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    27 Super Effective Products That'll Help Treat Acne Quickly

    Because sometimes "drinking water" just doesn't cut it.

    Mariela Summerhays
    by Mariela Summerhays

    BuzzFeed Contributor

    1. This FOREO LUNA 3, which will help deep cleanse your pores with one side and firm up skin with the other.

    Kayla Boyd / BuzzFeed

    An electric facial cleansing and firming massager, you'd be hard done to find someone who hasn't loved the results of this cult favourite beauty tool. This particular model is targeted to normal skin — there is also one specifically for sensitive skin and one for combination.

    Promising review: "Sonic waves are sound waves and they pulsate, like, really fast. When these waves are directed into your skin, they travel deep into your pores to shake loose all the gunk, like dirt and makeup residue. Your hands or even your most high-quality washcloths can’t reach all that. The sonic waves also help increase circulation, exfoliate the skin (without pulling on it), and gives your skin a nice detox by stimulating the cells."

    —Kayla Boyd

    Read the entire low down here.
    Buy it from Amazon Australia for $165.

    2. This brightening jelly cleanser by Biorè that'll dissolve and remove pore buildup and encourage cell rejuvenation.

    BuzzFeed / Isha Bassi

    This cleanser targets stubborn pore plugs without over stripping your skin. It contains vitamin C from the yuzu lemon and energising ginseng to visibly clear up and brighten your skin in just one week. It also smells absolutely divine, so you'll love using it every day.

    Buy it from Priceline for $10.99.

    3. These Cosrx acne pimple patches that'll dry up any unsightly spots, so that you can avoid picking at them and they'll heal faster.

    Sarah Han / BuzzFeed

    These patches are super easy to use and are designed to heal breakouts overnight. They use hydrocolloid, tea tree oil and calendula oil to get the job done.

    Read our in-depth review on these patches here!

    Buy four packs from Amazon Australia for $16.65.

    4. This clay mousse mask by Cult Korean brand, Innisfree that'll remove all the acne-causing gunk from your pores, leaving you with silky smooth skin.

    Hameda Nafiz / BuzzFeed

    This mask is made from Jeju Volcanic Clusters to suck out impurities and excess oil all without drying out your skin, unlike some other clay masks.

    Promising Review: "I used this mask right before I applied my makeup for a small 30th birthday dinner. Not only did my makeup apply seamlessly, but it remained looking absolutely flawless throughout the night — and I swear, when I took my makeup off at the end of the night it looked and felt much better than it usually does after I wear makeup for an extended period of time. If you're a fan of clay masks, this is one I highly recommend."

    —Hameda Nafiz

    Buy it from Adore Beauty for $30.

    5. This high efficiency face cleaner by Hylamide because your skin shouldn't feel ~tight~ after you've cleansed it.

    Hameda Nafiz / BuzzFeed

    Promising Review: "As someone with fairly dry skin, I regularly experience that tight feeling that comes with using regular cleansers and it wasn't until recently that I discovered it was because I wasn't using the right products for my skin type. When I began to use this particular cleaner, I was turned off a little by the oily consistency, but this was just me being an absolute brat, because just days later I discovered that my skin was glowing and imperfections were slowly fading away. The best part? It can be used as a makeup remover, simply by applying it over your dry face rather than wetting it first."

    —Hameda Nafiz.

    Buy it from Myer for $26.

    6. This Neogen Bio Peel that will yeet your dead skin cells to hell, so that you can show off the bright and beautiful skin underneath.

    Amazon

    These soaked cotton pads are packed with antioxidants and are super exfoliating, so if you suffer from large pores and sagging or generally dull skin, this will change your life.

    Promising Review: “My absolute go-to exfoliator when I want to take off all my dead skin cells is the Neogen Bio Peel Gauze. Yes, I know you're thinking, 'WTF? Bio Peel? Is my face going to fall off?' Not at all my friend! The package comes with individual cotton pads that have an exfoliating side and a gentle side to clean off all the excess stuff on your face. After you rinse it off, I can guarantee that your face will be smoother than a baby's butt!”

    —Lisa Hua

    Buy it from Amazon Australia for $29.40.

    7. This cleansing bar by Carbon Theory, which will have your skin squeaky clean and ready to absorb all your various serums and moisturisers.

    Hameda Nafiz / BuzzFeed

    Promising Review: I've been using this cleansing bar for about a month now and I think it's the product that has single-handedly saved my skin from stress acne. This bar contains charcoal to draw out bacteria and excess oil, shea butter to keep everything moisturised and tea tree oil to fight inflammation and target breakouts. Carbon Theory products are also all vegan and cruelty-free!

