Ah, acne. A nemesis so senior in my life that we’ve basically advanced into a 15-year partnership at this point.

As a commerce editor, I’ve had the dubious pleasure of slathering every potion, lotion, and questionable concoction on my face in the name of “research.” Currently, I’m onto beef tallow (and it’s promising, to say the least).

My bathroom looks like a lab. And my skin? Well, it’s been through more trials than a daytime courtroom drama. Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not a masochist who enjoys turning my face into a human petri dish. But when you’ve been playing whack-a-mole with zits for as long as I have, you’ll try just about anything.

I’ve used creams that smelled like a cat’s litter box, serums that cost more than my rent (seriously), and masks that made me look like I was auditioning for something low-budget in the sci-fi genre. All in the name of that elusive, acne-free complexion. But after all these years of product testing and face painting, I’ve learned that skincare is just one piece of the clear-skin puzzle. Sure, it’s a big piece — like, corner-piece-of-a-jigsaw big — but it’s not the whole picture.

Diet, stress, hormones, and that pesky thing called genetics all play their parts — and according to doctors, they’re all culprits when it comes to my skin woes. But since I can’t change my DNA, and I refuse to give up my stress-eating chocolate-covered banana habit, skincare remains my trusty weapon in this never-ending war.

Here’s to you, fellow acne fighters. We’re about to dive into the world of zit-zapping, pore-clearing, complexion-saving skincare. But only the stuff that works.

When it comes to tackling acne, it’s crucial to understand that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Acne can affect various skin types, and the approach to treating it isn’t always about simply wicking away oils or soothing dryness with a single product.

Acne can manifest across different skin types, each requiring a tailored approach:

The goal in treating acne isn’t always about oil control or hydration alone. Instead, it’s about addressing the specific needs of each skin type:

Effective acne management often involves a combination of products and ingredients:

Remember, what works for one person’s acne may not work for another. It’s about finding the right balance and combination of products that address your specific skin type and acne concerns.

This gentle cleanser contains niacinamide, panthenol, and glycerin to cleanse and hydrate sensitive skin. It’s formulated to remove dirt, oil, and makeup without stripping its natural moisture barrier. The pH-balanced formula is non-comedogenic and fragrance-free.

I’ve been slathering this on my face for years, and it’s gentler than a damn whisper. My skin feels clean but not tight, like it just had a spa day without the small talk. It hasn’t caused a single breakout, which is a miracle considering my face usually treats new products like an invading army. The only downside is it’s about as exciting as watching paint dry — but hey, sometimes boring is beautiful.

Active ingredients: Niacinamide, Panthenol | Skin type: All skin types, especially sensitive

This moisturizer combines grass-fed beef tallow with honey, beeswax, and gentle essential oils. The tallow mimics human sebum for deep hydration, while honey provides antibacterial properties. Essential oils add a natural citrus scent.

I was skeptical about smearing beef fat on my face, but this stuff is as amazing as they say. My skin drinks it up faster than I down my morning Celsius (don’t come for me). It’s deeply hydrating without being greasy. The only downside? Trying to explain to my friends why I’m rubbing cow fat on my face.

Active ingredients: Grass-fed beef tallow, Honey | Skin type: All skin types, especially dry or sensitive

This scar gel uses 100% medical-grade silicone to improve the appearance of scars. It works by creating a protective barrier that hydrates and softens scar tissue. The formula is designed to flatten, fade, and reduce the visibility of scars with consistent use.

I’ve been slathering this on my textured and hyperpigmented acne scars. It’s not an overnight miracle, but it’s definitely speeding up the healing process. Plus, it’s not sticky or greasy, so I can pretend I’m not high-maintenance while secretly pampering my skin.

Active ingredients: Medical-grade silicone | Skin type: All skin types

These hydrocolloid patches absorb pus and fluids from pimples overnight. They create a protective barrier that keeps the area clean and prevents picking. The best acne spot treatment comes with patches in two sizes to accommodate different blemish sizes.

I slap these bad boys on before bed, and by morning, any pimples (cystic or otherwise) have shrunk faster than my bank account the day after payday. They’re especially great for those “I have a big event tomorrow and of course, I get a huge zit” moments. Plus, they keep me from picking at my face, which is a win for both my skin and my self-control.

Active ingredients: Hydrocolloid | Skin type: All skin types, especially acne-prone

This sunscreen combines zinc oxide with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. It provides broad-spectrum SPF 46 protection while also calming sensitive skin and promoting moisture retention. The formula is oil-free and won’t clog pores.

I’ve been using this sunscreen religiously, and my skin has never been more even. It doesn’t break me out, it plays well with my other skincare products, and it’s kept my scars and acne marks from deepening in pigment. Plus, it’s got niacinamide, which is like the overachiever of skincare ingredients.

Active ingredients: Zinc oxide, Niacinamide | Skin type: All skin types, especially sensitive or acne-prone

This body wash contains salicylic acid to exfoliate and treat body acne, along with ceramides to maintain skin barrier health. It’s formulated to cleanse and moisturize while being gentle, and it’s fragrance-free and non-comedogenic.

I’ve been lathering up with this in the shower, and nothing has ever deep cleaned my skin better. My skin feels smoother than a fresh jar of Skippy, and I only need to use it once or twice a week. Plus, it’s fragrance-free, so I don’t smell like a walking air freshener when I step out of the shower.

