Acne is supposed to go away after our teen years but for many of us, it doesn’t. What worked as a kid won’t cut it now, so we need the best acne treatments for adults. It’s also worth taking a look at acne pillowcases which are antibacterial and ideal partners to acne treatments.
See the bottom of the article for more on what causes acne and a rundown of the common active ingredients of the best acne treatment for adults that are on this list if you’re not sure which is right for you. For now, let’s get right to the best acne kits.
|
Amazon Customer Reviews
|
Price: $77.00 Shop at Amazon | Shop now Read our review |
|
Amazon Customer Reviews
|
Price: $33.99 Shop at Amazon | Shop now Read our review |
|
Amazon Customer Reviews
|
Price: $36.00 Shop at Amazon | Shop now Read our review |
|
Amazon Customer Reviews
|
Price: $32.99 Shop at Amazon | Shop now Read our review |
|
Amazon Customer Reviews
|
Price: $39.95 Shop at Amazon | Shop now Read our review |
|
Amazon Customer Reviews
|
Price: $53.95 Shop at Amazon | Shop now Read our review |
|
Amazon Customer Reviews
|
Price: $39.95 Shop at Amazon | Shop now Read our review |
|
Amazon Customer Reviews
|
Price: $55.00 Shop at Amazon | Shop now Read our review |
|
Amazon Customer Reviews
|
Price: $34.99 Shop at Amazon | Shop now Read our review |
|
Amazon Customer Reviews
|
Price: $36.00 Shop at Amazon | Shop now Read our review |
|
Amazon Customer Reviews
|
Price: $34.00 Shop at Amazon | Shop now Read our review |
|
Amazon Customer Reviews
|
Price: $52.00 Shop at Amazon | Shop now Read our review |
|
Amazon Customer Reviews
|
Price: $32.99 Shop at Amazon | Shop now Read our review |
|
Amazon Customer Reviews
|
Price: $24.95 Shop at Amazon | Shop now Read our review |
|
Amazon Customer Reviews
|
Price: $39.99 Shop at Amazon | Shop now Read our review |
-
1. EDITOR’S CHOICE: Mario Badescu Acne Control Kit
Pros:- Helps reduce oiliness
- Products available separately
- Works fast
- Made in America
Cons:- Contains parabens, sulfates, and silicones
- Spot treatment isn’t clear
- Too strong for some
The Mario Badescu Acne Control Kit comes with five products that form a daily skincare routine that can zap zits from your life.
Some systems are targeted using only one active ingredient to treat your acne. This system uses around seven. This is throwing the kitchen sink at your acne, which, when you’re not sure what is going to work for you is, frankly, fantastic.
The Acne Facial Cleanser exfoliates with salicylic acid and soothes your skin with aloe vera and chamomile while the Special Cucumber Lotion works as an astringent to dry up acne and reduce the size of your pores.
The Drying Cream treats small zits under the skin with sulfur and zinc oxide. The Drying Mask uses Kaolin clay, calamine, and sulfur to target larger, surface zits.
And the well-known Drying Lotion is a super-strong spot treatment that I featured in my spot treatments guide.
This wide range of active ingredients works fast and works with a wide range of skin types. I like that you can buy each product separately and that the zinc oxide helps make oily skin less oily overall.
Find more Mario Badescu Acne Control Kit information and reviews here.
-
2. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Dermatological Acne Treatment System
Pros:- Great for even deep, hormonal acne
- Affordable
- Doubles as anti-aging
Cons:- Can be too drying for some
- Benzoyl peroxide can stain fabrics
- May take longer for some to work
The Effaclar Acne Treatment System by La Roche-Posay has been called the Proactiv+ for adults. It’s a three-step system with a similar list of active ingredients and a drastically lower price tag. I have had great results with the La-Roche-Posay brand. It was the Editor’s Choice for Best Prebiotic Skincare and I use their Double Repair Moisturizer daily.
One ingredient that is unique to this system is beta-lipohydroxy acid which is a derivative of salicylic acid. It’s gentler on skin and soaks in slower, delivering its exfoliating goodness evenly without missing anything.
According to the NIH, beta-lipohydroxy acid also stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, two things we lose as we age which causes fine lines. I love that this acne treatment doubles as an anti-aging treatment.