    —Hameda Nafiz

    Buy it from Carbon Beauty for $14.99.

    8. And pair it with this overnight detox serum, that'll clear up your skin, while you catch up on your zzz's.

    BuzzFeed / Hameda Nafiz

    This serum, like the cleansing bar, is perfect for breakout prone skin. It contains bursting cranberry beads, which contain vitamin C and antioxidants. They'll melt into your skin and encourage the natural rejuvenation of your skin cells. Plus, there's activated charcoal, which will draw out acne causing bacteria, toxins and excess oil from your pores.

    Buy it from Carbon Beauty for $31.99.

    9. This serum by The Ordinary that is alcohol, oil, silicone, nut and fragrance free because it's made from pure, vegan hyaluronic acid.

    Catherine Scro / BuzzFeed, Hameda Nafiz / BuzzFeed

    Promising Review: "I was told that hyaluronic acid was a must-have in my beauty regime to help my skin hold moisture. After researching different brands, I found The Ordinary to be highly rated and I have to say, I absolutely love it! My skin feels supple after applying it and while it's a little sticky at first, it dries up into the skin, quickly leaving it feeling fresh and full of moisture. It's such good value for money, too!"

    —Catherine Scro

    Buy it from Adore Beauty for $12.90.

    10. This first care activating serum by Sulwhasoo, that'll give you better skin than you've ever had — yes, even as a baby.

    BuzzFeed / Hameda Nafiz

    Alright, so this guy is a little exxy, but trust me when I say it's worth it. This serum creates the perfect environment for all your other skincare to work effectively, while simultaneously depositing nourishment into your skin all on its own. It's made with JAUM Balancing Complex™, which is a potent combination of five Korean herbs — lotus, rehmannia, peony, solomon's seal and white lily — to hydrate, nourish and firm your skin.

    Buy it from Sephora Australia for $112.

    11. This exfoliating cleanser by SkinCeuticals that will leave your skin feeling so fresh and so clean.

    Hameda Nafiz / BuzzFeed

    This foaming cleanser uses 8% glycolic acid to rid your face of any dirt, oil and makeup, but also includes 1% phytic acid, aloe leaf juice and glycerin to keep your skin hydrated and nourished.

    Buy it from Adore Beauty for $64.

    12. This lightweight cream consisting of snail secretion filtrate — a wildly moisturising formula that will not only help heal dry skin, but also minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

    @corsx / Via instagram.com

    Don't worry — this all-in-one cream is completely cruelty-free. With 92% snail secretion filtrate, it is excellent for moisturising dehydrated skin, leaving it supple and smooth. Coupled with allantoin for reducing the size of your pores, and collagen and elastin to maintain skin elasticity, adding this cream to the end of your morning and evening routine is a no-brainer.

    Buy it from YesStyle for $34.34.

    13. This light therapy Neutrogena acne spot treatment, which uses dermatologist in-office technology (no UV rays!) to treat mild to moderate acne.

    Jemima Skelley / BuzzFeed

    Yeah, I was sceptical, too. However, the portable, easy-to-use treatment pen is currently sitting at four out of five stars, with users attesting to the power of blue light to target acne-causing bacteria, and the red light to reduce inflammation — at its price, it's definitely worth a shot.

    Promising Review: "I DEFINITELY did not think this would work. How can light get rid of pimples? Well, after only using it a couple of times my mind was completely changed. It's good at making big, sore pimples smaller overnight. I also had a red mark on my skin from a giant pimple I'd had two months ago that I couldn't even get rid of with microdermabrasion. After about a week of using this light pen on it twice a day, it was way smaller and lighter. This pen is true magic."

    —Jemima Skelley

    Buy it from Amazon Australia for $23.99.

    14. This Aztec Healing Clay, which — with just a bit of vinegar — deep cleanses your pores for your most glorious face yet.

    Hameda Nafiz / BuzzFeed

    This clay basically has its own cult following of thousands, so it's no wonder it always makes our monthly bestsellers list. Just mix a touch of the pure calcium bentonite clay with some apple cider vinegar, lather the result on and extract every last bit of gunk from your pores.

    Check out some brilliant before and after photos here.

    And then watch four BuzzFeeders — with different skin woes — try it on for size in this video.

    Buy it from Amazon Australia for $25.90.

