Believe it or not, acne is something I’ve dealt with from my teen years, into my adulthood. While the breakouts aren’t nearly as bad as they used to be, they are still a nuisance to deal with when they do pop up. Makeup simply doesn’t sit on the face the same, and confidence levels drop. Sound familiar? Particularly, these days I get pimples around a week before my period. Then, they usually subside the week of. Acne can be reduced significantly with a healthy diet, plenty of water, and solid skincare habits, but I’ve found that it isn’t 100% avoidable. So, I’ve been relying on some staple skincare products to help keep those pesky breakouts at bay.Looking to invest in quality products that will help clear your skin? Check out my current faves!
- Murad Clarifying Cleanser – This is my go-to cleanser! Formulated with two types of salicylic acid, this works to purify pores and treat acne, even after rinsing. At $30, it’s a little pricey for a cleanser but worth every penny! Sometimes if I have a very stubborn pimple that won’t go away, I’ll spot treat overnight with a bit of this cleanser. In the morning, the inflammation is visibly reduced. If you have dry skin, you’ll want to make sure that you follow with a high quality moisturizer afterwards. I personally recommend Olay’s Regenerist Whip with SPF 25 in the mornings, and La Mer’s Moisturizing Cream at night.
- Patchology Breakout Box – If you’re looking for another spot treatment option, this box will be your best friend. The set comes with 24 pimple-shrinking salicylic acid dots, 24 whitehead-absorbing hydrocolloid dots, and 3 blackhead-eliminating nose strips. Whether you are looking to get rid of pimples, blackheads, or whiteheads, this breakout box will have your back! Luckily, I don’t get whiteheads and blackheads often. So, I mostly use the pimple dots at night to clear up acne.
- Foreo LUNA Play Plus Facial Cleansing Device – I’ve had mine for 3 years now and it’s still going strong! I love how this waterproof cleansing device is so portable. It works really well in conjunction with my cleanser to purify the skin with relaxing Sonic pulsations. The pulsations are very gentle so you don’t have to worry about the device being abrasive on the skin! The battery life is AMAZING too. I think I’ve only had to charge it once in the 3 years I’ve used it… and I use it DAILY!
- Avene Cleanance Expert – I was gifted this to try last year and fell in love with it immediately. Not only does it smell like fresh spring water, but it is also super effective in treating acne. It’s an oil-free cream enriched with Diolényl and Monolaurin, which reduces bacteria and sebum production to give you a smooth complexion. I use this more as a spot treatment rather than a cream though, because it’s quite a small tube and I like to make it last as long as I can!
- Thayer’s Witch Hazel – Witch hazel is a must in my bathroom. You’d be surprised at how much dirt is still left on your face even after cleansing! Every night after I shower, I use a cotton round to apply witch hazel all over my face. Then, I follow with my usual serum and moisturizer. Thayer’s Witch Hazel is a gentle formula that works to get the last bits of debris while tightening pores.
- Origins Out of Trouble 10-minute Mask – Regardless of whether you have oily or combination skin, this mask works MIRACLES on troubled skin. Infused with salicylic acid, zinc oxide, and sulfur, this mask quickly reduces oil shine, removes dead cells & impurities, and minimizes formation of acne. I love the tingle on my face when I apply it. It’s so soothing that I often forget to rinse at the 10-minute mark! Upon rinsing with warm water, my face is visibly smoother.
On top of staying consistent with my skincare routine, I’ve made a commitment to treat myself to a facial once every two months this year. I just got one about two weeks ago and am hoping to see improvement over time. Once you find a skilled esthetician, facials are a great way to not only relax & stay youthful but also get a proper skin analysis & deep cleaning by a professional. Clogged pores and stubborn debris are some of the major acne culprits. However, I’m just not brave enough to do a chemical peel or extractions at home… so I leave that to my esthetician!
Do you have any products you swear by when it comes to fighting acne?
82 Responses
I was wondering whether those acne dots actually worked! Good to know that they have been working for you – I will have to check out Patchology and give them a try. Love their eye and lip masks a lot so I don’t think I’ll be disappointed 😉
I think it depends on the brand! I bought some acne dots once from Sephora – I don’t remember what the brand was – but they didn’t work very well 🙁 I’ve always loved Patchology’s products though (also a fan of their eye and lip masks!) so I’m glad that they didn’t disappoint with their breakout box! xx
I’ve been trying to improve my diet and drink more water because I know it’ll make heaps of differences in how my skin will look. I will also look into these products! That Foreo cleansing device looks like something I need 🙌🏽😍
Yes! They say that you are what you eat & drink so I think a healthy diet and ample hydration is key to great skin. But also using the right products helps too! I highly recommend investing in the Foreo Luna Play Plus if you’re in the market for a new cleansing device. Works wonders and is so gentle! xx
I use Murad cleanser as well! It’s a great product! My good friend suffers from acne so I’ll have to pass along your tips.