Like many systems, there is a cleanser and toner that you use twice daily as your skin tolerates it and an acne treatment lotion you can use up to three times a day. The Dual Action Acne Treatment contains 5.5 percent benzoyl peroxide which can be drying and stain fabrics.
Some people get positive results with this system within a week, and for others, it can take more like six weeks.
Find more La Roche-Posay Effaclar Dermatological Acne Treatment System information and reviews here.
-
3. Proactiv+ 3 Step Acne Treatment System
Pros:- Uses benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and botanical extracts
- Lots of people have great success
- Years of testing and perfecting
- Lightens acne scarring
Cons:- Contains silicone
- Not oil free
- Not everyone wants skin lighteners
- Benzoyl peroxide can stain fabrics
Proactiv+ is pretty much required for any acne treatment system list. It’s the most well-known and, for many, the most effective that people have found. Chances are, you already know Proacive+ exists and if you’re reading this guide, it’s probably not because you’ve forgotten.
But as a reminder, Proactiv+ is still around and people still swear by it. If you haven’t considered it before, here’s a quick rundown of the three steps you do twice a day.
First, the Skin Smoothing Exfoliator uses a mild exfoliator, 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide, and glycolic acid to kill bacteria, dry up oils, and remove dead skin.
Second, the Pore Targeting Treatment uses 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide to reach deep into pores.
Lastly, the Complexion Perfecting Hydrator uses salicylic acid, botanicals, moisturizing oils, and hyaluronic acid spheres which are ultra-hydrating and reduce the signs of aging. This lotion will also lighten your skin, helping to hide acne scarring.
Find more Proactiv+ 3 Step Acne Treatment System information and reviews here.
-
4. NxN Probiotic Acne Treatment System
Pros:- Affordable
- Uses probiotics to prevent acne
- Free of parabens, phthalates, gluten, petroleum, sulfates, and synthetic dyes
- Salicylic acid, sulfur, and botanicals
- Won't stain bedding or clothing
- Includes a spot treatment
Cons:- A lot of steps
- Not strong enough for everyone
- Gets worse before it gets better
As someone who has acne their entire life and tried everything from prescription to all-natural, the first product that ever made a real difference for me was a probiotic system. Systems that rely too heavily on harsh chemicals send my skin into a panic, but probiotics make sense because, just like our gut, our skin has good bacteria and bad bacteria.
Bad bacteria set up camp in our pores and cause zits. Good bacteria just help our skin have a healthy biome so if we can increase the number of good bacteria, they can out-crowd the bad.
The NxN Acne Treatment System is a four-piece system that has probiotics in each step. It includes a cleanser, toner, overnight treatment, and spot treatment. The first three use salicylic acid along with other natural products like green tea, lactic acid, wild rose berry, and citrus extracts to cleanse and prevent acne from forming. The spot treatment uses sulfur to kill bacteria (so only use it on active zits) and ginger and licorice to reduce redness.
This one also uses natural retinols found in blue algae to prevent acne and retinols are quite effective for some but too strong for others. NxN provides a routine template to start with and you can adjust as your skin needs. There isn’t a dedicated all-face moisturizer in here so if you tend to dry out at the mention of salicylic acid, you may need to bring your own moisturizer to the party.
Like most acne treatments, your skin is probably going to get worse before it gets better so don’t let that surprise you. Retinol is famous for its purging phase as acne increases before drastically clearing up.
If you’re looking for a biome approach with probiotics but don’t want to give up some of the stronger tools like salicylic acid then this is perfect for you.
Find more NxN Probiotic Acne Treatment System information and reviews here.
-
5. Neutralyze Moderate To Severe Acne Treatment Kit
Pros:- Uses salicylic acid, mandelic acid, and botanicals like green tea and cucumber extract
- Free of parabens and fragrances
- Works quickly
Cons:- Won’t be strong enough for everyone
- Contains tree nut products
- Not as great for hormonal
The Neutralyze three-step system balances your face to stop the acne cycle. It starts with a non-foaming cleanser that uses mandelic acid (an alpha-hydroxy acid derived from almonds) as a mild chemical peel and exfoliant.
