My prayer circle chant: Let’s zap some zits.
We hope you love the products we recommend! All of them were independently selected by our editors. Just so you know, BuzzFeed may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to shop from them. Oh, and FYI — prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication.
1.
Hydrocolloid Cosrx pimple patches that speed up the ~draining process~, but more importantly? They 👏 prevent 👏 picking 👏. If you’re looking for a no-frills way to stop cystic acne in its evil tracks, these transparent stickers are the way to go.
2.
Or! Hero Cosmetics surface strips to treat cluster breakouts (cc: that special time of the month in which your jawline is shown no mercy) with the same medical-grade hydrocolloid formula.
3.
A La Roche-Posay gel cleanser with a favorite five-letter word: C-L-E-A-R. This salicylic acid wash targets (and destroys) blackheads and whiteheads while ridding surface oil by up to 47%, which basically means that I’ve peaked into my crystal ball and looked into your future. I’m seeing a potential lottery win and, oh yeah, a breakup with breakouts.
4.
The Ordinary blemish serum, because what do we love? Quality ingredients for cheap. We’re talking ~$6 for niacinamide and zinc PCA — both superheroes in the battle against excess oil, acne, and acne scarring.
5.
A Body Shop sleeping mask to give beauty ZZZs a whole new meaning. Salicylic acid and tea tree oil happily destroy pimples and excess sebum whilst you dream, meaning you’ll wake up to matte skin that won’t be require that 10 pounds of setting powder, thank you very much.
6.
A non-comedogenic, fragrance-free Cerave moisturizing cream that you should’ve started using, like, yesterday. This formula contains salicylic acid, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin D — all of which provide light exfoliation so your skin can retain more moisture, plus it’s super effective at combatting (and calming) everything from psoriasis to body acne.
7.
Plus, a Cerave body wash that mimics the above formula and targets *gulp* arguably the most stressful kind of acne: the kind that develops on your chest, back, and butt.
8.
An Ancient Greek Remedy facial oil, because what we demand is a skincare jack-of-all-trades. This blend of extra virgin olive oil, almond oil, grape seed oil, lavender essential oil, and vitamin E does all the following: softens skin, helps heal acne, lightens dark spots, and is super moisturizing. *adds to cart immediately*
9.
A Mario Badescu clarifying serum that bids adieu to about-to-erupt blemishes, one sleep at a time. Just apply a thin layer of this thyme and salicylic acid gel over effected areas, and the only thing you’ll be waking up to is the irritating sound of your alarm — no cystic acne (that deep, painful kind).
10.
A Cerave exfoliating cleanser gentle enough for even the most sensitive complexions. Salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin D pick up dead skin cells (the kind that cause gunk build-up) to prevent acne outbreaks — keep in mind that this is also non-comedogenic, ergo your complexion won’t feel overly tight *or* break out even further.
11.
A GlamGlow clarifying mask worth all the Instagram hype it’s gotten. This combo of six exfoliating acids and activated charcoal is so effective at battling breakouts and blackheads, one reviewer went so far as to call it “pure magic.”
12.
Cotton Mediheal sheet masks packed with ingredients like willow bark, rosemary, tea tree oil, chamomile, and asiatic pennywort — all of which translate to “I fight acne for a living”. Not without further ado, grab some wine and begin your at-home spa night. Consider your complexion exfoliated and irritation reduced, all in the name of relaxation.
13.
A portable Cocokind spot treatment that makes application a breeze: simply dab this onto that chin pimple and, just like that, you’ll have waved goodbye to the messy (and smelly) topical creams of acne past. Plus, this turmeric, ginger, and tea tree oil formula truly does zap zits overnight.
14.
An Eva Naturals skin clearing serum, because adult acne is *the worst* and reviewers swear that this stuff helps. Not only does this blend of vitamin C, salicylic acid, retinol, and niacinamide attack blemishes with a vengeance, but it also provides moisture and reduces dullness. Heroes = they don’t all wear capes.
15.
A resurfacing mask that acts like a magnet for dead skin and trapped gunk. This soothing, jelly-like product contains powerful ingredients (10% AHA 0.5% BHA, baby) that unclogs pores, increases collagen production, and leaves nothing but a glowing canvas behind. Surprise! It now looks like you drink a ton of water.
16.
A Clinique BB cream with a buildable, lightweight formula that won’t worsen breakouts and feels like a second skin. Added bonus: This has SPF40, which means you’ll be getting protection *and* coverage all in one swipe.