Active ingredients: Salicylic acid, Ceramides | Skin type: Normal to oily, acne-prone

This mask uses pink clay to absorb impurities and excess sebum, while coffee and grape seed extracts provide antioxidant benefits. It’s designed to tighten pores, reduce shine, and even out skin tone. The formula is suitable for all skin types.

I slap this on once a week, and it’s like hitting the reset button on my skin. My pores look smaller, my skin feels smoother, and I can hear my blackheads screaming in terror. It’s the only mask I’ve trusted consistently for years to clear, smooth, and detox my skin overall. While it definitely does not strip the skin, I always follow with a hearty hydration product simply because it’s clay-based and really pulls it all out.

Active ingredients: Pink clay, Coffee | Skin type: Normal to oily, congested

This scrub combines physical exfoliants (magnesium oxide crystals) with chemical exfoliants (salicylic acid and lactic acid). Designed to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores and improve skin texture, the formula also includes vitamin E for antioxidant protection.

I use this a couple of times a week, and it’s like giving my face a power wash. My skin feels beyond smooth and not even active breakouts get irritated (I’m gentle, of course). The first time I used this product (which was my roommate’s before I bought two for myself), my skin was screaming for exfoliation but was angry and acneic at the same time. After a single use, my dry skin was smooth and relieved and my complexion became brighter than my future. The only downside? Explaining to anyone I recommend it to why we need such an expensive face scrub. I’ve got my elevator pitch down though, so yours is up to you.

Active ingredients: Salicylic acid, Lactic acid | Skin type: Normal to oily, acne-prone

This essence contains a stabilized form of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) to target hyperpigmentation and brighten skin. It’s formulated to penetrate deeply, effectively fading dark spots. It also includes vitamin E for additional antioxidant benefits.

This is a new, TikTok-influenced addition to my routine. I’ve been patting this on religiously each evening, and I swear my dark spots are fading faster than my will to make it through Dry January. It’s lightweight and non-irritating, which is great because my skin is even more sensitive than I am. Plus, the packaging is designed to keep the vitamin C stable, so it’s like a little fortress protecting your skincare.

Active ingredients: Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) | Skin type: All skin types

This serum combines 2% salicylic acid to exfoliate and unclog pores with 1% zinc to reduce inflammation. It’s designed to target acne-prone areas without over-drying the skin. The minimalist formula is free from fragrances and essential oils.

I dab this on my problem areas, and it’s like watching my pimples pack their bags over the course of a day (or two) and…move out. It’s not an overnight miracle, but it definitely speeds up the eviction process. Plus, it doesn’t dry out my skin, which is a miracle considering how many acne products leave my face feeling like the Sahara.

Active ingredients: Salicylic acid, Zinc | Skin type: Oily, acne-prone

This leave-on exfoliant contains 2% salicylic acid to unclog pores and smooth skin texture. It’s formulated to exfoliate both the skin’s surface and inside the pore, reducing blackheads and blemishes. The product is alcohol-free and contains green tea extract for soothing benefits.

I swipe this on after cleansing. Not only do my pores look cleaner after one week, but my skin texture is smoother and my breakouts are less frequent than my gym visits (who’s got the time?). It’s gentle enough to use daily but effective enough that I quickly see results. Plus, it’s fragrance-free, so my nose isn’t assaulted every time I use it.

Active ingredients: Salicylic acid | Skin type: Normal to oily, acne-prone

This retinol cream contains 1% retinol along with supportive peptides and vitamins. It’s designed to improve skin texture, reduce fine lines, and fade acne scars. The formula includes nourishing plant oils to help mitigate potential irritation from retinol.

When I first discovered this Drunk Elephant gem, I did not ease into it. I slathered it on like a moisturizer and waited for my skin to look 12 again. Needless to say, that is NOT how you treat your skin with retinol, but it IS how I found out how well this over-the-counter product works. If you can’t get your hands on dermatologist-prescribed tretinoin, consider adjusting to this retinol. The only downside to it is fighting the urge to slather loads of it all over when you see how well it works on your acne (or wrinkles…what have you) within a month.

Active ingredients: Retinol | Skin type: All skin types, except very sensitive

As a shopping editor with a 15-year acne saga, my testing process is no joke. I commit to each product for at least four weeks, giving my skin a full renewal cycle to show results. Before going all in, I do a patch test on my inner arm for 7-10 days to avoid any full-face fiascos.

Texture, scent, immediate effects, long-term changes — nothing escapes my scrutiny. I even snap regular photos to track progress, though I’ll spare you the unflattering close-ups. But it’s not all about what I see in the mirror. I pay attention to how my skin feels, too. Is it happy? Upset? Throwing a full-blown tantrum?

This rigorous process helps me separate the holy grails from the holy fails, so you don’t have to turn your face into a testing ground. You’re welcome. And because I’ve since (pretty much) retired from changing up my skincare so often, I’ve also provided my honest and current acne- and scar-fighting skincare routine after all my recommendations below.

1. Cleanser

2. Exfoliation (2-3 times a week)

3. Treatment

4. Spot Treatment

5. Moisturizer

6. Sunscreen

7. Optional: Retinoid (PM)

Dermatologists generally recommend the following for managing acne:

Note: If you’re unsure or have persistent acne, it’s best to consult a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.

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