Our Picks to Help Tackle Your Acne!
June 14, 2024Being blessed with sensitive and acne-prone skin is like having a high-maintenance best friend - always in need of extra care and attention. While others with oily skin can handle the rough and tough treatments, us sensitive folks are left feeling tight and irritated. Talk about being the ultimate diva!
To figure out the best way to address sensitive skin suffering from breakouts, we turned to Dr. Michael Kaminer, a board-certified dermatologist and Skincare.com consultant based in Boston. Ahead, find his advice and some of our favorite gentle acne-fighting products.
Don't Overdo It With Acne-Fighting Ingredients
"You don't need to dry out your skin to make it less acne-prone," says Dr. Kaminer. "Look for products with a small amount of salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to gently open pores without the side effect of drying the skin."
The concentration of salicylic acid in over-the-counter products can vary from.05% to 2%, while the percentage of benzoyl peroxide ranges from 2.5% to 10%. It is recommended to begin with the lowest available concentration and gradually increase as your skin becomes more tolerant. If irritation occurs, reduce the concentration or dosage and give your skin time to heal. To minimize the risk of irritation, spot treatments containing salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide can be used to target individual pimples.
Don't Forget to Moisturize
While your first instinct may be to dry out your skin to reduce acne, this can make your sensitivities worse. Instead, Dr. Kaminer suggests adding a "light and well-formulated moisturizer" to your routine. He also suggests products that are non-comedogenic and oil-free to avoid any additional breakouts. Keep reading for our product recommendations.
Our Favorite Acne Products
Check out this awesome line of skincare products, specially made to fight tough acne. Try a complete routine that not only clears up your skin, but also takes care of any pimples. Get ahead of future breakouts with this carefully created set.
Thayers Acne Line
Guys, have you heard the news? Thayers just dropped a new line that's gonna be your BFF and acne's worst enemy. They've got a cleanser, toner, a fresh acne serum, and a spot treatment that'll make those pesky pimples disappear. Oh, and don't even get us started on the toning pads. Where have these been all our lives? *chef's kiss*
Silymarin CF is SkinCeuticals' newest Vitamin C innovation, formulated with 15% L-Ascorbic acid (pure Vitamin C) to provide advanced environmental protection from environmental aggressors and 0.5% salicylic acid to combat oiliness and blemishes.
Silymarin CF reduces oil oxidation on skin by up to 76% and reduces blemishes by up to 27%. This serum is great for anti-aging as well, thanks to the antioxidant ingredients, Silymarin CF reduces the appearance of fine lines by up to 24%. Another great anti-aging product, Blemish + Age Defense reduces the appearance of fine lines by up to 39% and wrinkles by up to 63%.
When used together, Silymarin CF and Blemish + Age Defense are shown to reduce blemishes by up to 36%, making this your power pair for acne-prone skin.
With 2% salicylic acid and 3% lactic acid, this serum is designed to help tackle existing breakouts and fade acne marks within just a few weeks. If your skin is dry and sensitive, we recommend following this serum with a richer moisturizer, such as the Youth to the People Adaptogen Deep Moisture Cream.
This face wash is packed with a strong 4% benzoyl peroxide, which gets rid of pimples and stops new ones from popping up. It also has hyaluronic acid, a super hydrating ingredient that keeps your skin moist. And to top it off, there's niacinamide to soothe your skin and give you a chill, even tone.
Get rid of acne fast with this powerful spot treatment that fights breakouts without irritating sensitive skin. It's free of parabens, fragrance, and oil, making it safe for all skin types. Plus, it has glycerin to keep your skin hydrated while using benzoyl peroxide. Say goodbye to dryness and hello to clear, comfortable skin!