The Best Acne Products of 2024, According to Dermatologists
Whether you're dealing with hormonal acne or oily skin, these skin fixes really work.
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If you're tired of feeling bummed out every time a breakout occurs, and nothing in your bathroom cabinet seems to keep pimples at bay, you're not alone. Adult acne affects a significant percentage of people over the age of 25 — we're talking 40% to 54%. Every person's skin is different, and what works for your friend might not work for you. Plus, there's a myriad acne products out there claiming to curate your ideal acne skincare routine, whether you have hormonal acne to treat or need to get rid of gunky blackheads.
Luckily, most mild, non-hormonal cases of acne can be cleared using OTC products, according to Angela Lamb, M.D. a dermatologist at Mount Sinai Dermatology. You'll want to look for products with proven acne-fighters, like "a great mix of salicylic acid, niacinamide and azelaic acid to improve breakouts," she adds.
Much like the breakout itself, it can be downright painful zeroing in on the very best products out there, so our editors vetted a list of the top acne treatments by speaking with eight board-certified dermatologists and aestheticians and the skincare pros in our Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab. That includes acne face washes and benzoyl peroxide products that actively clear pores to expert-recommended sunscreens for acne that help protect your skin while you zap those zits and hero pimple patches to quickly put a stop to breakouts.
Adele Jackson-Gibson is a certified fitness coach, model, and writer. She earned her master's in Journalism from NYU, her bachelor's in Literature from Yale University, and has since written for various sports, fitness, beauty, and culture outlets.
Jacqueline (she/her) covers all things e-commerce in beauty, lifestyle and beyond for the Good Housekeeping Institute. Before joining GH in 2021, she was a style and beauty reviews fellow at Insider, testing viral trends, reviewing sustainable brands and more. She's a graduate of the University of Florida's School of Journalism, with a specialty in magazines and mass communication.
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