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!"
Why it's great: Users swear by this acne-fighting serum saying "blemishes heal faster, breakouts are much less, and it takes off layers of blotchy, scarred skin." Reviewers also love that the acne-fighting serum features natural ingredients, combating breakouts using witch hazel and tea tree oil. "It's expensive, but so worth it," one reader says. "I absolutely love this product."
Why it's great: If you suffer from "unpredictable acne breakouts," users claim this correcting lotion will "really improve skin." One user says her face has completely cleared up since using the acne product and her face looks "clear and healthy." Others agree, adding the acne product doesn't leave your face dry or itchy.
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."
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.
