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Few things are quite as frustrating as waking up with breakouts or being unable to tackle stubborn pimples—so finding the best acne treatment is key. Whether you’ve been combating acne since your teenage years or only started breaking out as an adult, the quest to find the right product is always daunting. Ahead, we deep dive into your burning acne questions—from how to treat it to diminishing leftover scarring—plus, the best products to use according to dermatologists and Vogue editors.
Best Acne Treatments
- Best Serum: Skinceuticals Silymarin CF, $182
- Best Toner: Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, $34
- Best Face Wash: Paula’s Choice Pore Normalizing Acne Cleanser, $15
- Best Body Acne Treatment: CeraVe SA Body Wash for Rough & Bumpy Skin, $13
- Best Spot Treatment: Mario Badescu Drying Lotion, $17
- Best Pimple Patch: Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Original, $11
- Best Face Mask: Peter Thomas Roth Therapeutic Sulfur Acne Treatment Mask, $52
- Best LED Light Therapy Device: Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro, $455
Best Light Therapy Tools for Acne
The best beauty tools are known to amplify even the most thorough skin-care regimens. That said, LED light therapy is often the blemish-fighting treatment recommended by our network of experts. Take a new approach to masking with the Dr. Dennis Gross LED device to combat blemishes by destroying acne-causing bacteria through an at-home blue light treatment known to kill acne-causing bacteria. Otherwise, the Solawave wand combines four treatments into one (red light therapy, micro-current technology, facial massage, and therapeutic warmth) to fade blemishes, increase absorption of skin-care ingredients, and promote a youthful complexion.
Dr. Dennis Gross
DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro LED Light Therapy Device
A powerful LED Light Therapy Device that uses a combination of blue and red LED lights to enhance collagen production, reduce discoloration, and tackle acne for a radiant complexion every time. It's no wonder celebrities like Rita Ora and Lucy Hale have been spotted using the device.
Solawave
Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand
Don’t have room for yet another bulky skincare device that eventually collects dust underneath your bed? This portable skincare wand is compact enough to take with you and use on the go, enhancing the skin with red light therapy, galvanic currents, facial massage, and therapeutic warmth.
Best Face Wash for Acne
“If you notice that your skin is acne-prone, it can feel good to double cleanse because it helps degrease the skin,” says dermatologist Dr. Whitney Bowe, who recommends starting with Bioderma’s micellar water, then cleansing with Skinfix’s foaming cleanser—both options, she notes, are gentle enough not to damage the skin barrier. Dr. Corey L. Hartman, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama, likes the CeraVe Foaming Cream Cleanser, especially for those with sensitive skin, and the SkinCeuticals LHA Cleanser Gel, which is formulated with a cocktail of acids to “treat acne and prevent aging.” Meanwhile, dermatologist Dr. Jessica Wu recommends the Avène Cleansing Foam for those with acne-prone, dry, sensitive skin, and the Paula’s Choice Pore Normalizing Acne Cleanser for normal to oily skin types because it “contains salicylic acid to fight blackheads and congestion, along with panthenol to soothe skin and help prevent irritation.”
Avène
Cleansing Foam
Removing makeup, dirt, pollution, and the aftermath of a busy day from your skin can be a challenge. Fortunately, this Avene cleansing foam takes care of it all for you, providing a thorough cleanse with Avene thermal spring water, non-sulfated surfactants, glycerin, and diglycerin.
Best Toner for Acne
Post-cleanse, look for a toner or exfoliating solution to further unclog congested pores, wipe away dead skin, and remove impurities. Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is one of the most recommended products, and Green says it’s gentle enough for daily use. “This product gently exfoliates the skin, breaking down sebum and debris that are clogging the pores to reveal a smoother, healthier complexion,” she explains. La Roche-Posay’s toner, too, leads with salicylic acid—working alongside glycolic acid to unclog pores and smooth bumpy skin.
Paula's Choice
Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Best Serum for Acne
If you’re interested in adding an acne-treating serum or moisturizer to your regimen, consider starting with The Ordinary’s Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%—a notably affordable option that’s recommended by several of our experts. “[Niacinamide] has a calming and brightening effect on the skin, helping to improve overall tone and texture while reducing breakouts and controlling excess sebum and oil production,” says Green, who notes that those with oily skin or breakouts will benefit from the healing, anti-inflammatory properties of this serum.
To treat blackheads and whiteheads, Bowe likes the SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF—an oil-free vitamin-C serum that can also help reduce signs of aging. Otherwise, perhaps try iS Clinical’s, which is a healing serum chock full of inflammation- and blemish-quelling ingredients from zinc sulfate to kojic acid, or the Caudalie Vinopure serum that features a blend of 100% natural salicylic acid and niacinamide to address enlarged pores and breakouts.
Silymarin CF
For those with oily and breakout-prone skin, might we suggest SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF? It's a potent blend of antioxidants and acids, including 15% L-ascorbic acid, 0.5% silymarin, 0.5% ferulic acid, and 0.5% salicylic acid that reduces excess oiliness, enhances skin texture, and diminishes the appearance of fine lines.
