Acne. Pimples. Zits. Spots. Annoying pests. Call it whatever you like it, acne always pop up out of nowhere when it's least expected.
It can completely ruin your day, or week, or – if you're really unlucky - entire years. All you want to do is lock yourself up in your bedroom until it's over. We understand. But the good news is that these days, there are plenty of ways to nip breakouts in the bud and even prevent them from rearing their ugly head on your face. Check out our favorites below:
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Salicylic Acid: The Pore Cleaner
What it is:
An exfoliant that belongs to the Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) family, which means it's soluble in oil.
What it does:
Prevents and treats breakouts while soothing skin.
How It Works:
Breakouts happen when excess oil, dead cells and dirt get trapped into the pores, clogging them up. Salicylic acid is the only exfoliant that gets inside the pores (being oil soluble, it just melts right through), releasing and removing all that gunk from within. At the same time, it gets rid of the dead cells on the surface of your skin so they won't end up in your pores again.
Wait, there's more. SA soothes the redness that always comes along with pimples, too.
Best For:
Blackhead reduction and prevention, and mild to moderate acne.
Where to find it:
2% Salicylic Acid Gel Acne Prevention And Spot Treatment, Skin Fix Toner and Serum
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Tea Tree Oil: The Natural Acne Slayer
What it is:
A volative essential oil derived from Melaleuca Alternifolia, a native Australian plant.
What it does:
It treats acne without irritating skin.
How it works:
Tea tree oil has powerful antifungal properties so it can kill the bacteria that causes acne. Plus, it can soothe the inflammation that spurs acne flare-ups. It does all this just as well as benzoyl peroxide (the harsh treatment often recommended by dermatologists), but without the nasty side effects.
Best for:
Anyone who's looking for a natural anti-acne treatment; Anyone who can't tolerate common and harsher acne fighters, such as benzoyl peroxide.
Where to find it:
Skin Fix Toner, Full Spectrum Repair Acne & Wrinkle Fighting
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Retinol: The Anti-Aging Acne-Busting Superstar
What it is:
Retinol is simply another name for Vitamin A, the gold standard treatment for wrinkles.
What it does:
It prevents breakouts (and keeps you looking young!)
How it works:
Retinol speeds up cellular turnover, which makes it harder for oil and dead skin cells to clog your pores. That means no more pimples. Plus, it destroys the free radicals that cause wrinkles and makes your skin produce more collagen to keep it firm. Basically, it rids you of acne and makes you look younger, too.
Best to:
Anyone who needs to tackle acne AND wrinkles at the same time.
Where to find it:
Skin Fix Serum, Full Spectrum Repair Acne & Wrinkle Fighting
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Niacinamide: A Do-It-All
What it is:
Niacinamide is another name for Vitamin B3, a vital nutrient for the skin.
What it does:
It treats acne… and lots more!
How it works:
Niacinamide has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that calm down the inflammation that fuels acne. Plus, it keeps oil production under control, so no more excess sebum getting trapped in the pores. Did I mention that it also hydrates skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines and dark spots?
Best for:
Anyone with sensitive skin; Anyone looking for an all-around skincare treatment.
Where to find it:
Skin Fix Toner and Serum (what can we say, Skin Fix has it all!)
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Clays: The Oil Drainer
What they are:
Kaolin and bentonite are two naturally occurring clays.
What they do:
They prevent breakouts.
How they work:
They absorb excess oil and impurities from the skin, preventing them from ending up in the pores and clogging them.
Best for:
Anyone with oily skin looking to reduce excess sebum.
Where to find them:
Earth & Ocean Clarifying Clay Mask
Here's to clear skin – finally!