The Clearing Serum uses 1 percent salicylic acid and mandelic acid to clean out pores and remove dead skin. The hydrating Synergizer helps to soothe irritated, red skin and balance the pH of your skin. This system is fairly gentle and good for sensitive skin of all types.
It kicks in pretty fast but people with deep, cystic acne are probably going to need a stronger treatment regimen than this.
Find more Neutralyze Moderate To Severe Acne Treatment Kit information and reviews here.
-
6. Clearogen Hormonal Acne Solution
Pros:- Uses benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid
- Hormone blocking botanicals
- Soothing natural extracts and cooling aloe
Cons:- May cause sun sensitivity and drying
- Benzoyl peroxide can stain fabrics
- Pricier than many
The Clearogen Hormonal Acne Solution is a two-pronged approach: kill bacteria and remove dead skin and oil with salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide and prevent acne by making use of botanicals that reduce the amount of oil your pores produce.
This three-part system has a foaming cleanser and toner both with salicylic acid and an acne lotion with benzoyl peroxide. That’s a lot of drying active ingredients there so go slowly and reduce how often you use it if you experience drying.
Botanicals like witch hazel, rosemary, and chamomile reduce inflammation and the size of pores. But it’s the linolenic acid and saw palmetto extract that are really exciting.
If you’re not sure this system is for you they also offer a mini travel set that you can use as a trial.
Find more Clearogen Hormonal Acne Solution information and reviews here.
-
7. BioClarity Clear Skin Routine
Pros:- Several different kit combos for different skin types
- Salicylic acid and other botanicals like chlorophyll
- Available in 30 day and 60 day sizes
- Vegan and cruelty free
- Free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates
- Not artificial fragrances
- Includes a spot treatment
Cons:- Not strong enough for some
- Some kits are too moisturizing for some
- The green color fades but is shocking at first
BioClarity is another natural take on treating adult acne without harsh chemicals. I was sent some samples from them to try (with no guarantee of a review at all) and I can tell you that months later, my husband still uses the system daily. I didn’t fully switch away from my probiotic regimen but I do still use their face masks regularly.
The system is really several systems because BioClarity understands that everyone’s skin is different and has different needs and reactions. This is their Blemish Control system for oily and acne-prone skin which comes with their cleanser with calming botanicals, Restore chlorophyll treatment, and acne spot treatment with salicylic acid.
For normal to dry skin they have the Essentials Routine which includes their cleanser, Restore chlorophyll treatment, and Skin Smoothie moisturizer with chlorophyll, jojoba, and argan oil. I found the Skin Smoothie too oily for me, but I definitely fall in the oily skin category.
If blackheads are an issue, they have a Clear Skin Routine which is their Blemish Control set with their tea tree clarifying mask.
Their formulation of chlorophyll is at the basis of many of their products, especially the Restore treatment. It’s said to cleanse skin, kill harmful bacteria, and nourish your cells.
Do be aware, since it’s chlorophyll-based, it’s really green. Like, really green. But don’t worry, it soaks in quickly and becomes clear.
I also like that you can generally get their systems in 30-day or 60-day supply so you can stock up or try it out without a full commitment.
Find more BioClarity Clear Skin Routine information and reviews here.
-
8. Uncomplicated Skin Care For Men by Tiege Hanley
Pros:- Two sizes to choose from
- Formulated for men
- Salicylic acid and other botanicals
- Moisturizer with SPF
- TSA compliant sizes
Cons:- Contains PEG's and silicones
- Make sure you do a standard patch test
- Gendering not specifically necessary
- Not for severe acne
We all have issues with acne but the hormone testosterone is often at fault so those with more of it are at an increased risk. This set by Tiege Hanley is marketed as for men with mild to moderate acne so if you’re dealing with severe cystic acne, this one isn’t for you. But if you need a system to control some annoying acne that just keeps cropping up, keep reading.
The system is four products: a daily cleanser, daily SPF moisturizer, daily acne treatment, and twice-weekly scrub. I like that there aren’t a million steps to keep track of and that they’re including an exfoliator. Their Level One system is one of each product and their Level Two system is the same as Level One but with an extra tube of the acne treatment cream so if you find you’re going through the acne treatment faster than the rest, you have options.
