Say Goodbye to Acne with These Topical Products
If you struggle with acne, you know how frustrating and upsetting it can be. It's a skin condition that affects millions of people, and while it's often associated with teenage years, it can continue into adulthood. But there are things you can do to help manage your acne and prevent breakouts from happening.
Cleansers
The first step in any acne-fighting routine is to cleanse your skin. There are a variety of cleansers on the market that can help target acne-prone skin. Look for cleansers that contain salicylic acid, which works to unclog pores, or benzoyl peroxide, which kills the bacteria that cause acne.
Some popular cleansers for acne-prone skin include the Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash, Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser, and the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Acne Cleanser. When using a cleanser, be sure to massage it into your skin for at least a full minute to ensure that it has time to work its way into your pores.
Toners
After cleansing, it's a good idea to use a toner, which helps remove any leftover dirt or makeup that your cleanser may have missed. Toners also help to balance the pH of your skin, which can prevent further breakouts from occurring.
One popular toner for acne-prone skin is the Thayers Witch Hazel Toner, which contains witch hazel to help soothe irritated skin. The Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is another popular choice, as it contains salicylic acid to help unclog pores.
Spot Treatments
If you have a particularly stubborn blemish, a spot treatment can help to target it directly. Spot treatments often contain higher concentrations of active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, so they can be more effective than regular cleansers or toners.
Some popular spot treatments include the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion, which contains salicylic acid and calamine to help dry out pimples. The Origins Super Spot Remover also contains salicylic acid, as well as red algae to help soothe inflamed skin.
Moisturizers
It may seem counterintuitive to use a moisturizer when you have oily, acne-prone skin, but it's important to keep your skin hydrated. When your skin is dehydrated, it can produce more oil to compensate, which can lead to further breakouts.
Look for moisturizers that are labeled "oil-free" or "non-comedogenic", which means they won't clog your pores. The CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM is a popular choice, as it contains SPF 30 to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays. The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream is another favorite, as it provides lightweight hydration without leaving a greasy residue.
Sunscreens
Sun protection is important for everyone, but it's especially important for those with acne-prone skin. Many acne medications can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so wearing sunscreen can help prevent further damage.
Look for sunscreens that are labeled "oil-free" or "non-comedogenic" to avoid exacerbating your acne. The EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen is a popular choice, as it contains niacinamide to help soothe irritated skin. The Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen is another favorite, as it dries down to a matte finish and works well under makeup.
Conclusion
Acne can be a frustrating and difficult condition to manage, but there are topical products that can help. By using a combination of cleansers, toners, spot treatments, moisturizers, and sunscreen, you can help prevent breakouts and keep your skin looking its best.