A few years ago, if someone was looking for products to target acne, the first thing that would come to mind would be something along the lines of Accutane and over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide. The beauty industry has come a long way since then, and fortunately today there are so many great choices. Here are some of the most effective acne products that won’t bleach your sheets and that worked for my skin.
Double cleansing is very important when it comes to acne-prone skin. The goal is to remove the makeup first, then cleanse the actual skin. First, a balm or oil cleanser to remove makeup, then a soothing, hydrating cleanser that’s free of sulfates to make sure the skin is balanced.
First Cleanse
Clinique Take the Day Off Balm ($30)
Drunk Elephant Slaai Cleanser ($34)
Second Cleanse
Biologique Recherche Lait VIP 02
Dr. Barbara Sturm Cleanser ($70)
Drunk Elephant Beste ($32)
A mild exfoliant can balance the skin and make sure excessive sebum doesn’t clog pores and dead skin cells get slouched off. This does the majority of the “work” in your skincare routine.
Biologique Recherche Lotion P50
(Choose the version appropriate for you after a consultation with a qualified aesthetician.)
Paula’s Choice 2% BHA ($30)
Youth to the People Kombucha + 11% AHA Exfoliation Power Toner ($38)
A hydrating serum, a repairing serum, or an antioxidant serum are great choices when it comes to compromised skin.
Hydrating:
Biologique Recherche Sérum Extraits Tissulaires
Poosh x Hora Hyaluronic Halo + CBD Serum ($50)
Antioxidant and Treatment:
Dr. Barbara Sturm Clarifying Serum ($250)
Antioxidant and Repairing:
Paula’s Choice Triple Algae Pollution Shield ($31)
Repairing:
Biologique Recherche Sérum Placenta
A targeting mask once a week can help boost the results of your skincare regimen.
Biologique Recherche Masque Vivant
Biologique Recherche Masque VIP O2
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial ($80)
Dr. Barbara Sturm Clarifying Mask ($145)
These moisturizers will never feel heavy or greasy on the skin. They’re comfortable and feel like nothing but help retain hydration.
Indeed Labs Hydraluron Moisture Jelly ($20)
Bioderma Sensibio Light Cream ($20)
Bioderma Cicabio Cream ($12)
Biologique Recherche Crème Placenta
Biologique Recherche Crème Dermopurifiante
That’s a wrap. These are some of the most effective skincare products on the market, all free of fragrance and fast-working to give skin what it needs to recover.
Disclaimer: Seek professional advice from a doctor or licensed aesthetician before using any products mentioned. Acne comes in many forms and can sometimes be confused with other more serious skin conditions.