The active acne-fighting ingredient in the acne cream is salicylic acid to dry out zits and clean out pores. I would say this is best for people who have more issues with flaking rather than excessive oiliness as it’s very moisturizing and contains silicones to help seal in moisture and counteract the drying effects of salicylic acid.
Beyond the acne cream, the rest of the products are focused on general skincare that calms inflammation and keeps your skin healthy. The scrub contains menthol so it has a refreshing, cooling sensation. Some folks have reported allergic reactions so it’s best to do a patch test of all the product before applying to your whole face.
Find more Uncomplicated Skin Care For Men by Tiege Hanley information and reviews here.
-
9. Smacne Trial Kit
Pros:- Simple to use
- Includes a spot treatment
- Salicylic acid, glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and tea tree
- Both treatments are hydrating
Cons:- Benzoyl peroxide can bleach fabrics
- Still too drying for some
- Not for those with nut allergies (hazelnut oil)
If you feel like you need a stronger treatment but know you won’t keep up with a five-step system that varies from day to day, check out Smacne. This one is only two products, a cleanser and a spot treatment so you can set up a regular routine.
They’re certainly taking a multi-pronged approach to acne prevention here with salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and tea tree oil in the cleanser to remove built-up dead skin and dirt while neutralizing bacteria and the even stronger benzoyl peroxide in the spot treatment.
If that all sounds like several ingredients that tend to dry out skin, you’re right, but Smacne includes a wide range of moisturizers in both treatments including the ultra-hydrating hyaluronic acid which you find in lip plumpers and other face creams because it holds onto water, keeping moisture in the skin, while making the skin appear plumper and more firm. I haven’t seen this used in a lot of acne products and it’s a clever move to prevent drying out.
In addition to the hyaluronic acid, Smacne’s cleanser contains aloe vera and glycerin while the acne treatment is packed with hazelnut oil, jojoba oil, aloe vera, shea butter, squalane, and glycerin.
It’s clear they’re really doing everything they can to prevent drying giving those of us who tend to flake at the drop of a hat the best shot of reaping the benefits of these substantially more effective acne treatments.
-
10. Eau Thermale Avène Cleanance Solutions Blemish Control Starter Kit
Pros:- Uses monolaurin, X-Pressin, diolenyl, salicylic acid, and citric acid
- Unique targeted action against acne-causing bacteria
- Product of France
- Reduces oil production
- Can buy products individually
Cons:- Contains sulfates and silicones
- Initial adjustment period
- Too drying for some
- Matte lotion not included
Eau Thermal Avène Cleanance Starter Kit is a two-step system with the normal cleanser, toner, and treatment lotion, but that doesn’t rely on the active ingredients we’ve seen so far. Instead, Eau Thermale Avène uses patented ingredients like monolaurin, X-Pressin, and diolenyl.
Monolaurin reduces your pores’ natural sebum production by 33 percent. Finally, something to tell that jerk of a sebaceous gland to give it a rest. X-Pressin is a chemical exfoliator like glycolic acid or salicylic acid but it’s much more efficient.
You get higher results at a lower concentration so it’s a great alternative for people with more sensitive skin who are easily dried out by other chemical peel agents.
Diolenyl appears to bacteria as the type of cells in your sebum that they would normally eat, but when they try to eat it they’re pumped full of antibacterials which kill them–that’s pretty hardcore. It’s also an anti-inflammatory which is great for sore, irritated skin.
If other treatment systems haven’t worked for you in the past, this is a unique approach to throw at your face. There is an adjustment period where you may find your acne is getting worse during the first couple of weeks as the system treats your active blemishes. Stick with it. It’s part of the process.
If you have very oily skin (no shame, I’m raising my hand for this) the Cleanance line is great for you. You can add in their mattifying toner between the two steps to help reduce shininess and the system will, over time, reduce your oil production.
Even though the set version of this is currently out of stock you can still buy the products individually, which I think pretty great since I always end up running out of one product before the others. The set is made up of the Cleanance Cleansing Gel and Cleanance Expert. Their Cleanance Matte, a mattifying oil-control lotion is recommended but not included.
Find more Eau Thermale Avène Cleanance Solutions Blemish Control Kit information and reviews here.