Best Acne Treatments
The Differin gel that many of us may have been prescribed to treat pubescent acne may still be worth a place in your acne-fighting routine. According to Wu, “This over-the-counter retinoid gets deep into the pores to help dissolve blackheads. It’s strong and can cause sun sensitivity, so only use it at night and be sure to use SPF.” For other topical daily acne treatments, consider La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel, which regulates cell turnover to prevent dead skin from clogging your pores.
Best Acne Spot Treatment
A spot treatment is a savior targeted acne treatment—meaning you don’t feel the pressure to cover your entire face in blemish-soothing ingredients. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hadley King also recommends Acne Free’s Terminator 10 Acne Spot Treatment because it contains “calming anti-inflammatory ingredients [that] are helpful to decrease the inflammation in the active pimple.” Then there are classics like Mario Badescu’s Drying Lotion, which uses a potent blend of sulfur, salicylic acid, zinc oxide, and calamine to calm zits overnight.
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Best Pimple Patch
Pimple patches are an easy and effective acne solution. Just pop on one of the stickers to suck excess buildup from blemishes in, oftentimes, a few hours. These options by Hero Cosmetics and Cosrx are enriched with hydrocolloid gel to absorb the oil from within. Treatment aside, covering a rogue zit with a sticker means you’re less likely to pop it yourself.
Best Face Mask for Acne
A good face mask is necessary for any self-care night or a skin refresh, so why not use one that has acne-fighting benefits too? According to Hartman, “Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial is used as a mask and is great for all skin types. It boasts a blend of AHAs (glycolic, tartaric, lactic, and citric acids) and increases cell turnover. The BHA, salicylic acid, unclogs pores for an overall non-irritating exfoliation with maximum hydration.”
Otherwise, consider the Peter Thomas Roth mask, which is infused with sulfur and kaolin clay to absorb excess oil and prevent future breakouts,. Then there’s the well-loved Kiehl’s pore-minimizing mask, which is also formulated with clay to help minimize pores and blackheads. Omorovicza’s formula delivers a luxe approach to face masking; its blend of colloidal silver, salicylic, and glycolic acids, offers antibacterial and healing benefits, especially to acne-prone skin types. Reviewers say it rivals professional results.
Best Body Acne Treatments
Of course, acne is not reserved for the face. Our experts recommend products packed with salicylic acid to treat the skin. While Wu likes the Versed body mist to treat the back, buttocks, arms, and chest, other dermatologists look to body washes like CeraVe’s SA. Otherwise, Kosas Good Body Skin gently exfoliates, brightens, and soothes with the help of an AHA blend, fruit enzymes, and allantoin.
Best Acne Scar Treatment
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Kseniya Kobets suggests using a topical retinoid available over-the-counter, including adapalene, as well as numerous cosmeceuticals containing retinol as the primary ingredient in serum or cream form. Overall, topical retinoids gently exfoliate the skin while gradually building collagen, which can help improve the appearance of acne scars where collagen was destroyed by inflammation.
“While prescription tretinoin is considered the gold standard and most effective, it also carries a higher risk of skin irritation, redness, and requires a longer adjustment period,” says Dr. Koberts. However, she likes to incorporate it into a skincare regimen along with over-the-counter products. “I recommend hydroxy acids such as salicylic acid and polyhydroxy acids as effective acne-fighting ingredients, as they not only control acne but also reduce oils and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.”
Other ingredients that can lighten dark acne marks (considered part of acne scarring) include vitamin C, kojic acid, tranexamic acid, and resorcinol which can be used to help lighten the appearance of dark marks.
Babor
Power Serum Ampoule: Retinol
“Retinol is a great product because it increases cell turnover,” says Dr. Nazanin Saedi, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical associate professor at Thomas Jefferson University. Another one of her recommendations, this one is easy to take with you on the go thanks to its packaging!
What Causes Acne?
“Acne (acne vulgaris) is one of the most common skin conditions affecting millions each year,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green. “Most people get acne at some point in their lifetime, and the underlying cause of a breakout may vary depending on the type of acne.” She notes that while “a combination of factors contributes to the formation of acne, including hormones, genetics, environmental factors, stress, skin care, and diet,” at the end of the day, the main cause is an overproduction of sebum and clogged pores.
What are the different types of acne?
There are three main types of acne: fungal, hormonal, and cystic.
- Fungal Acne: Kobets says fungal acne usually refers to breakouts caused by yeast, often related to sweating. “It tends to be more superficial and affects areas near hair, scalp, or back.” It often does not respond to traditional therapies, requiring patients to be put on topical and oral anti-fungals.
- Hormonal Acne: “Hormonal acne is very common among women and often occurs around their menstrual cycles. It most commonly affects the lower face,” says Saedi. It can involve painful, deeper cysts that do not always come to the surface of the skin. According to Los Angeles–based dermatologist Dr. Jessica Wu, “Hormonal acne can be treated by prescription-strength topical or oral hormone-balancing medication (like spironolactone). Inflammation and clogged pores can be improved by using the proper cleanser.”