17.
A bottle of Glossier Solution; a powerful chemical exfoliant that bids adieu to dead skin. This cruelty-free concoction uses several acids (AHA, BHA, and PHA) to unclog pores, fight acne, and do away with dark spots — all while moisturizing, conditioning, and exfoliating your skin. HOORAY!
18.
A micro needle roller to tackle scarring and cystic acne indentations with a freakin’ vengeance — because sometimes, the aftermath of a hormonal breakout can be worse than the breakout itself. This specific model is more affordable than other rollers on the market (we’re talking an $80 difference) but equally as effective. #bless
19.
An Avène gel cleanser lauded by over 1,000 reviewers, who all *swear* that this is the ultimate step one in a pimple-fighting skincare routine. This soapless stuff does wonders for acne without being overly drying — it even contains a splash of thermal spring water works to calm your skin.
20.
A hypoallergenic Bioderma foaming gel so effective, you’ll actually *feel* all that built-up dirt, oil, and acne-causing miscellaneous gunk being exhumed from your pores. But the best part, my pets? This delivers results for less than $10.
21.
A vegan Bawdy mask intended for your booty. Yes, that’s what I said. This citrus and plant-based collagen formula works to brighten your assets (and fight blemishes) while also leaving a smooth complexion *clears throat* behind.
22.
An oil- and soap-free La Roche-Posay foaming gel, because you’re sick of relying on (*and* constantly having to spend money on) oil blotters with. This formula kicks both acne and your excess sebum to the curb, which makes for a matte complexion that actually stays matte throughout the entire day.
23.
A Peter Thomas Roth treatment mask packed with sulfur, kaolin clay, and bentonite clay for a strong formula that follows through on its description of being “maximum strength”. So let me break it down for you: This mask will quickly dry out your acne and tell excess oil to hit the road.
24.
Paula’s Choice 2% BHA liquid exfoliant to tackle enlarged pores, pesky pimples, and fine lines with a vengeance. It also works OT to gently exfoliate (ta ta FOREVER, dullness) without causing redness or irritation along the way.
25.
Versed brightening solution, because what’s worse than acne? Acne scarring. Just a daily swipe of this four-acid complex will lead you to greener pastures (the greener pastures = lightened dark spots, no more dullness, and a more even complexion overall).
26.
An exfoliating towel to tackle a word that strikes fear into all of our hearts: Backne. This removes layers of dead skin that lead to scarring and, if you use it in combo with Mario Badescu botanical body soap, your back will become all but invincible to breakouts.
27.
A Sunday Riley clarifying oil bordering on Harry Potter-grade magic. This medicated dry oil prevent blackheads, stubborn pimples, and fine lines whilst you sleep, plus it absorbs super quickly — no more waking up to grease stains on your pillowcase that you’ll get around to washing…eventually.
28.
A Michael Todd daily cleanser with honey and oat extracts, which act to naturally reduce inflammation. If you’re sensitive to harsher acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, you’ll definitely want to give this pH-balancing cleanser a chance.
29.
A cruelty-free Almay matte foundation, because the only makeup worth slathering on your skin should be non-comedogenic (as to not aggravate your breakouts). This one is particularly fab because it has a buildable formula infused with salicylic acid to actively heal pimples *and* provide coverage at the same darn time.
30.
A Mario Badescu powder about to become your new holy grail if you’re pimple-prone and want some coverage. This absorbs excess oil and reduces redness, all while the sulfur-based formula works to actively heal breakouts in the process.
31.
Bioré cleansing cloths to stash by your nightstand because it’s been a long day, your eyes are shutting, and you’d rather chew off your pinky than get up to wash your face. I get it. But please, I beg you, at least use a wipe. Don’t break the first commandment of Skincare 101 and go to bed with a pimple caked in concealer.
32.
A L’Oréal Paris oil-free moisturizer because, yes, oily skin still needs hydration (READ: grease does not mean you shouldn’t be moisturizing!). This aloe vera and hyaluronic acid formula delivers lightweight, non-greasy hydration that won’t result in more excess sebum — or acne.
The pimple currently on my chin after being exposed to salicylic acid:
Need more for your skin? Check out Korean skincare products you need to know, cheap skincare products that are even better than luxury brands, products for an even skin tone or to deal with acne scars, or check out all of our beauty content for even more great stuff for your hair, skin, and more.
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"Нужно научиться принимать боль и использовать ее как топливо в нашем странствии. Кэндзи Миядзава"