-
11. Glytone Acne Clearing System
Pros:- Uses salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide
- You can buy the products separately
- Oil free and non-comedogenic
- Aggressively treats even deep acne
- Spot treatments go on clear
Cons:- Contains parabens and silicones
- Not for sensitive skin
- Can be too harsh for some
Glytone’s three-piece acne treatment system is great for oily skin, combination skin, and especially if built-up dry skin is one of your trouble areas. It contains a foam cleanser, treatment lotion, and a gel spot treatment.
The foam cleanser and lotion both use salicylic acid as their active ingredient to dry up oils, kill bacteria, and as a gentle acid peel. The salicylic acid removes the top layer of dry, dead skin cells, preventing dead skin from blocking pores.
There are two spot treatments with different active ingredients because it seems like some people react better to one than the other and this gives you options. The lotion uses concentrated salicylic acid to treat problem spots and the gel uses benzoyl peroxide which is considered stronger than salicylic acid.
Each of these products is to be used one to three times a day as your skin tolerates it. As impatient as you might be, start with once a day and see how it goes. These treatments can dry your skin out if you overuse them. You can even drop back to every other day if you need to.
Drying is good–we just need to find the right balance. If your skin can handle an aggressive and highly effective treatment, this is great.
If you have very dry or sensitive skin, you might want to skip this one. Be aware that benzoyl peroxide can stain fabrics so if you go to bed with it on, use a pillowcase you’re not attached to. You can also add in their mattifying toner.
Find more Glytone Acne Clearing System information and reviews here.
-
12. Paula’s Choice CLEAR System
Pros:- Can get a trial pack
- Can customize strengths
- Paraben-free
Cons:- Contains PEGs
- Adjustment period
- Can stain fabrics
- Too drying for some
Our skin is individual to us, so I appreciate it when brands like Paula’s Choice have systems that you are able to customize. They offer a three-piece kit that comes in the featured regular strength (2% salicylic acid and 2.5% benzoyl peroxide) or extra strength (2% salicylic acid and 5% benzoyl peroxide).
If you’re not sure which one is best for you, you can get them in the full-size version featured here or as mini trial sizes which are surprisingly affordable considering the price of full size and how much you’re still getting.
The system includes a cleanser, anti-redness exfoliator with salicylic acid, and a daily acne treatment lotion with benzoyl peroxide. These are ingredients we know are effective against acne so if your skin tolerates the formula, you’ll see results in a couple of months. Like most systems, there’s the possibility of an initial worsening but it’s just a hump you have to get over.
Benzoyl peroxide can be irritating and drying for sensitive skin so those of us with highly reactive skin may need to steer clear.
Find more Paula's Choice CLEAR System information and reviews here.
-
13. Differin Skin Care Set
Pros:- FDA-approved treatment
- Affordable
- Additional treatments available
Cons:- Contains parabens, sulfates, and silicone
- Have to get through intital breakouts
- Too irritating for some
If you need prescription-level treatment but your skin hasn’t tolerated retinoid cream in the past, consider giving this Differin System a shot. Their active ingredient is Adapalene, which is in the retinol family but created to be a gentler version.
It was originally available by prescription only starting back in the 90s, but it was approved for over-the-counter use in 2016. According to the FDA press release, Adapalene is the first new active ingredient to be FDA for over-the-counter use since the 1980s. So yes, it’s a retinoid, but it’s different enough from retinol for the FDA to make that statement.
This system comes with a 0.1% Adapalene acne gel treatment, a gentle cleanser, and an oil-absorbing moisturizer with SPF 30. It may a gentler version of traditional (but effective) retinol, but the acne gel is still in the retinoid family so expect an initial phase where your acne will likely get worse before it gets better. And it still may be too drying for very sensitive skin. Some users combat this by not using the acne gel every day but only every few days to prevent drying. (Plus you save money on product). You may see improvement right away but expect serious results in three months.
Differin also has a bunch of different products to add to your regimen as needed like a night cream and dark spot corrector.
Find more Differin Skin Care Set information and reviews here.