- Cystic Acne: Cystic acne is the most painful type of acne. “The skin will appear angry—red, swollen, and inflamed,” says Saedi. “If you struggle with cystic acne and have not had success with over-the-counter acne treatments, it’s a good idea to discuss further treatment options with a dermatologist.”
How to Treat Acne
Nonetheless, the right treatment goes back to what kind of acne and skin you have.
- A healthy, balanced diet: Both dermatologists Dr. Elyse Love and Dr. Whitney Bowe emphasize the importance of a balanced diet to combat acne too—specifically for healthy gut health, which Bowe says contributes to inflammation and, in turn, breakouts, when imbalances. In fact, her three golden rules to reduce gut inflammation are to cut down on processed foods, limit dairy consumption, and incorporate probiotics into your diet.
- Skincare ingredients to use: The best treatment varies from person to person, depending on the type of acne and skin sensitivity. “My best advice is to give things a try (it can take four to eight weeks to begin to see results) and see what works best for you,” says Saedi. “Over-the-counter products containing ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and hydroxy acids (alpha, beta, poly) can help control oil on the skin and gently exfoliate to address post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation left behind by acne breakouts,” shares Kobets. Topical retinoids, such as adapalene, or prescription retinoids like tretinoin or tazarotene, can also help dry out pores, exfoliate the skin, and address acne scarring.
- Light Therapies: “LED light is a non-invasive way to build collagen and decrease inflammation in the skin, via a process called photobiomodulation, without heating up or damaging the skin,” says Kobets. She explains that blue light (415nm) is usually used for acne treatment, creating a chemical reaction in pores that kills C. acne bacteria and decreases inflammation—often combined with red light in a mask. While red light (633nm) can help decrease inflammation, it also goes deeper, stimulating fibroblasts to produce collagen and elastin, and is thought to reduce oil production and inflammatory acne. Near-infrared light (830nm) also targets deeper fibroblast cells, stimulating new collagen and elastin production. The best LED devices are FDA-approved, show results after consistent use over multiple treatments, and are typically recommended for use multiple times a week.
What is the best skin-care routine for acne?
While everyone’s skincare routine may differ, there are a few recommended do’s and don’ts. According to Kobets, to avoid exacerbating acne, stay away from applying oils and excessive occlusive creams and ointments, including those found in makeup and sunscreens, particularly dimethicone. These can increase buildup inside the oil glands, leading to clogged pores and inflamed acne bumps. She also strongly advises consuming less sugar—which is known to be pro-inflammatory, especially for acne and aging skin types—and reducing processed foods. Those who are blemish-prone should also increase intake of antioxidants like leafy greens, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
For over-the-counter acne treatment, Kobets suggests starting with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide cleansers. “Be cautious not to over-dry the skin and begin by using them one to three times a week, gradually increasing as tolerated.” The key is not to overdo it. “Using too many active ingredients at once will cause added irritation and inflammation, which leads to more acne,” says Saedi. Also, avoid scrubbing with physical cleansers. While it may be tempting to scrub away dirt and oils that may cause acne, it won’t help and will only make matters worse. Additionally, don’t over-wash. “Washing your skin too often will strip it of its oils, causing your skin to produce more oil to replace it,” says Saedi. The goal is to balance your oil production. Too much oil will clog your pores and lead to breakouts. Use non-comedogenic products that won’t clog your pores, including your cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen.
Since acne can stem from various factors, if it worsens, it’s always best seek evaluation from a board-certified dermatologist who may recommend a combination of over-the-counter and prescription medications, such as topical retinoids and possibly prescription hormonal blockers (for female patients) or topical/oral antibiotics for short-term use.
How do you get rid of acne scars?
First things first: acne scars are a combination of pigmentation left over from inflammation and the dents in the skin left behind after acne breakouts. The best way to address acne scarring is with the help of a dermatologist. According to Kobets, “Treatment of acne scars can begin with using topical retinoids, over-the-counter or prescription, which can start to build collagen and turn over the skin, making it appear brighter and less textured.” Glycolic acid is another ingredient that helps increase cell turnover, which aids in pigmentation improvement. Other treatments for acne scars include in-office treatments like chemical peels, which work for light and mild acne scars, as well as laser treatments like erbium laser resurfacing or radiofrequency microneedling, and even filler.
Meet The Experts
- Dr. Whitney Bowe is a New York City–based and board-certified dermatologist and founder of her own beauty line, which looks to address concerns from both the inside and outside.
- Dr. Michele Green is a New York City–based and board-certified dermatologist whose practice offers state-of-the-art cosmetic dermatology.
- Dr. Corey L. Hartman is a Birmingham, Alabama-based and board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology who specializes in dermatologic surgery, injectables, hair restoration, and laser dermatology.
- Dr. Hadley King is a New York City–based and board-certified dermatologist specializing in cosmetic and medical dermatology.
- Dr. Kseniya Kobets is a board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic dermatology at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care.
- Dr. Nazanin Saedi is a board-certified dermatologist and clinical associate professor at Thomas Jefferson University.
- Dr. Jessica Wu is a Los Angeles-based board-certified dermatologist specializing in cosmetic and clinical dermatology.