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Acne is a very prevalent skin disorder, particularly amongst women and people who menstruate (PWM). It’s estimated that 12-22 per cent of women and PWMs will experience chronic, persistent acne in their lifetime. While acne isn’t anything to be ashamed of, and many people are embracing their blemishes with #skinpositivity trending, there are moments when you’d really rather not have a spot. Because the relationship between acne and stress is proven and reciprocal (an unfortunate evolutionary oversight) you’re most likely to break out at the worst possible moments.
While I have pretty clear skin now, I experienced cystic acne in my early and mid-20s and during that time, I tried every topical treatment I could get my hands on.
Currently, my skin only chucks a tantrum in the lead-up to moments I’d like to look supernaturally flawless. Whether it’s “handovers” with an ex, social media-optimised events (what else are wedding for?) or important meetings, I can count on major blemishes. When this happens, there are certain products I scramble for.
Remember, if you’re acne is severe and persistent it’s best to speak to a medical expert. I ended up taking oral medication to avoid long-term scarring which, while not for everyone, worked for me. So, if you’re looking to treat the odd spot, keep reading because below are a few of my favourites.
Image credit: COSRX
For When Your Blemish Has Come To a Head
Hydrocolloid pimple patches work by absorbing excess fluid, like oil and pus (hot!), turning opaque when they’re maxed out in a process that is grotesquely satisfying. They also seal the blemish in, removing the temptation to pick and fiddle and protecting the area from further exposure to dirt and pollution.
Want in? My can’t live without are COSRX, Acne Pimple Master Patch ($11). With 24 per pack, they offer bang for your buck. Plus, they stick, so if you’re an “active” sleeper like me you won’t find them on your pillow in the morning.
Image credit: E.S.K
For When Your Blemish Is Buried Deep
If you have a pimple brewing that hasn’t totally come to a head yet, you may want to take a more surgical approach.
Microneedling acne patches like E.S.K.’s Spotless: Microneedle Patches ($36) are now “a thing,” so you don’t need to reach for alcohol and a sewing needle. Skin penetrative, these patches deliver active ingredients deep into the spot with 300 microscopic “needles” made of hyaluronic acid. They dissolve under the epidermis infusing the blemish with pore-cleansing salicylic acid, anti-inflammatory Vitamin B3, antibacterial tea tree oil and soothing green tea where you need it most. The hyaluronic acid keeps the skin’s surface hydrated so that you won’t wake up with the classic, angry post-blemish mark.
Image credit: MECCA
Acne Napalm-In-a-Bottle
When I struggled with acne on a regular basis, Kate Somerville’s classic EradiKate Acne Treatment ($42) is my weapon of choice.
The treatment attacks blemishes from three angles. First, sulphur absorbs oils and impurities. Then, salicylic acid attacks: penetrating the pore and exfoliating the inner pore “wall,” while exterminating bacteria and excess oil. Finally, zinc oxide — a mild antiseptic and anti-inflammatory — comes in for the clean-up job, soothing any residual irritation. Your pimple will be exterminated before it even knows what hit it.
Image credit: MECCA
The a Acne Soft-Napalm Approach
Eve Lom Dynaspot, ($45) is a little gentler than EradiKate, but still powerful. If you have dry, dehydrated skin, or easily sensitised, this could be a safer choice.
The convenient squeeze tube contains salicylic acid, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial tea tree oil, natural antiseptic fennel seed and soothing camomile. Magnesium and zinc absorb surface oil while calming redness.
Image credit: Fenty Skin
An Acne TreatmenThe Acne Treatment For a Complexion That's Brewing a Tantrum
Do you ever find your face is just… generally brewing something bad? Finding lumpy texture, open pores and a slightly greasy end-of-day finish? Generally mutinous?
Whatever the cause, I find Fenty Skin’s Cookies N Clean Mask ($49) puts grumpy skin back in its place in minutes.
This mask contains salicylic acid, charcoal, and, I believe, witchcraft. I typically avoid clay masks because they dry my skin out, but the unique jelly texture of this mask is incredibly gentle, thanks to glycerin and panthenol.
As you massage in the product, spherical beads of encapsulated charcoal, coating blackhead-packed crevices with sebum-soaking-up and deep-pore cleansing ingredients like salicylic acid and carbon.
Perfectly for putting a misbehaving complexion in its place.
Image Credit: Tribe
Best Acne Treatment For Sensitive Skin
Whether your skin can’t tolerate ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, or you’re looking for a daily serum to complement more powerful treatment products, Tribe, Clearing Anti-Breakout Serum ($65) is a gentle product formulated to keep blackheads and breakouts at bay.
With pore-cleansing white willow bark, brightening liquorice root extract, and soothing oatmeal and aloe vera this is an anti-inflammatory preventative treatment that should be part of your daily routine.
Image Credit: Silvi
Best Acne Treatment For Prevention
While your propensity to acne is hormonal and genetic, some factors can aggravate breakouts. From the shampoos we use, makeup and bedding, there are plenty of products that don’t agree with our skin.
Anti-acne pillowcases are a great passive way to combat acne. I love the award-winning Silvi, The Anti-Acne Silk Pillowcase ($89). Treated natural silver, an element that eliminates 99.7 per cent of bacteria, these 22 momme mulberry silk pillowcases are as good for your hair as they are for your face and come in 11 colours. Pick up their specially formulated Silvi, Zero-Waste Laundry Strips, ($19) while you’re at it.
Image Credit: Frank Body
Best Acne Treatment For A Post-Workout Detox
There’s nothing like being rewarded for a sweaty SoulCycle session or a long walk on a hot day with a smattering of chest and back breakouts. These breakouts aren’t always acne. They can be folliculitis, a cute condition caused by inflammation of the hair follicle that can be caused by tight clothing, sweat and heat, sadly elements of most workouts.
I like to get ahead of this problem by jumping in the shower as soon as I’m home from a workout and using an anti-acne wash. The Frank Body Clearing Body Wash ($13) contains salicylic acid and hydrating aloe vera, and vitamin B for a below-the-neck-to-toe cleanse.
Image Credit: MECCA
Best Acne Treatment For a Boujee Body Blitz
To quote the Divinyls, when I think of Kate Somerville, ExfoliKate Resurfacing Body Scrub, ($84) I touch myself — in disbelief because this treatment leaves my skin surreally smooth. While it’s not cheap, the pumice-based scrub includes lactic and salicylic acid, papaya, pineapple and pumpkin enzymes and is so powerful you shouldn’t use it more than once a week making it a relatively sound splurge.
You’ll also get a blood flow stimulating, a skin-tightening shot of caffeine and a hydrating dose of aloe vera, honey and soybean oil. Perfect for a pre-fake tan, Exfolikate also smells like a cocktail and will get you in the mood for a night out.
