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Top 5 Acne Treatments To Combat Flare-Ups
Skincare isn’t one-size-fits-all and finding the correct products that suit your needs and budget can take time, especially when searching for an acne treatment.
It can take weeks to tell if a product is working and to ensure the application method is correct. However, what are the best acne treatments available?
Tips To Pick The Right Acne Treatment
Before purchasing just any acne treatment, try asking yourself what ingredients work well with your skin, and consult a dermatologist for a personalized routine if it’s accessible.
Find Your Preferred Ingredients
Chemical exfoliants, acids, retinoids, and various active ingredients can target acne. However, it’s usually advised to avoid mixing these active ingredients unless specified otherwise by your doctor.
You may stick with a Salicylic Acid spot treatment or an OTC retinol.
Protect The Skin With SPF
Retinoids and exfoliants can potentially increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, so incorporating an SPF into your routine will ensure your flare-ups remain at bay.
Colorescience asked, “Does sunscreen help acne? Yes! In fact, sunscreen can actually help treat uneven skin and reduce skin redness.” It’s also helpful to choose an acne-friendly SPF.
Consult A Dermatologist
Finally, it’s best to consult your acne concerns with a dermatologist whenever possible to ensure you’re addressing your skin’s exact needs. A dermatologist can help create an entire routine for you to heal acne and blemishes.
Top 5 Acne Treatments
Photo credit: Amazon
La Roche Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% Topical Retinoid For Acne
La Roche Posay is among the top dermatologist-recommended brands at the drugstore. They’ve also curated the Effaclar line to target breakouts and acne to produce precise results.
Adapalene is a potent OTC retinol specifically designed to treat acne and perform just as well as prescription retinoids. La Roche Posay describes this as a “synthetic molecule that mimics vitamin A, it works by regulating skin cell turnover.”
It has a fragrance-free, non comedogenic, and lightweight formula. In addition, Adapalene features a gel-like texture best applied to dry, clean skin due to its higher 0.1% concentration of the vitamin A molecule.
While it may be safe to use once daily, it can be helpful to slowly incorporate it into your routine a few times a week to minimize irritation. Effaclar Adapalene can be found at most drugstores and online.
Pros
- Comparable to prescription retinoids.
- Designed to target acne
- Lightweight texture
- Fragrance-free formula
Cons
- It can sensitize the skin
- May not be compatible with other skincare ingredients like chemical exfoliants but always consult with a dermatologist for advice.
Photo credit: Hero Cosmetics
Hero Cosmetics Pimple Correct Acne Clearing Gel Pen
Hero Cosmetics understands the struggle of wishing you could banish stubborn spots instantly. The Pimple Correct Acne Clearing Pen will diminish the look of breakouts before they can reach the surface.
Hero’s key ingredients include “Salicylic Acid 2% to treat stubborn pimples, Lactic + Azelaic Acid to exfoliate clogged pores, and Tea Tree Capsules to clarify & calm skin.”
The Pimple Correct is free of harsh sensitizing components like fragrance, silicones, sulfates, parabens, etc. In addition, this spot treatment features easy-to-use packaging to click and dispense the clear, lightweight gel onto any problematic areas.
Some consumers claim it’s best used with a moisturizer to combat sensitivity and to use sunscreen daily to alleviate sun irritation.
Pros
- Contains Salicylic Acid to target blemishes
- Free of sensitizing ingredients like silicones and sulfates
- Gel-serum texture
- Easy-to-use packaging
Cons
- Spot treatment, challenging to cover the entire face
- It can increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun
Photo credit: Sephora
The Inkey List Succinic Acid Acne Treatment
One of the most intimidating factors in creating an acne-focus skin regimen can be the price. Thankfully, the Inkey List is budget-friendly and accessible online or through beauty retailers like Sephora.
The Succinic Acid Acne Treatment contains 2% Succinic Acid, 2% Sulfur, and 1% Salicylic Acid, all designed to reduce inflamed, blemish-prone skin. It’s a weightless spot treatment that can be used daily if needed and is suitable for all skin types.
It’s best to apply it to dry skin and to wait a few minutes before applying other products or pair it with hydrating components like Hyaluronic Acid. The Inkey List advises avoiding combining this treatment with exfoliating acids and retinoids.
It’s crucial to note that it can take up to 6 weeks of consistently using the Succinic Acid Acne Treatment to notice full results.
Some key claims include, “95% agreed that blemishes appeared visibly improved after 1 day of use during an independent clinical trial.”
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Alleviates inflamed and blemish-prone skin
- Contains acne-targeting ingredients like Succinic acid & Salicylic Acid
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- It takes a few weeks to see results
- It’s advised to avoid mixing this product with exfoliating acids and retinoids
Photo credit: Tower 28
Tower28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray
Are you looking to take a mild or effortless approach to heal acne? Chemical exfoliants, potent spot treatments, and retinoids may not suit everyone, so Tower28 created the SOS Daily Reduce Facial Spray.
The key ingredient within this facial spray is Hypochlorous Acid.
The Cleveland Clinic & Dr. Khetarpal says, “HOCI offers your besieged skin a little backup by working to fight bacteria that causes clogged pores and acne. It speeds up wound healing, repairs damage, and combats inflammation and conditions such as eczema.”
So, the SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray caters to sensitized, dry, and blemish-prone skin. It reduces flare-ups by targeting bacteria and can easily be dispersed with a few sprays. Tower28 claims you can use it morning and night to replace toner.
SOS Daily has National Eczema Association approval, is dermatologist-tested, and is 100% Natural. You can also use this product over makeup or post-workout for purification.
You can purchase the SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray on Tower 28’s website or at Sephora.
Pros
- Simple and hygienic application method.
- National Eczema Association seal of approval.
- Versatile formula. You can spray it over makeup or after a workout.
- Can replace a toner.
- Focuses on wound healing
Cons
- It may not be budget-friendly or accessible as other acne products.
Photo credit: Paula’s Choice Skincare
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Paula’s Choice is no stranger to the limelight having multiple products go viral on social media, including the 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. What makes this product so unique?
BHA is a typical chemical exfoliant used to treat acne, and its most popular form is Salicylic Acid.
Paula’s Choice Ingredient Dictionary states, “Salicylic acid is oil soluble, it also has the ability to penetrate into the pore lining and exfoliate inside the pore. This makes it especially effective for reducing breakouts, including blackheads and whiteheads.”
The 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is highly potent, so it’s best to slowly add this product to your regimen and monitor your skin’s reaction. Paula’s Choice also advises wearing SPF daily to shield the skin from further irritation.
91% of people achieve healthier-looking skin with consistent use thanks to this product’s ability to minimize pores/oil and reduce dead skin. However, it has a steeper price than most acne-treatments but can be easily purchased online.
Pros
- Contains 2% Salicylic Acid to exfoliate from within the pores.
- Neutralizes sebum production.
- Eliminate dead skin cells
- It can be applied a few times a week as a treatment.
Cons
- This can increase skin sensitivity and PC advises to wear SPF daily.
- Extremely potent formula that may be harsh for some skin types.
Citations
Lee, Yoonhee, et al. “Hair shaft damage from heat and drying time of hair dryer.” Annals of dermatology 23.4 (2011): 455-462.
Bengtsson, Matilde. “All-day hair manageability for textured hair types. A revision of the current anti-frizz technologies and suggestions for the future.” (2016).
