Here, we rounded up the top ten expert tips on how to prevent and treat stubborn breakouts, for good.
“Frequent washing irritates skin," says dermatologist Dr. Kenneth Beer. He recommends cleansing twice daily with a salicylic acid cleanser like Neutrogena Acne Wash ($6.39, drugstore.com).
Wipe down bacteria-laden cell phones and remotes with BabyGanics Surface Wipes ($10, drugstore.com) and rid makeup brushes of oil and dirt with Clinique Makeup Brush Cleanser ($13, dillards.com).
Dermatologist Rosemarie Ingleton suggests using oil-free makeup, and liquid foundations instead of compacts. Peter Thomas Roth Mattifying Gel ($35, qvc.com) soaks up oil and removes shine.
L.A. aesthetician Anastasia Soare suggests this pimple-fighting home remedy: Squeeze half a lemon in a bowl and mix in one egg white. Apply over face or body acne for five minutes, and rinse.
“Treat inflamed zits with a benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid gel,” says Dr. Ingleton. Try Intraceuticals Clarity Blemish Repair Pen ($89, intraceuticals.com).
Never squeeze zits, warns Dr. Rosemarie Ingleton. “Instead, have your derm perform an extraction using a special tool that removes all the content without inducing more inflammation.”
If oil and dirt from your bangs causes forehead zits, time to pull it back! Or try hair products containing natural oils that won’t clog pores, like Kairos Anti-Acne Hair Care Trio ($60).
Stress can cause breakouts, so clear your mind at a spa like the Fix Malibu Medispa (fixmalibu.com)! Try the Fix Zit Facial or Hydra Facial, which painlessly sucks out debris with a gentle little vacuum.
“Healthy skin starts on the inside," says Dr. Howard Murad. He recommends eating colorful raw fruits and vegetables, and taking supplements containing vitamin A and Zinc to reduce skin irritation.
Dr. Murad suggests curing dark acne scars (aka “hyperpigmentation”) with products containing skin-lightening hydroquinone. Try Murad Acne Post-Acne Spot Lightening Gel ($60, murad.com).