-
14. OrganiClear Acne Treatment Kit
Pros:- Uses salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide
- Includes botanicals like tea tree, sandalwood, aloe vera, and myrtle
- Vegan
- Two sizes to choose from
- Oil-free
- Does not contain parabens, phthalates, artificial colors, or fragrances
Cons:- Contains silicone
- Benzoyl peroxide can cause sun sensitivity and bleach fabrics
- Too drying for some
- It's called OrganiClear but I don't see the word "organic" in the ingredient list
OrganiClear is an oil-free system of three products: a cleanser, acne treatment moisturizer, and soothing moisturizer. I like that they are vegan and free from phthalates, parabens, artificial dyes, and fragrances.
The cleanser uses salicylic acid to clean out your pore as well as the antibacterial power of tea tree, sandalwood, and Australian myrtle extract to prevent acne from forming. You’ll want to follow this up with a moisturizer and this system has two.
The directions say work up to using the acne lotion three times a day and the soothing chamomile lotion at night but depending on how easily your skin dries out, you’ll want to use less of the acne lotion as it contains benzoyl peroxide which can be very drying. I have very sensitive skin and cannot use the stuff but it’s extremely effective for those who can handle it.
Either way, definitely start slow with the benzoyl peroxide step to see how your skin takes to it. If you are going to use it during the day, be sure to also use sunblock because it can cause sun sensitivity. It can also bleach fabrics so try to keep it off your clothes.
I like the double-pronged approach to reducing oiliness, just be sure you’re taking it slow to reach the best treatment for your skin type without going over.
Find more OrganiClear Acne Treatment Kit information and reviews here.
-
15. Aleavia Prebiotic Acne Repair Kit
Pros:- No side effects
- Prebiotics instead of harsh chemicals
- Perfect for sensitive skin
- Free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, fragrances, dyes, foaming agents, and silicones
- Cruelty-free and vegan
- GMO-free
Cons:- Takes a while to kick in
- May not be strong enough for everyone
- Won’t make oily skin less oily
- Contains coconut oil
Aleavia Prebiotic Acne Repair Kit is a unique take on treating acne through science. Overall, most acne treatments work by killing bacteria and drying up oils, which does work don’t get me wrong.
But that process can be very harsh on your skin and cause drying, redness, and peeling. Aleavia decided to try a different approach.
There are good and bad bacteria in and on our bodies, including our faces. Instead of most acne treatments that kill everything, the goal of Aleavia is to create an environment where good bacteria on our faces can flourish.
This system feeds the good bacteria with vegan prebiotics so their population can grow and eventually crowd out the bad, acne-causing bacteria leaving you with a balanced and healthy face ecosystem.
Which I think is incredibly clever. The best thing about it is that means no side effects. No drying, no redness, no peeling.
It’s a two-step program of cleanser and facial mist which are 100 percent organic and natural ingredients. I wish the instructions had been a little more clear, but it looks like you use the cleanser once a day and the prebiotic spray one to two times a day.
The cleanser is hydrating with aloe vera and coconut oil along with the prebiotic kelp. For some with sensitive skin adding something like coconut oil might be a little counter-intuitive, but if you’re sick of dealing with harsh products that stain and dry you out, it’s worth the shot.
Follow that up with the spray which contains similar ingredients but with Acadian Sea Kelp this time.
I’ve tried prebiotic acne systems in the past and they do take some time to kick in, but they work surprisingly well for me and are the only thing that my super sensitive skin can handle.
Find more Aleavia Prebiotic Acne Repair Kit information and reviews here.
I've been dealing with acne since the fifth grade. It did not go away when I hit my twenties or thirties and, left to its own devices, I'm fairly certain it would never go away. This is why I didn't leave it to its own devices and now I have it under control after trying out the best acne treatments for adults on the market and finding what's right for my skin.
Acne fighting tip.
I've had some great success by switching to Silvon Anti-Acne Pillowcases. The pillowcases themselves are woven with silver which is antibacterial and helps to prevent bacteria from growing a surface your face touches for hours each night.
I got to try a media sample of these and I've found they've stopped even the smaller breakthrough zits that my acne treatments didn't catch.
What Is Acne?
Your skin is covered with millions of tiny pores. On your face alone, there are around 20,000 pores and below each one is a follicle and a sebaceous gland.
The follicle's job is the grow hair. The sebaceous gland is there to produce sebum, which is the natural oil our body makes to ensure our skin is healthy and doesn't dry out. Sebum travels up the pore and spreads onto your skin, carrying shed dead skin cells with it.
