To break the cycle, we're bringing you the best acne products to prevent, conceal, and heal. These high tech formulas come in all shapes and sizes--including one that's right for you.
The Best Breakout Treatments
Whether you get the occasional pimple or struggle with constant acne, dealing with breakouts can cause major stress. And major stress just leads to...more breakouts! To break the cycle, we're bringing you the best acne products to prevent, conceal, and heal. These high tech formulas come in all shapes and sizes--including one that's right for you. By Melissa Foss
PictureQuest
Two-Step Cleanser
This face cleansing system was designed for younger acne sufferers and people with very oily skin. The first product washes away surface makeup and oil, and the second exfoliates deeply to whisk away impurities. Fan Miley Cyrus recently tweeted about the duo: "I had horrible acne for three years, I cried every day. These products changed my life."
Sensai Silk Purifying Step 1 Cleansing Gel with Scrub and Step 2 Mud Soap Wash & Mask, $50
Courtesy of Sensai
5-Minute Miracle
This brand-new mask doesn't strip skin, so you'll never end up dry and flaky the next day. Ingredients like oil-fighting salicylic acid and purifying natural clay banish pimple-causing bacteria. And it's a fast fix: It helps reduce the size and redness of blemishes in just five minutes.
Clinique Acne Solutions Oil-Control Cleansing Mask, $19.50
Courtesy of Clinique
Overnight Blemish Blaster
Ling Skincare's Drying Lotion is so potent, the company instructs you not to use it for more than three consecutive nights. A staple in many makeup artists' bag of tricks, this serum contains sulfur to dry up breakouts, and zinc oxide to help heal them fast. It also has a bit of pigment in it to help conceal redness.
Ling Skincare Drying Lotion, $32
Courtesy of Ling
Body Breakouts
Nothing takes the thrill away from a strapless dress or halter top like a broken-out back or chest. This face and body wash contains the highest dose of salicylic acid allowed without a prescription. Use it daily to prevent breakouts and ingrown hairs.
Clark's Botanicals Skin-clearing Face & Body Wash, $46
Courtesy of Clark's Botanicals
Conceal and Heal
We love a multitasking product. This one banishes blemishes while covering them up. It's available in four tints and contains time-released salicylic acid and botanicals to clear and calm blemishes.
Physicians Formula Blemish RX, $8.95
Courtesy of Physican's Formula
Spot Remover
This is the real deal if you have breakouts and discoloration from past blemishes or sun damage (hello, everyone over 35!). A gentle blend of anti-aging retinol, hydrating hyaluronic acid and soothing cucumber extract. Don't forget: An ounce of prevention goes a long way!
Philosophy On A Clear Day Retinol Clarifying Lotion, $40
Courtesy of Philosophy
Zap Bacteria
New hand-held devices from brands like Tanda and ANSR are bringing a popular in-office acne treatment home. Using LED (light-emitting diode) technology, they target acne-causing bacteria to prevent future breakouts and shorten the life of existing ones. And no, it doesn't hurt!
Tanda Clear Acne Light Therapy Treatment, $250
Courtesy of Tanda
Skin Savior
This all-natural cleanser uses the best of nature to tackle breakouts and oil. Exfoliating black sugar and oil-absorbing charcoal provide a one-two punch that leaves skin looking instantly healthier. Because the ingredients are fresh and natural, LUSH sells the cleanser by weight so you can buy as much or as little as you'll use during its recommended 3-month shelf-life.
Lush Cosmetics Dark Angels Facial Cleanser, $11.95 per pound
Courtesy of Lush
Perfecting Pads
Perfect for travel or everyday, these pads are conveniently dosed with salicylic acid, citric acid, and spearmint extract to freshen up your complexion while killing bacteria. Use after cleansing to keep skin clear.
Glominerals gloClear Complexion Pads , $40
Courtesy of gloTherapeutics