I’ve been there and back when it comes to testing out trendy acne care products. I realized at a very early age that my acne was different from those around me. While my peers were freaking out about minuscule, light red spots on their nose, I was trying to learn how to combat cystic, scarring acne in the fifth grade.
I knew that I had a long journey ahead of me when it came to my skin care, and let me assure you, it’s been treacherous. At the age of 21-years-old, I still get weekly rounds of deep cysts, hormonal flare ups, and whiteheads galore. I definitely have it way more under control than I did when I was in middle school, thanks to years of trial and tribulation (in combination with a birth control prescription, might I add).
For a while, I tried to pop every single bump that would arise to stop my skin as soon as I saw them forming. Before even picking up any of these products, I want to advise you to never pop any of your breakouts! This is extremely damaging to your skin, and trust me, I would know.
I’m about to dish out all of the secret products I wish I knew about when I was younger for acne-prone skin… and trust me, you’re going to want to test them out.
01. Tea tree oil
Yes, the legendary tea tree oil has to land a spot upon this list. I know what you may be thinking, why is tea tree oil used to solve almost everything? I can personally attest to its use, as it’s extremely versatile, and I often use it to combat and dry out early breakouts before they turn catastrophic.
Beware, tea tree oil also can have the exact opposite effect, bringing your breakouts to a head. Sometimes, whiteheads are inevitable, and tea tree oil can help you get over them quicker (never pop them, though!). I use tea tree oil by placing some on a cotton swab and dabbing my problem spots before jumping in the shower to wash it off.
Ethereal Nature 100% Pure Oil, Tea Tree
Available in Tea Tree, Argan, Cedar, Cinnamon, Clove, Coconut, Eucalyptus, and Jojoba. $8.
02. Neosporin®
Okay, yes, this might be a weird product to include on a skincare roundup, but stay with me. Remember how I said to never pop your pimples? Well, sometimes, it just happens. If your skin is anything like mine, sometimes a breakout will form into a fragile whitehead on its own that breaks with no forewarning. These are the worst, but I’ve found a little secret product that helps me heal my open and broken skin.
With its great healing powers, I always apply just a little bit of Neosporin to my broken acne skin spots. Yes, this might sound crazy, but I’m telling you, it helps so much! The goal is to never have a breakout literally break, but sometimes, nature persists. Neosporin is a great option to heal your skin while hydrating it safely. I love plopping it on my trouble areas before I go to bed at night, because we all know, the skin heals quicker at night.
NEOSPORIN® Original Ointment
Available in Originial. $2-8.
03. Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask
We’ve all heard of Mario Badescu’s drying lotion, and this Neutrogena product will swiftly take its place in your skin care collection. I originally fell in love with this product because it works as a great overnight spot treatment, but it’s also a great face mask. I mean, I can physically feel my pores getting instantaneously cleaner everytime I use this product, you have to try it out.
Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask
$11.
04. Derma E Scar Gel
I can promise you, this product is going to change your life forever. After years of acne troubles, I’ve been left with natural dark spots and scarring. Derma E has really cracked the code with this one, y’all. This scar gel has helped me get rid of SO many of my acne scars, it’s actually insane.
The best part about the Derma E scar gel is that it’s totally buildable. Depending on the duration of your scar, you can double or triple up on the product throughout the day to enhance your results. If you’re going to invest in any scar healing products, this is the one.
Derma E Scar Gel
$23.
05. Pore Favor acne supplements
If you couldn’t tell by now, my skin is naturally oily, which may account for a good amount of my problems with finding suitable skin care products over the years. My sister purchased Pore Favor’s acne supplements a few years back, and I fell in love with them!
These supplements are a great alternative for those looking for that extra umph in a product without having to head to the dermatologist for an expensive prescription. Each capsule is created with a vegan formula, and each bottle comes set with a monthly supply. They take an inside approach, aiming to combat the internal causes of acne first. This product in combination with all of my other holy grails have had my skin looking better than it ever has before.
Pore Favor, The Acne Supplement
Available in one month, three months, and six months bottles. $32-180.
Featured image via Neutrogena, Amazon, Pore Favor. Design by Her Campus Media.