Or that's what it's supposed to do, but it doesn't always work out that way.
Sometimes the sebum and skin cell mixture gets stuck in the pore. Voila, we have acne.
So now the opening to the pore is blocked but the sebaceous gland is all, "That's none of my business," and keeps doing its job to secrete more oil. You've got a pore that is clogged but continues to fill up with more and more sebum and shed skin cells.
This is around that time you go, "Oh crap. There's definitely going to be a zit here."
The pressure keeps building as the pore swells. At this point, the rogue pore has a few options.
If the sebum blockage is open to the air, it's called an open comedo. You know it as a blackhead because the sebum plug darkens when exposed to air.
If the blockage is covered by skin, often from built-up dead skin at the surface, it's a closed comedo or whitehead.
Plus, a clogged pore is about the coziest environment for bacteria to settle in and multiply. So if bacteria find the clogged pore and infect it, we now have a pustule or pimple. This causes inflammation and your body reacts by sending in its best bacteria fighters: white blood cells which creates pus.
If a pustule forms and the pressure in the follicle becomes too great, remember that silly sebaceous gland is obliviously hard at work, the walls of the follicle can actually burst. This can allow sebum, bacteria, pus, or all of the above to spread into other pockets deep under the skin that don't have a pore as an outlet to the surface. We now have cystic acne. Ouch.
What Causes Acne?
Okay, so what sets this off in the first place? Most of the time, it's testosterone which is a hormone that does a lot of different things in your body but also tells your sebaceous glands to work overtime.
When you have spikes of testosterone in your system, you're more likely to get slammed with acne. Puberty and people who need testosterone injections are great examples.
Even the breakouts people get around their menstrual cycles are caused by a rise in testosterone levels.
We can't 100 percent blame testosterone though. A build up of dry skin, genetics, adding excessive oil to your face through makeup or otherwise, and even some medications can cause acne to crop up too.
But one of the biggest cause of acne is stress. So if you're taking care of your skin, but your overwhelm is turned up to 11, take a breath and try adding some self care into your skin routine.
There's some possible data that dairy and large intakes of simple sugars can increase the acne levels, but it's not definitive. If you're desperate, it's something you can try cutting out.
What Doesn't Cause Acne?
Pizza. People love to blame greasy foods for acne and for years pizza was the target culprit. Modern studies show the only way greasy foods will cause acne is if you actively rub them on your face.
So wash your hands after eating those cheese fries and you're good. Pizza is good and pure and nothing can stop me.
Common Acne Treatments.
Benzoyl peroxide. This is probably the most effective treatment we’ve got. According to Healthline, it kills acne-causing bacteria and helps clear the excess oil out of your pores while reducing inflammation.
But too much of a good thing and it can dry your skin out. You always want to start slow and see how your skin responds. It will also bleach your fabrics so keep it off the towels and pillowcases you like.
Salicylic acid. This is a beta hydroxy acid that comes from willow and birch trees. Salicylic acid is absorbed deep into your pores and clears out oils and built up dead skin, while creating a inhospitable environment for future zits. It can cause stinging to those with sensitive skin.
If it sounds familiar, as the National Library of Medicine points out, salicylic acid is Asprin.
Sulfur. Sounds weird but it works. Sulfur kills bacteria and cleans out oil and dead skin. It can be drying and isn’t usually used alone.
Just be aware that it isn’t always easy to hide the sulfur smell (think boiled eggs) though some products do better than others.
What If Your Acne Gets Worse?
Don't panic. With some treatments, particularly retinol, your acne can get worse before it gets better. Stick it out as long as you can.
How Long Do Treatments Take to Work?
I wish any treatment system was an overnight fix, but that's not possible. You may begin to see some improvement within a week of starting the treatment but it's recommended that you give a system six weeks to decide if it's really not working.
It takes time for your skin to adjust and for the blemishes that already existed when you started to resolve and heal. Does that sound like forever when you've got painful zits? Yes.
To get you though, unless otherwise advised by your system, double down on your acne spot treatments.
Which Acne Treatment System Is Right for Me?
Everyone's skin and biology is different. Some systems will work great for some and do nothing for others.
That's why I'm making this list. I'm going to go over the best on the market today and outline who these systems might be great for and who might want to avoid others.