for acne-prone skin types that rely on heavy-duty and drying treatments to clear their breakouts, the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Water Gel envelops your skin in refreshing and soothing hydration courtesy of its gel-based, hyaluronic acid-rich formula. Not only does it quench dry, sensitive skin, but it also imparts a dewy, supple glow and prevents future moisture loss.
Skinceuticals Phloretin Cf Serum
Every hormonal acne sufferer knows that fading acne scars requires a regimen of its own. Fight stubborn discoloration and scaring with the SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF Serum, a daytime antioxidant serum that combines vitamin C and ferulic acid to brighten and correct uneven tone and texture. Its potent formula also makes it a great treatment for wrinkles, sun spots and fighting off free radical damage.
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Ingredients That Can Make Acne Worse:
As for ingredients you should steer clear away from, you want to avoid things that can clog your skin. Some moisturizers contain heavy ingredients like petrolatum or mineral oils that may block your pores, says Dr. Lamb. Looking at a product and not sure if the ingredients are “heavy” or not? Dawn Marie R. Davis, M.D., a dermatologist at Mayo Clinic, says to look for the “noncomedogenic” label, which means it’s skin-care that’s formulated to not clog things up. “For patients with oily skin or sensitive skin, looking for ‘oil-free’ products may also be important,” adds Dr. Davis.
Most of all, you definitely want to dodge any ingredient you know is irritating. When your skin is healing from acne, further irritating the affected area by washing, scrubbing or moisturizing with something your skin doesn’t like can lead to more breakouts. That’s why Dr. Lamb’s not a fan of certain exfoliators for acne-prone skin. “Patients think they are helpful when they tend to be too harsh,” she says.
In general, before you go shopping for products at the drugstore, its best to consult with your dermatologist to determine which ingredients would work to treat your acne. This is especially important if you have moderate to severe acne, in which case you may need an oral medication, a topical ointment , which only your MD can prescribe.
Beneficial Ingredients In Face Cleansers And Face Washes
Although all face washes generally do the same primary job of removing makeup, dirt, and oil from the skin, not all cleansers are formulated the same way. Some cleansers contain minimal ingredients. Others have many ingredients. Some cleansers are formulated with certain key ingredients that target specific skin problems.
There are cleansers formulated with unique ingredients that can help reduce acne and fungal acne symptoms. While others help to strengthen and protect the skin.
These ingredients include salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, niacinamide, caprylic/capric triglycerides, vitamin C, glycerin, and ceramides.
Below is a breakdown of the benefits of these ingredients.
Salicylic acidSalicylic acid is an oil-soluble beta-hydroxy acid that possesses antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a keratolytic and desmolytic agent. This means that it does a great job at dissolving and removing the dead skin cells and other follicular contaminants that accumulate inside clogged pores.
Benzoyl peroxideBenzoyl peroxide is an active acne treatment ingredient that is very effective against regular acne . It is generally considered the best acne treatment available OTC.
NiacinamideWith a long list of well-documented topical advantages. Niacinamide hydrates the skin, regulates sebum production, treats hyperpigmentation, improves skin elasticity, reduces redness and blotchiness, and fights cell-damaging free radicals.
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Round Up Of The Best Fungal Acne Safe Cleansers & Face Washes
Famously known as the first step in any good skincare routine, cleansing is the foundation of great skin.
Over the course of an entire day, the face gets exposed to many environmental stressors: dirt, dust, smoke, germs, bacteria, etc. These stressors accumulate on the skin, causing it to become dull and congested. The only way to really remove these stressors is to use a facial cleanser.
So What Causes Acne Scars Exactly
When acne breakouts penetrate the skin deeply, they can cause damage and affect the tissue beneath it. As the body attempts to repair the damage in the skin, sometimes it can over-produce collagen, which may result in raised acne scars, also known as hypertrophic scars, explains Rina Allawh, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist based in Pennsylvania. Under-production of collagen may lead to depressed or pitted scars , Dr. Allawah adds.
Those with deeper complexions can also get post-inflammatory pigmentation . It occurs in those with medium-to-dark skin tones, where the inflammation invites pigment cells to the area, and when the acne resolves, a brown spot is left for weeks, months, even years, adds Dr. Haley.
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Best Gel Moisturizer: Clinique Acne Solutions Clinical Clearing Gel
Courtesy of Ulta
This salicylic acid acne treatment has been a fan favorite for years and guess what: It’s still available and still highly effective. Depending on your skins needs, you can apply a thin layer twice a day after you cleanse your skin, or if you already use an all-over acne treatment, you can use it as a spot treatment on particularly stubborn zits. The ultra-simple formula is hypoallergenic as well as fragrance-, oil- and paraben-free. Win, win, win.