Whether you have acne-prone skin or just the occasional breakout, pimples are just a regular (and sometimes annoying) part of having skin. They can be painful and challenging to treat, and then, even after they heal, there's the pesky problem of scars, uneven skin tone, and discoloration. Of course, there are hundreds (if not thousands of solutions) to all of these problems out there, but the task is sifting through them and finding what you actually need. Would a salicylic acid cleanser help your breakouts? A regular cleansing mask? Layering serums? All of the above?
Sometimes, it's trial and error to find the best products, but to make it easier for you, we've picked out some of our favorites: Sephora, which is now essentially a one-stop shop for all the best acne products the beauty industry has to offer.
Here are Teen Vogue's favorite products, tried and tested, with some tips from board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mara Weinstein. The best part is that all the products can be found in one place on Sephora.com and in most stores.
Peace Out Salicylic Acid Acne Healing Dots
Pimple patches are a great way to treat pesky zits and arguably the best way to keep your hands off them so they can heal properly. As someone who struggles to resist the urge to squeeze a whitehead, the Peace Out Acne Dots is a top-notch way to prevent it.
These patches are small and round, you'll wake up and notice the difference when you wear them overnight. So when you have a big event or even a school day, these patches ensure a pimple doesn't get in the way. The main ingredients, encapsulated salicylic acid, aloe vera extract, and retinyl acetate, work together to reduce the size and redness of pimples in six hours or less. While these pimple patches are vegan and safe for most people, those with adhesive allergies or sensitivities should use caution.
"Someone with extreme sensitivities, especially to adhesives, should stay away from acne patches," says Dr. Weinstein. "Even rosacea-prone skin can become irritated from acne patches. If you use retinoids or prescription topicals, holding off on the acne patches is best. You don't want to combine these as there is a risk of tearing that very fragile top layer of skin when removing." She adds that, for the most part, these acne patches are safe; it's just important to peel them off slowly so you don't damage your skin.
Kiehl's Truly Targeted Acne-Clearing Pimple Patch with Salicylic Acid
Don't let the name fool you. The Kiehls Truly Targeted Acne-Clearing Pimple Patch isn't a patch at all. It's a salicylic acid serum formulated to treat and cover pimples in a similar way to a patch without the adhesive. While it feels like a serum, it's not meant to be applied all over your skin; it's meant to be used in a targeted area, just as a patch would be.
The ingredients are 2% Salicylic Acid, 4% Niacinamide, and 0.2% licorice root, packing a solid punch to reduce pimples within 24 hours. Just be sure to moisturize. "Salicylic acid can be very drying as well, so it's important to moisturize when using salicylic acid-based products," says Dr. Weinstein.
Moreover, it goes on clear and dries quickly, making it perfect for using under the concealer or foundation you already love.
The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser
If you're looking to incorporate salicylic acid more regularly into your face routine, a cleanser is a great place to start. The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser is a gel moisturizer with 2% salicylic acid, a zinc compound, and allantoin.
"Salicylic acid helps to kill bacteria. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and works as a keratolytic, which means it breaks apart dead skin cells on the surface of your skin so that your skin cells regenerate. It's great to use as a cleanser for this reason," says Dr. Weinstein. "It's a chemical exfoliant and will gently exfoliate the skin so that when topical/leave-on treatments are applied they are able to penetrate!"
Salicylic acid cleansers and spot treatments can be used together for the ultimate treatment combo. "It's important to remember that combining might not be best for you if you are prone to sensitivity, irritation, or even dry skin. For patients with sensitive skin, I always recommend starting off using one beta-hydroxy acid at a time. So start with a cleanser, and work up from there."
iNNBeauty Project Acne Serum Medicated Treatment
If you want to avoid acne before it starts, consider a serum with salicylic acid, like the iNNBeauty Project Acne Serum with 1.5% salicylic acid. This serum can be applied to your whole face without drawing because it also includes a 6% skin barrier complex, which includes ceramides, lactobacillus ferment, and botanical extracts.
This product is more of a skin-saving remedy because it is meant to improve any hyperpigmentation with 4% tranexamic acid and niacinamide.
innisfree Super Volcanic AHA Pore Clearing Clay Mask
If you have oily skin, a mask that can absorb excess sebum (the waxy substance that moisturizes your skin) is the perfect fit for you. Innisfree's Super Volcanic AHA Pore Clearing Clay Mask is a great option. The AHA, aka lactic acid, exfoliates the skin on application and reduces the appearance of pores over time.
The clay itself goes on thick so you can make sure you're getting all the right spots, and honestly, it just feels really nice as it sits on your skin. You can almost feel it working. Just be careful not to overdry your skin, and always follow this product with moisturizer.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner
Breakouts are difficult to treat generally but add in sensitive skin issues, and it's a whole different set of challenges. That's where Glow Recipe comes in with the Watermelon Glow Watermelon Pore-Tight Toner. Not only does this delicious-smelling pink serum feel silky smooth on your skin when it goes on, but it's actually doing the work of visibly tightening your pores at the same time. "PHA's are great for more sensitive skin as they are larger molecules, less irritating, and work to gently exfoliate on the surface of the skin," says Dr. Weinstein. "Where BHA's have a slightly smaller molecular size and are able to penetrate deeper, they can help dissolve sebum and control oil production. I recommend applying on a freshly cleansed face as the first layer."
This product works best when you gently press it into your skin and then follow up with a moisturizer.
Topicals Faded Serum for Dark Spots & Discoloration
Dark spots and discoloration happen when your skin produces extra melanin while it's healing. Topical Faded Serum is the perfect solution to tackle difficult-to-fade dark spots. It visibly clears post-blemish marks and scars on all skin shades.
Just make sure you don't combine it with retinoids, AHA or BHA. "The combination could cause sensitivity to the skin. If a product is already formulated with these ingredients in them, then that's fine. It has been formulated properly. For example, some brightening agents contain AHAS in them or retinoids, so they can be used as one product. In general, we don't recommend combining chemical exfoliants with retinoids due to increased risk of skin sensitivity and over-exfoliation," says Dr. Weinstein.
Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Dark Spot Serum Vitamin C Alternative
Caudalie Vinoperfect Serum is perfect for skin that's recovering from breakouts. It's a Vitamin C alternative made from a patented vine sap vinifera, which is meant to visibly soften dark spots and even out your skin tone. What's more is that it's light, making it a perfect serum for layering.
"Layering your serum is absolutely fine! You just have to be strategic on what exactly you're layering," Dr. Weinstein explains. “The rule is to layer from thinnest to thickest. If you're using retinoids or prescription topicals, those have to be applied first, followed by your next products. I recommend against mixing all the serums before applying. Serums each have different benefits and chemical properties for the skin, and they are not meant to be mixed before being applied. We won't know how effectively each is working if all ingredients are mixed together.”
