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Many people are not blessed with naturally clear skin. For those of you who are, count your blessings! If you have acne-prone skin, you’re constantly trying new products to improve your complexion. However, there are so many acne products on the market, it can be hard to find the best one.
We spoke with Dr. David Lortscher, board-certified dermatologist and CEO and founder of Curology, to find out what the one over-the-counter acne-fighting skin care product is that he recommends. You’ll be happy to know that it’s sold at your local drugstore!
Before he disclosed his favorite product acne-prone skin, Dr. Lortscher warned, “Over-the-counter products can be helpful for those who struggle with facial and body acne, although it’s important to note that over-the-counter products can be hit or miss, as acne is very much multifactorial, with genetics, hormones, lifestyle, diet, environment, and more as potential contributing factors. Each person’s skin is unique, so it’s best to test these different ingredients to see which one best suits your skin.”
“Cleansers with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can be good options to fight acne,” said Dr. Lortscher. He recommends Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash as a salicylic acid cleanser.
If you already use a salicylic acid cleanser, there are plenty of other acne-fighting ingredients that you should look for in your skin care products.
“There are some good over-the-counter ingredients that help fight acne, including benzoyl peroxide, BHA (salicylic acid), and AHA (glycolic acid, lactic acid or similar). I advise starting with one ingredient, before adding another to evaluate how your skin tolerates the first ingredient without dryness or irritation,” said Dr. Lortscher.
You should test out different acne-fighting ingredients, depending on what type of breakouts you are experiencing.
“For mild breakout, you can start with some over-the-counter ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic and glycolic acids, or sulfur. Don’t feel that there is “magic” in using a combination of products solely from one line. Evaluate your skin and take into account your personal preferences and affordability when you choose.”
We were happy to hear Dr. Lortscher say, “Mixing it up does not mess it up!” when it comes to your acne products.
“At Curology, we use tretinoin in some of our prescription acne and anti-aging medications, as decades of research confirm tretinoin as the "gold standard" in topical treatment for fighting acne and clogged pores, as well as reducing fine lines, unwanted pigmentation, and improving skin texture.”
For more of Dr. Lorscher’s expert opinion, scroll down to shop some of the other acne-prone skin products he recommends.
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash ($2.12)
This Neutrogena face wash is Dr. Lortscher's top acne-prone skin recommendation.
Humane Benzoyl Peroxide 10% Acne Treatment Body & Face Wash ($21.95)
This cleanser contains benzoyl peroxide.
Noble Formula 2% Pyrithione Zinc Bar Soap ($12.99)
"Products containing zinc are great because zinc helps fight both bacteria and fungus — and acne is often caused in part by pityrosporum (a type of normal fungus that lives on our skin). This soap has argan oil, which could be a great alternative as well."
Braunfels Labs Sulphur Soap 10% ($7.90)
"Sulfur soaps are a good option to combat body acne if pyrithione zinc and benzoyl peroxide do not work for you," said Dr. Lortscher.
