In an ideal world, Serena Williams could teach you how to serve, Jeff Bezos would show you how to shop, and Dr. Pimple Popper hosted free Instagram seminars [1]. Unfortunately, this is the real world we're dealing with, and getting advice from the pros isn't always so easy. Luckily for anyone with acne-prone skin [2], however, we found the beauty equivalent: top dermatologists [3] across the country are sharing the best at-home treatments that can give you clearer skin.
Even better news for people who can't swing Kim Kardashian [4]'s £1,300 skin-care budget (so, everyone?), the drugstore is bursting with effective, affordable options. Ahead, you'll find a plethora of tried-and-true acne fighters [5] that skin-care experts recommend on the regular — including a few wildcards, like a silk pillowcase and antidandruff shampoo — so you can stock up safely (and effectively).
The only thing you should avoid? "Essential-oil-based acne treatments and charcoal masks because of their lack of effectiveness and risk for allergic reactions [6]," said dermatologist Laura Haygood [7], MD, FAAD.
Doctor's orders.
— Additional reporting by Tori Crowther
Differin Acne Treatment
The Differin Acne Treatment [8] (£28) is by far the best over-the-counter acne treatment according to many dermatologists. The catch? It's only available by prescription in the UK, but if you're suffering with your breakouts, it might be worth a visit to a dermatologist or GP office to get one.
"Differin targets multiple causative factors for acne and can even help lighten pigmented acne scars. Differin is most effective when applied in a thin layer over the entire affected area, rather than spot treating, so it can prevent new breakouts as well as treat those that are already visible." — dermatologist Jennifer Peterson [9], DO, FAAD
"Retinoids are one of the best acne treatments, backed by years and years of scientific studies. I highly recommend Differin Gel, it is less potent than prescription-strength retinoids so patients with sensitive skin tolerate it better. I love Differin (and other retinoids) as they not only treat acne, but they can help with the dark spots seen after acne lesions clear. Also, retinoids have anti-ageing properties — what more can you ask for in an acne cream?" — dermatologist Charlotte Birnbaum [10], MD
"Differin is a retinoid, so it's great at clearing clogged pores and blackheads, which are oftentimes the nidus for formation of inflammatory bumps and pustules." — dermatologist Susan Bard [11], MD
"As a result [of Differin being a prescription treatment previously], it has been extensively studied and found to be great for acne. Not only that, compared to many prescription retinoids, it is gentler on the skin so it's easier to tolerate, especially if you're just starting out. Retinoids are great for acne prevention by helping to regulate skin turnover to prevent pores from getting clogged, so it can be especially helpful for whiteheads and blackheads." — dermatologist Marisa Garshick [12], MD
"One of my favourite OTC acne treatments is the Differin gel. It is an excellent choice for both papular acne as well as blackheads and whiteheads. It also helps control the oiliness of the skin, making it an excellent option as a starter medication for treating acne." — dermatologist Jennifer Kitchin [13], MD, FAAD
"Differin gel is one of the best treatments for whiteheads and blackheads, not to mention enlarged pores and wrinkles. I caution my patients to start three times a week and build up as tolerated." — dermatologist Kathryn Dempsey [14], MD
"Use Differin as a whole face (not spot) treatment, preferably but not exclusively in the evenings. Don't use Differin at the same time as a benzoyl peroxide treatment, which is an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory." — dermatologist Stephanie Daniel [15], MD
Skin Laundry SleepCycle Pillowcase
"A treatment that many people forget is regularly washing or changing their pillowcases. There are even pillowcases that are now designed with ingredients such a silver to fight against bacteria, like the Skin Laundry SleepCycle Pillowcase [16] (£26)." — dermatologist Monica Valentin [17], MD
ZitSticka Killa Acne Patches
"I love these little spot patches from ZitSticka Killa Acne Patches [18] (£27). They contain tiny microdarts which deliver ingredients including salicylic acid into the epicentre of early spots. Ideally you leave it on overnight for the maximum results." — Dr. Shotter, cosmetic doctor and founder of Illuminate Skin Clinic [19].