I’m so happy to hear that the Murad cleanser has worked well for you too, Sara! 🙂
The Acne struggle is real. This past year has been super stressful and I have noticed way more breakouts than usual. I need to get back on my charcoal mask game. I am also a big fan of Witch Hazel, but we are a loyal Dickinson’s girls in my family, my great-grandmother swore by them and passed the love down to us! 🙂
I love Dickinson’s too! 🙂
I love treating myself to facials! My favorite person is gone from my usual spa and I am devastated. I have heard so many good things about Witch Hazel. I will try it with my daughter.
Witch hazel has been working out great for me and I love how affordable it is too 🙂
Thank you so so much for the great recos, I will definitely share this post with my wife, she is gonna be so thankful.
Chad
http://www.mosaicslab.com
Thanks for dropping by and for sharing this with your wife, Chad! Really appreciate it x
I have a hard time believing your skin is anything but perfect at any point in time, but I’m glad you shared these recommendations!
Ooooohhh I have my days lol! I just choose the good days to do my photos 😉 like right now I have about 3 pimples on my forehead alone! I’ll be hibernating until my period is over and I have smooth skin again hahaha
You have such great skin—it’s hard to believe you have ANY skin issues!! I’m glad to hear good things about Olay Regenerist because it’s been on my list to try! And I 100% agree about treating yourself to a facial! I used to do treat myself to spa facials and I need to get back into that! It feels great as well as being good for the skin :-)))
You are too good to me darling! Haha I definitely have my days and have a few pesky pimples right now as we speak actually 🙁 I’m hoping they’ll go away soon because they’ve been around for a while now haha. I’m glad to inspire you to revisit regular facials 🙂 definitely good for your skin and feels awesome! x
Foreo Luna is perfect for me too. Gorgoues devise, always helping to stay the most beautiful ever
So glad you’re a fan too, Lyosha!
Your skin is always so flawless! Definitely need to check these out and try them!
Kileen
cute & little
Thank you Kileen! I have my days but definitely try to keep my skin healthy 🙂
I don’t have acne prone skin but I like trying new products!
Briana
https://beyoutifulbrunette.com/
Some of these products are great for all skin types, like the Foreo Luna Play Plus! I’d say that’s a must-have in every skin care routine hahaha
I really want to try the Murad cleanser, sounds so good!
Anika | anikamay.co.uk
It’s amazing! Just don’t forget to moisturize afterwards, especially if you tend to have dry skin xx
You really can’t go wrong with the Murad brand. My daughter and I love all of their products.
I’m so happy to hear that Murad has been working well for you and your daughters! xx
Based off your gorgeous photos, it’s hard to believe you’ve ever struggled with acne. Flawless skin! 😉 But I still deal with it too. Especially around that time of month. Thanks for sharing this!
Hahaha I try to do my photos on my good skin days! So don’t believe everything you see online 😉 but I do try to keep my skin in the best condition it can be at all times! xx
Your skin is flawless! Thanks for sharing all these good items. That Patchology breakout box is one of my favorites.
Thank you Nataly! I know right?! The Patchology breakout box is literally my lifesaver around my time of month when breakouts are bad haha
I LOVE my foreo. I think it makes a huge difference in my skin.
YES! So glad you love yours too! I love how durable it is too.
These all sounds like amazing products! I have been dying to try witch hazel for my skin. I have combination skin. I don’t have a problem with breakouts, but I do have to focus on hydration, esp. in winter! thanks for the great article!
Witch hazel is such a great addition to every skin care routine for the cleansing properties, and the best part is it’s very wallet-friendly haha 😉
That was really a girl problem, i have acne attacks too but not because of menstruation, just because of too much makeup.
I rarely wear makeup (literally only on days I’m shooting or meeting someone) but still occasionally deal with pesky breakouts!
I am actually not having an acne problem before but after giving birth to my second child it became my problem. And yes, you will avoid that in having a good skin care routine and a perfect skin care products for your skin. I also agree having a facial at least once in every two months will help your skin to become more beautiful and looking younger.
Sorry to hear that you started experiencing acne issues after giving birth to your second child! I hope that you’ll consider trying some of these products to remedy the issue xx
I don’t have acne-prone skin but I do swear by my Foreo! I have the LUNA 2 and it’s my favorite!
