Why it's great: "This worked to reduce the size of my pores and remove blackheads completely," says one reviewer of this product that is meant to be used like a toner. "It makes my skin feel really clean but not dried out." says another. "This is the product I will continue to use."
Why it's great: "After using this, I get compliments on my skin all the time," gushes one fan of this acne-fighting serum. "I had tried everything and Exposed Skincare's serum is the only product that has worked for me consistently." Other reviewers also say they love that the acne treatment "doesn't leave you oily and it makes skin look clear and feel smooth."
Why it's great: Have you ever tried hydrocolloid bandages for acne? They help absorb excess oil while also acting as a protective cover for active breakouts. "I'm obsessed," raves one user. "These things are total gamechangers. They really help heal and reduce the size of your pimples in a way that I haven't ever encountered before."
Why it's great: If you're looking to "blast your breakout" then users say this acne product will do the trick. "This is truly the best spot treatment I've ever used," confesses on reader. "It works so fast — if I have a blemish I put this on before bed and it's gone by the morning." Other reviewers agree, saying it seems to get rid of breakouts overnight without drying or irritating skin. "A little goes a long way," says one user.
The best acne products are essential for adults suffering from bad skin. While some women are lucky enough to outgrow teen acne (or skip it entirely — jerks), the rest of us need help dealing with the recurring blemishes in our 20s, 30s, 40s and beyond. That's when this list of the best acne products — along with the ones you should avoid — becomes especially handy. With it, we can navigate the endless acne treatment options out there and hone in on the best acne products that will help us treat everything from cystic acne and the occasional monster zit to chin acne or recurring breakouts.
Of course, products aren't the only acne solution. That's why we talked to Doris Day, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology at the New York University Langone Medical Center. She gave us these tips on how to prevent zits from popping up in the first place:
• Get seven to eight hours of sleep at night, which is the time needed for skin to recoup and heal any damage done during the day.
• Cut out dairy. The additional androgen hormones in cow's milk can cause hormonal imbalances in women and result in breakouts.
• Eat antioxidant-rich cranberries, pomegranates and blueberries to help your face (and body) heal faster.
• Change your pillowcase daily to remove any bacteria or leftover makeup residue.
Then, try these reader-tested acne products that reviewers say turn acne into a distant memory — just like that cheesy haircut (and equally cheesy boyfriend) that you had in high school.
