In a perfect world, Dr. Pimple Popper offered free webinars, Law Roach taught you how to shop, and Serena Williams taught you how to serve. Unfortunately, we live in a real world where it’s not always easy to seek guidance from the experts. It can be particularly difficult to navigate the aisles of products designed to prevent breakouts for anyone with acne-prone skin. Fortunately, we’ve discovered the equivalent in the world of beauty: leading dermatologists nationwide are offering the greatest at-home acne remedies that can help you get cleaner skin.
Even better news: there are a tonne of efficient, reasonably priced choices available at the drugstore for those who can’t afford Kim Kardashian’s $630 skin-care budget (which is, like, everyone?). To help you stock up securely (and successfully), the slides that follow include a variety of tried-and-true acne fighters with proven components that skin-care specialists prescribe on a daily basis. A few wildcards are also included, such an LED mask and an antidandruff shampoo.
As for what not to use, dermatologist Laura Haygood, MD, FAAD, says, “Essential oil-based acne treatments and charcoal masks because of their lack of effectiveness and risk for allergic reactions,” P.S. Otherwise, continue scrolling for the greatest instruments for eliminating bacteria, spot treatments, and everything in between. orders from the doctor.
Daily Cleanser for Acne
Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser ($12)
“Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser is not specifically designed for acne sufferers, but I always offer it to my acne patients because acneic skin is sensitive and requires careful treatment. Furthermore, because acne products can dry skin out, washing your skin gently will avoid stripping off too much of its natural oils and causing more aggravation.” — Physician Bard
Sunscreen For Acne-Prone Skin
Cetaphil Oil Control Moisturizer SPF 30 ($14)
“The Cetaphil Oil Control Moisturiser SPF 30 works great to combat shine, while the SPF takes care of sun protection for anyone using those sun-sensitive topical medications.” — Physician Schachter
“Always use a noncomedogenic sunscreen moisturiser in the morning, such as the Cetaphil Oil Control Moisturiser SPF 30, which will moisturise and protect without clogging pores.” — Physician Haygood
Inflammatory Acne Treatment
Neutrogena Stubborn Acne AM Treatment ($12)
Benzoyl peroxide works best, in my experience, for inflammatory acne, which can result in red pimples and deeper cysts along the jawline. Both the redness and the red marks left behind by acne can be effectively treated with the Neutrogena Stubborn Acne AM Treatment. Patients with oily acne can benefit greatly from this treatment because it is lightweight, absorbs well, and contains BP, which also has oil control qualities.” — Caroline Robinson, MD, FAAD, a dermatologist
Foaming Acne Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin ($6)
“I advise every patient I treat for acne to move to a mild cleanser and moisturiser. The CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin and its oil-free face moisturising lotion for use in the AM and PM are my favourites. These solutions are a good, neutral foundation upon which to create a topical acne medication regimen because they are formulated for skin that is prone to acne, without causing dryness or irritation.” — Physician Peterson
Sulfur Acne Treatment
“The majority of spot treatments available on the market use benzoyl peroxide, which can irritate skin. However, this product presents a novel approach by combining the Shaant complex and sulphur. Fruit-based acids contribute alpha-hydroxy acids, which are crucial for promoting skin turnover. This topical will give acne-prone skin more anti-inflammatory and antioxidant power instead of contributing to oxidative stress, unlike products that include benzoyl peroxide.” — Raja Sivamani, MD, Integrative Skin Science and Research’s director of clinical research, dermatologist, and ayurvedic practitioner
Acne Treatment Stickers
Peace Out Skincare Acne Healing Dots ($19)
Acne or acne patches, such as the Acne Healing Dots from Peace Out Skincare. In essence, pimple patches are hydrocolloid bandages coloured like skin that are sliced into circles to conceal pimples. Because hydrocolloid can adhere to both wet and dry areas and sucks moisture out of wounds, it is frequently utilised in wound healing. Before placing the patch on top, I encourage patients to very gently pierce the zit once with a clean pin. It’s fantastic since it captures the contents and, more crucially in some cases, prevents the patient from selecting. After removing the pimple patch, cooling the region helps to soothe it even more (and ice works even in the absence of a pimple patch).” Skincare specialist Papri Sarkar,