    15. This hydrating facial sunscreen by Ultra Violette, because sun damage will only exacerbate your acne issues.

    Isha Bassi / BuzzFeed

    Promising Review: "I’m a big fan of products that go the extra mile and this sunscreen, my friends, is one of them. It’s not only SPF50+ — which means it’ll protect my face from that harsh Australian sun — but it’ll act as a sunscreen, moisturiser and primer in one. Sounds a little too good to be true, right? I thought so, until I tried this baby out for myself. The Supreme Screen has a fresh scent, light tint (no white cast face!) and just melts onto the skin, leaving a matte, satin-like finish. It’s quickly become one of my favourite products and I’m mad at myself for not discovering it sooner. Plus, it’s cruelty-free and made right here in Australia!"

    —Isha Bassi

    Buy it from Adore Beauty for $45.

    16. This peel-off mask, which will draw out dirt, oil and blackheads, so you can get that deep-clean your skin's been crying out for.

    Amazon

    This activated charcoal mask peel clings to the impurities clogging pores, leaving toned, radiant skin once removed. Plus, pure and natural, vitamins and nutrients boost the health of your skin. Win-win!

    Buy it from Amazon Australia for $16.99.

    17. This carbonated bubble clay mask, because you may as well have a little fun while you cleanse and tighten your pores.

    Amazon

    Lather a good dose of this stuff onto your face and watch it bubble as it rids your face of dead skin cells and pore-clogging gunk. Reviewers love its pleasant scent, the way their skin feels fully cleansed after use — and yes, the undeniable fun factor.

    Read all the positive reviews this bubble clay mask has here.

    Buy it from Amazon Australia for $20.

    18. This facial steamer, which will effectively open pores for easy blackhead removal.

    Amazon

    This brilliant device takes only 8-10 minutes (according to skin type) to cleanse and open pores, making blackhead extraction easy with the complimentary tools. In addition to giving you healthier skin, the nose and mouth inhalation attachment makes it ideal for clearing blocked noses when just a touch of essential oils is added.

    Buy it from Amazon Australia for $37.99.

    19. This reusable face wipe, the Face Halo, because getting all your makeup off is vital if you want to avoid acne.

    Hameda Nafiz / BuzzFeed

    If you've been considering the move to more eco-friendly beauty practices, the Face Halo is the pimple-defying, breakout-minimising way to start. Also, we love that it can survive up to 200 washes, replacing up to 500 single-use facial wipes.

    Promising review: "You can tell by my ~shook~ facial expression that I was blown away. I mean honestly, look at the state of my face and hair — do you think I'd allow this GIF to live on the internet if I wasn't genuinely impressed?

    The wipes are non-toxic, chemical free and recyclable, so BIG wins all 'round. Not only are you doing your face a favour — by not subjecting it to the toxins in that pack of two dollar wipes — but you're doing the environment a solid, too."

    —Hameda Nafiz

    Read more about the Face Halo here.

    Buy a pack of three from Amazon Australia for $30.

    20. This French, green clay face mask, which works wonders on oily, clogged and acne-prone skin.

    Amazon / BuzzFeed

    This green clay face mask is 100% natural and mined straight from the earth in the Montmorillonite region in France. Because of its unique blend of minerals and very fine texture, it's able to act as a magnet — drawing out the toxins and impurities from the skin.

    Promising Review: "My skin has been problematic AF for pretty much the entirety of my lockdown living. Whether it's due to stress, a change of environment or because I have way too much time on my hands to pick it to death — all I can say is, this mask saved my skin. I use it once a week and it draws out all kinds of shit, leaving me looking glowy and radiant!"

    —Julia Willing

    Buy it from Amazon Australia for $34.99.

    21. This gel facial cleanser by COSRX with a pH level close to that of your skin — meaning your face is cleansed, but not stripped of its natural oils.

    Cosrx, Sarah Han / BuzzFeed

    By combining tea tree oil (I swear, perfect for all that ails you) and natural BHA, this lightweight gel facial cleanser will shrink pores and improve your skin's overall complexion.

    To learn more — including how this cleanser serves as a perfect base for makeup! — check out "I Swear By This Highly-Rated Low pH Gel Cleanser To Clean Out My Pores".

    Buy it from YesStyle for $19.07.

    22. This, Thayers Witch Hazel Toner with Rose Petal, which will do everything from keeping your breakouts at bay to reducing redness.

    AnaMaria Glavan / BuzzFeed

    Alcohol-free and made with rose petal water, Vitamin E and Witch Hazel extract, this thing is honestly miracle water. It's no surprise is has more than 8,570 five-star ratings on Amazon.

