Why it's great: At this point, this sulfur-based drying lotion is pretty much iconic. "This product works like magic," says one reader. "Within one week of use, there was a dramatic decrease in my acne. Another reviewer agrees, saying, "It has the highest level of sulfur I could find, 10 percent, and clears up a pimple in a day or two for me."
Why it's great: Thanks to the aloe in the formula, this spot treatment helps clear breakouts without overdrying skin — plus, at $2, it's quite the steal. "I applied this product liberally to my pimples and was SHOCKED in the morning to see visibly better skin," said one reader. Another user (who was similarly taken aback by the bargain product's efficacy) raved, "It actually works better than any blemish stick I've used."
Why it's great: With a 5.5-percent concentration of benzoyl peroxide, this popular acne treatment is great for eradicating breakouts. One reader said it gave her "visible improvement within a few days," while another exclaimed that it made her skin "sooo soft."
Why it's great: This exfoliating scrub uses charcoal to really help give you a deep clean. "It leaves my skin super soft and clear," said one reviewer, who also noted that the scrub is gentle yet effective and has a "pleasant and light" scent. Another reader said that it "helped tremendously" with her hormonal acne.
Why it's great: Readers say this acne-fighting mask "cleanses and purges pores," and doesn't dry out skin."If you want clean, clear skin — use this mask," gushes one user. "Your skin feels so toned, tight and clean. The best mask for getting rid of oily skin or zits!"
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.