You have gorgeous skin, Deborah! xx
I do not have a scne skin but I still use Murad to do a skin cleanse once in a while. I love this productd and they are so easy to use.
I love how clean I feel after using Murad’s cleanser!
These are some amazing products. I do not have acne prone skin but I use facial every week just do a skin clease. Murad is my favorite and it made my skin really comfortable. I would love to try Witch Hazel too!
If you haven’t already I definitely recommend giving witch hazel a try! Thayer’s and Dickinson’s are both good and readily available at drug stores in the US xx
My niece is at that age when she gets break-outs. I will share this post with my sister. She would do anything to help her daughter have clear beautiful skin.
Thanks so much for sharing! I hope that these products will help improve her skin! x
I love Murad products! Using witch hazel is such a great suggestion. I need to add that to my routine.
Definitely! It’s very affordable so you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank to give it a try 🙂 xx
Your pictures look so beautiful. Your review is very helpful, checking out your shop now. You have amazing collections in your shop.
Thank you Elizabeth! xo
Acne can be such a downer so many times. I have gotten my flairs down some but still get some around my time of the month. These are some great product recommends.
I couldn’t agree more, Becca. Acne can be such a confidence killer! That’s why I prioritize taking care of my skin. But even then, I still get breakouts every now and then especially around my time of month too. I hope these products will help you as much as they’ve helped me with my acne!
Those look really cool and useful. I wish I’d had access to them when I was a teen. It would have been pretty useful 🙂
There are definitely a lot more products out there now! When I was a teen I was totally lost too and discouraged that I’d be stuck with acne for the rest of my life hahaha nothing seemed to be working! Glad that I’ve discovered some products that at least help keep the acne under control if not eliminate it xx
Gotta take your word for it, because you have flawless skin!! Thanks for sharing your secrets<3
Xo
CANDACE
http://www.thebeautybeau.com
Aw thank you so much Candace! You are the sweetest xx
I’m not a beauty expert but thanks for the share. I’ll share your ideas if I come across someone asking about it.
Thank you so much! x
Your skin is flawess and I see why! Other than eating right and exercising you also use some great products. I have been curious about Foreo and need to give it a try. I’ve heard great things about Witch Hazel too. I need to incorporate some of these products into my skincare routine especially during that time of the month because I get breakouts then!
Christine | http://dailykongfidence.com/
Ever since I tried the Foreo Luna Play Plus, my Clarisonic has become obsolete! Haha I love how it is so easy to clean and the bristles don’t discolor even after years of usage. Definitely a wonderful investment for skin care 🙂 xx
I struggle with acne too and these are great suggestions! Love that Murad cleanser!
Thank you Tonya, I’m glad you think so! x
Thank you for sharing your skincare. I do invest more on these products compared to make up’ I’m using avene and a similar product close to foreo.
Thanks for reading, Rhea! Avene is amazing! xx
I eally hav acne-prone ski and this article is really helpful
Thanks Preet! So glad you found it helpful x
Your post is highly informative, and your picture is charming
Thank you!
Definitely a handy article! I’ll have to keep this in mind to try some of these products.
Thanks Natasha! Glad you found it helpful x
Oooo so many great suggestions!!!! When I was younger I had the worst skin! Drinking lots of water helps as well!!!
It totally does!
I love reading this post today! It’s great to hear other people’s skincare regimens as I’m always on the lookout for the up and coming! 🙂 xo, Suzanne
Thanks Suzanne! Glad you liked it x
Thayer’s is amazing for acne-prone skin like mine! I’m really interested in trying the Foreo device- the price point isn’t bad at all!
xo Samantha
You’ll love the Foreo if you decide to invest in one! xx
These all sound like amazing products and your skin always looks radiant!
I tend to have dry skin so I don’t use these particular products but I do use some of the brands and I try to have a facial every two months too! It’s not only good for the skin but it’s wonderfully relaxing too!
Julia x
https://www.thevelvetrunway.com
Thanks Julia! You’re the sweetest x
You have the best skin, so I’ll take any product recommendation you give!
Thank you Lauryn! I definitely have my days but really appreciate that x
Your skin looks amazing! Im in the same boat and still struggling with my skin. Adult acne just sucks doesn’t it?😢 I have the clarisonic but I’ve heard such good things about the foreo, I’m so tempted!!
http://www.sundaydahlias.com
It does suck! 🙁 Haha but gotta deal with it and these products definitely help. You’ll love the Foreo!