Cetaphil Oil Control Moisturiser SPF 30
"The Cetaphil Oil Control Moisturiser SPF 30 [20] (£30) works great to combat shine, while the SPF takes care of sun protection for anyone using those sun-sensitive topical medications." — dermatologist Dr Jordana Schachter [21], MD
"Always use a noncomedogenic sunscreen moisturiser in the morning, such as the Cetaphil's Oil Control Moisturiser SPF 30, which will moisturise and protect without clogging pores." — Dr. Haygood
"I always say to rely on gentle, oil-free (noncomedogenic) moisturisers when treating acne because although many people believe acne-prone skin doesn't need moisturiser, it actually does, especially as some of the treatments for acne can be drying. The key is using a moisturiser like that is oil-free, like Cetaphil's, so it doesn't make the acne worse." — Dr. Garshick
"I warn patients that acne treatments can leave the skin feeling dry or even cause peeling, so I always recommend a noncomedogenic (oil-free) moisturiser to go with it. My favourite brands include the Cetaphil or CeraVe facial moisturisers in the morning, because they contain sunscreen." — dermatologist Lauren Bonati [22], MD
Bioderma Sébium Global Intensive Purifying Care
Dr Shotter also recommends Bioderma Sébium Global Intensive Purifying Care [23] (£15) for spot-prone skin. "It contains Bakuchiol to reduce sebum production, AHAs to help clear skin, and zinc to calm inflammation," she explains. — Dr. Shotter.
Bioderma Node DS Anti-recurrence
"An outside-the-box approach, I have many of my patients who get acne after workout classes or yoga use shampoos with Zinc pyrithione (like the Bioderma Node DS Anti-recurrence [24] (£17), which is a good, affordable option) as a body wash. It helps treat pityrosporum, a yeast cause of acne that is often missed." — Dr. Bhanusali
Replenix Gly-Sal 10-2 Spray
"For the stubborn back acne — or "backne" — I recommend glycolic acid sprays, as it can be really hard to reach those areas. Replenix sells a great Gly-Sal 10-2 Spray [25] (£18) , but most of them at the drugstore are equally effective." — Dr. Valentin
Avene Tolerance Extreme Cream
"Because Differin can be drying, I recommend mixing a pea-size amount of the product in with your favourite oil-free facial moisturiser (I recommend the Avene Tolerance Extreme Cream [26], £15), every night. Be patient with your acne, as acne is chronic and takes time to improve. If you're not improving after one to two months, I recommend that you see your board-certified dermatologist for evaluation and treatment." — Dr. Kitchin
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturiser
"Acne creams can really dry you out, which is why I love the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturiser [27] (£13). It has hyaluronic acid in it, which is a potent water attractant that keeps moisture on your skin. After washing your face, apply the Hydroboost immediately to seal in moisture." — dermatologist Sara Moghaddam [28], MD
"Neutrogena Hydroboost Gel Cream moistures for 24 hours and does not feel greasy or clog pores." — Dr. Vaidya
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin
"I recommend all of my acne patients switch to a gentle cleanser and moisturiser. My favourite is CeraVe's Foaming Facial Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin [29] (£9.50) and its AM/PM oil-free facial moisturising lotion. These products are formulated for acne-prone skin but should not contribute to dryness or irritation, so they serve as an excellent, neutral base upon which to build a topical acne medication regimen." — Dr. Peterson
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Unifiant
"One of my favourites is the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Unifiant [30] (£13). It combines micronised benzoyl peroxide with lipohydroxy acid (LHA) to zap the bacteria that causes acne, exfoliate cell by cell, and renew skin. This treatment is particularly effective because the benzoyl peroxide is formulated into smaller particles to go more deeply into the skin. In addition, LHA is actually derived from salicylic acid but has a slower penetration so it's more gentle." — dermatologist Nikki Tang [31], MD
"For mild acne I love Effeclar Duo Tinted. It has 2% salicylic acid to combat mild breakouts, and the mild tinted colour works like a CC cream to neutralise any imperfections." — Dr. Schachter
Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser
"Although not specifically formulated for patients with acne, I always recommend Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser [32] (£17) to my acne patients, as acneic skin is sensitive and needs to be treated delicately. Additionally, acne products tend to be drying, so a gentle wash will prevent overstripping of the natural oils, thereby preventing further irritation." — Dr. Bard
Peace Out Skincare Acne Healing Dots
"I love acne or pimple patches, like the Peace Out Skincare Acne Healing Dots [33](£16). Pimple patches are essentially flesh-coloured hydrocolloid bandages that are cut in the shape of circles so they cover spots. Hydrocolloid is often used in wound healing because it draws moisture out of wounds and can stick to both dry and wet sites. I ask patients to very gently prick the pimple with a clean pin once, then apply the patch on top. It's great because it draws out the contents and, sometimes more importantly, keeps the patient from picking at it. Icing the area after taking off the pimple patch also helps to calm it down further (and if you don't have a spot patch on hand, icing helps, too)." — dermatologist Papri Sarkar [34], MD