Which acne products actually work

Best for preventing acne Dr. Related Stories. Experts Referenced. Joshua Zeichner, MD. Board-Certified Dermatologist. Mona Gohara, MD. Board-certified dermatologist. Tags: Skin-Care Tips. Our editors independently select these products. Loading More Posts Featured Collection.

While they vary in their chemical compounds, each ingredient can help you achieve your acne-free skin care goals. This helps to prevent pores from being clogged and can help remove clogs that have already formed. Tam adds that you should cleanse with gentle face wash twice a day.

Because these treatments are powerful, you should limit application to once a day, Samolitis advises. If over-the-counter products aren't working for you, consider seeing a dermatologist or your general practitioner who can help you explore other treatment options, including prescription medications. For adult women, birth control pills with low-dose estrogen and progesterone are often helpful, says Melanie Palm , MD, a dermatologist in San Diego.

Ready to take the first step in getting your acne under control? Below, top dermatologists share their favorite skin care products for acne-prone skin.

There's also glycolic acid, a popular type of Alpha Hydroxy Acid , which leads to more even-toned skin and Lipo Hydroxy Acid, which removes excess oil, leaving your skin shine-free.

It's suitable for most skin types — acne-prone, oily, combination and sensitive — because it's free of oils, fragrances and parabens.

Those with dry or normal skin might find this gel cleanser too dehydrating for regular use. With 2. The cleanser also contains glycerin, a hydrating ingredient.

Cleanse your face twice daily with Samolitis's pick. MicroClear technology combines 2-percent salicylic acid with oil-dissolving ingredients, unclogging pores and preventing acne-causing buildup. Neutrogena says those with mild to moderate acne will see results within 24 hours because the proprietary technology helps push the ingredients deep into pores. This device will help you wash your face more effectively, says Palm. A timer tells you when to move on to the next area of your face.

It also vibrates 7, times per minute to help remove oil and dirt in your skin, which helps to prevent future breakouts. Emmy M. Graber, MD, a dermatologist and president of the Dermatology Institute of Boston , explains that most benzoyl peroxide products contain 10 percent of the ingredient, but higher strengths have never been proven to be better for acne.

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See more conditions. Over-the-counter acne products: What works and why. Products and services. Over-the-counter acne products: What works and why Find out how acne products differ, what main ingredients to look for and how to use them for best results.

By Mayo Clinic Staff. Thank you for Subscribing Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information. Please try again. Something went wrong on our side, please try again. Show references Bowe WP, et al. Effective over-the-counter acne treatments. Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery. Well D. Acne vulgaris: A review of causes and treatment options. Nurse Practitioner.

FDA drug safety communication: FDA warns of rare but serious hypersensitivity reactions with certain over-the-counter topical acne products.