    Promising Review: "I have combination skin that's prone to redness (especially around my cheeks and nose, with the latter being really annoying), plus the occasional pimple. After two weeks of regularly using this toner in my evening routine, I barely need concealer to cover the Crayola redness under my nostrils. PLUS! It's super effective as spot treatment. This stuff attacks your pimples with the same vendetta that Buffy used to destroy vampires: It works that well."

    —AnaMaria Glavan

    Read more about this excellent product here.

    Buy it from Amazon Australia for $31.95.

    23. This Vitamin C serum, which is a wonderful and organic answer to each and every one of your skin woes.

    Amazon

    This serum is made from all-natural ingredients — including 11% hyaluronic acid, 20% vitamin C and vitamin E — to help with skin ageing, sun spots (relevant for basically every Aussie), wrinkles and dark circles. Customers with sensitive skin have also reported that unlike other serums, they don't experience breakouts from this bad boy. Not convinced? It is currently sitting just shy of a five-star rating with over 10,500 reviews.

    Buy it from Amazon Australia for $24.88.

    24. This Sukin Oil Balancing Mattifying Facial Moisturiser, which will hydrate without leaving behind much-dreaded sheen.

    BuzzFeed

    Promising review: "This is one of the first moisturisers I've used that claims to have a mattifying effect and actually works. I use this after washing my face and find that it reduces my breakouts and makes my skin feel nice. Plus it doesn't leave a sticky residue on your face after you apply it. Given that I have combination skin, this is now my regular go-to!"

    —Ryan Paturzo

    Buy it from Amazon Australia for $7.47.

    25. This Aveda toning mist, which is the easiest way to control breakouts and signs of exhaustion throughout the day.

    Mal Mower / BuzzFeed

    If you've yet to take your toner from your sink in the morning to your desk during the day, let me be the first to espouse its wondrousness. Yes, a toner is an important step of your daily skin routine — but if you're prone to an oily t-zone come lunch (hi, it me) there's nothing better than a quick spray to balance your skin. Plus, with rose, organic German chamomile and eucalyptus, the scent alone is enough to soothe frazzled nerves at work.

    To learn more about why a BuzzFeeder recommends this, check out "8 Game-Changing Beauty Products You Need To Try ASAP".

    Buy it from Adore Beauty for $55.

    26. This Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Radiance-Boosting Mask, which is a luxurious, silicone elastomer-rich mask that will hydrate and smooth skin, should you be an avid makeup-wearer.

    BuzzFeed

    It might seem unusual to recommend a primer in a list of acne control products, but even if you are trying to balance your skin's pH level, chances are you are bound to wear makeup once in a while. Make sure you are boosting your skin's moisture while minimising lines under foundation, thanks to a heavy dose of jojoba oil and vitamin E.

    Promising review: "I’m not going to lie, this Napoleon Perdis mask is pretty expensive but I scooped it while it was 30% off and I had a gift card. It is the PERFECT mask to put on before you do your makeup. It just makes your skin SO soft and SO smooth, I can’t recommend it enough."

    —Michelle Rennex

    Buy it from Adore Beauty for $85.

    27. This blackhead remover, which will suck all the gunk out of your pores so you look impossibly air-brushed.

    Clare Aston / BuzzFeed

    Designed for a variety of skin types, this next-generation blackhead remover has three suction heads for different skin conditions, and helps to clean up blackheads, remove dirt grease, reduce dead skin and fine lines, as well as massage and tighten the skin.

    Promising review: "I am that person who loves gross things. Videos of nose strips — seen them. Compilations of ear wax removals — seen them twice. I am obsessed with clearing out the gunk living in our skin. So, when I saw this nose sucking action, I just had to try it out.

    The suction machine comes with three different heads, all of which are meant for a different purpose. But, to be honest, I can’t remember what those other purposes are — I’ve got my gunk sucking one and I’m good. It’s easy to hold, the nozzle fits around your nose nicely and most importantly YOU SEE RESULTS! Have you ever done a nose strip only to be completely let down by it? Either it didn’t stick properly, stuck too well or didn’t rip out enough of your blackheads so you could see them on the strip. With this machine, you’ve got a clean nose and a whole lot of satisfaction.

    A few tips though: Prep your pores beforehand by getting them to open up with a hot towel, moisturise after you use it and most importantly, don’t suck any part of your skin for longer than five seconds."

    —Clare Aston

    Buy it from Amazon Australia for $10.99.

    You, when anyone asks you about acne after you start using these products:

    Taff