6 Acne Hacks That Actually Work, According to a Dermatologist
With so many acne treatments out there, it can be hard to decipher which tips and tricks are worth following to get rid of acne once and for all. We understand that when you’re dealing with blemishes you need clear and concise advice, which is why we tapped Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali, an NYC-based, board-certified dermatologist and Skincare.com consultant. Find some must-try acne hacks that have earned Dr. Bhanusali’s seal of approval, below.
Top Acne Hacks
Use Benzoyl Peroxide and Cover With a Bandage
Benzoyl peroxide is one of the most common over-the-counter ingredients used to fight acne. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), benzoyl peroxide works by killing acne-causing bacteria. When used daily, it can help keep your acne under control as well as reduce the frequency of flares.
For this hack, reach for a benzoyl peroxide cream or spot treatment, like the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Acne Spot Treatment. Dab a bit of it on top of your blemish prior to going to bed. Before laying your head down, cover up the area where you applied the benzoyl peroxide cream with a small bandage. According to Dr. Bhanusali, covering up the benzoyl peroxide with a bandage can help with absorption. You can also reach for a benzoyl peroxide facial cleanser, like the CeraVe Acne Foaming Cleanser, which helps to clear pimples, whiteheads and blackheads from the skin's surface while preventing new acne from forming.
It’s important to note that benzoyl peroxide and other acne-fighting ingredients, like salicylic acid, can be drying. Studies have also shown that products with a higher concentration of benzoyl peroxide can irritate skin. Be sure to follow the instructions on the back of your products and talk to your dermatologist if you have any concerns.
Use Over-the-Counter Hydrocortisone Cream
This may sound strange, but Dr. Bhanusali tells us that over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream may help reduce the appearance of acne-related redness. To try this hack, start by washing your face, then squeeze a small amount of cream onto a clean finger and gently dab it onto your pimple.
Calm Skin With Ice Cubes
“Ice cubes can help to slightly reduce pain and inflammation associated with acne,” Dr. Bhanusali says. The cooling effect of ice can help vaso-constrict the problem area and, in turn, reduce the appearance of acne-related redness and swelling, even if just slightly. To try this hack, start by wrapping an ice cube around a washcloth or paper towel. Hold it against your blemish for a few minutes. Repeat as necessary in short intervals, taking breaks in between to give your skin a chance to warm back up.
Try an LED Light Mask
According to Dr. Bhanusali, LED light therapy masks are becoming more and more common as a way to help reduce the appearance of acne. Interested in giving it a try? Head to your dermatologist to determine whether your skin is a good candidate for light therapy.
Camouflage and Target Blemishes at the Same Time
When it comes to addressing your acne, immediate results can be hard to come by. That’s why many people turn to concealer, which can be a quick fix for masking blemishes. We suggest trying the IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Breakout Concealer. Ideal for oily and acne-prone skin types, it’s a full-coverage, treatment concealer formulated with skin-loving ingredients like sulfur, tea tree, peptides, witch hazel, kaolin clay and more. In addition to covering up the look of blemishes and acne-related redness immediately without creasing or cracking, the formula targets blemishes to deliver more transformative skin results over time. Think of it as an acne-fighting lotion and concealer all in one.
Use a Pimple Patch
If you don’t want to cover up your pimples with makeup, try using clear acne patches. Acne patches have been growing in popularity for their ability to target pimples in their early stages. One of our favorites is the ZitSticka Killa Kit — these patches contain tiny micro darts that poke the pimple upon application so the ingredients can penetrate into your skin and prevent the pimple from becoming worse. You can wear it overnight while you sleep or throughout the day. The best part about these patches is that they do the work for you and blend right in, so no one will notice if you’re wearing one (unless you want them to).
Design: Juliana Campisi
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