10 OTC Acne Products You Need To Try!!!
Is acne new to you? Have no clue where to start? Facebook says this. Instagram says that. Don’t even get me started with all the products your mom texts you that her friend’s daughter uses.
Let this be your go-to guide on OTC acne products. Believe me, I know I’m missing something that you SWEAR by (and I’m sure it’s great), but these are my tried and true FAVORITES!
Cerave Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser
Not to be confused with the Cerave Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser (which I don’t hate but the benzoyl peroxide isn’t for everyone).
This cleanser is AWESOME. It’s creamy. It’s foamy. It does everything I need it to do…..aka CLEAN my skin!!
Best when used am and pm.
Cetaphil Pro Oil Removing Foam Wash
Great for those that tend to be more oil-prone.
Pairs well with the Cetaphil Pro Oil Absorbing Moisturizer. (YES, YOU STILL NEED TO MOISTURIZE!)
I love a good benzoyl peroxide wash for body acne or razor burn.
This 10% BPO cleanser is great to use in the shower on chest and back. (I recommend letting it sit for at least 30 seconds before rinsing.)
Caution: If you’ve never used BPO before, it bleaches!! Make sure to rinse off thoroughly.
This 0.1% Adapalene Gel was once prescription only and now it’s available at your fingertips!!
Take advantage of this awesome retinoid to help with those minor breakouts and clogged pores.
Apply chocolate-chip size amount to ENTIRE face at night. Retinoids tend to be drying, so it’s crucial to follow up application with moisturizer. (YES, YOU NEED TO USE A MOISTURIZER.)
I could literally include the ENTIRE Effaclar line from La RochePosay into my FAVORITES list, but, for variety sake, I chose to highly a few products.
I don't recommend spot-treating often, but, when I do, it’s definitely with this 5.5% benzoyl peroxide/lipo-hydroxy acid combo. It’s great for those red, pus-filled pimples!
This topical can also be used as part of your daily routine! As always, apply a chocolate-chip size amount to entire face and follow up with moisturizer. Caution bleaching!! If you use a retinoid at night, I would recommend this product in the morning.
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension
I love a good azelaic acid to help treat acne and rosacea. Granted, the prescription-strength formulation is slightly stronger (compare 15% to this 10% OTC option), but, still, it’s a great option!!
I like combining the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of this in the am with a retinoid (think Differin gel) pm.
La RochePosay Effaclar Towelettes
I LOVE these wipes for after workouts, long days on the golf course or at the beach, or, as of recently, mid-day to help with my maskne!
These are also my go-to recommendation for that teenager that just doesn’t quite have ENOUGH time to wash their face in the am before they hop on the computer for virtual learning:).
Neutrogena Stubborn Marks PM Treatment
Acne scars are the WORST. You put in all the hard work to get rid of your breakouts and are left with a flat red or purple mark to remind you of that pesky bugger.
This mild retinol works great to help fade the post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from previous breakouts. Note, best clearance was seen after 12 weeks of application.
Apply small amount to face in the evening. Even mild retinols can dry out our skin, so again, MOISTURIZER IS KEY!
Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Cleansing Pads
Back on the cleansing pad train. As opposed to the Effaclar Towelettes, these pads contain salicylic acid, which helps to exfoliate the skin.
These would be a great option if you’re main concern was clogged pores.
I would use in the am but caution pairing it with any benzoyl peroxide products (like the Effaclar Duo) with fear of excessive dryness and irritation.
Probiotics
No, I’m not talking about the fancy Tula probiotic skincare line. (Although I do like it, but the price point is a tough sell for me.)
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again…Your skin is a reflection of what is going on IN your body, especially your gut!! Why not treat your gut just as well as your treat your skin?
Probiotics help to control inflammation. Reduced inflammation on the inside = reduced inflammation on the outside.
Vitamin Bounty Pro-50 and Culturelle Digestive Daily Probiotic Chewables are 2 of my favorites!
I hope you love these products as much as I do. I’ve included links to make your life even easier!! You’ll notice some links take you to eCosmetics, which is quickly becoming my go-to for affordable, reputable, and FAST access to my favorite skincare products!
Now, I wouldn’t be doing my job if I led you to believe that ALL acne will respond to these products. If you’ve tried OTC products consistently for at least a few months with minimal to no relief, you’re probably a candidate for a good prescription-strength routine. Fortunately, I know a girl that can help you out ;).
-xoxo