6 best acne treatment for faces

Acne treatment for the face involves a combination of skincare practices and products to manage and prevent acne breakouts. Here are some key points about acne treatment for the face:

Cleansers: Cleansing your face with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser is essential for removing dirt, excess oil, and makeup that can clog pores and contribute to acne. Look for a cleanser labeled as "non-comedogenic" to ensure it won't further block your pores.
Salicylic Acid: Salicylic acid is a common ingredient found in many acne treatment products. It is effective in unclogging pores and preventing breakouts. You can find salicylic acid in cleansers, toners, and spot treatments.
Benzoyl Peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide is another widely used ingredient for acne treatment. It kills the bacteria that contribute to acne and helps to reduce inflammation. It's available in various strengths, so start with a lower concentration to minimize skin irritation.
Retinoids: Topical retinoids like adapalene, tretinoin, and tazarotene are prescription-strength treatments that can help unclog pores and promote skin cell turnover.They are effective for both acne treatment and prevention but can be drying, so use them as directed by a healthcare provider.
Moisturizers: Even if you have oily or acne-prone skin, it's important to use a non-comedogenic moisturizer. Moisturizing can help maintain the skin's barrier function and prevent excessive dryness, which can trigger more oil production.
Sunscreen: Protecting your skin from the sun is crucial when using acne treatments, as some ingredients can increase sensitivity to UV rays. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and apply it every morning, even on cloudy days.
Avoid Picking and Squeezing: Resist the urge to pick or squeeze acne lesions, as this can lead to scarring and the spread of bacteria. Instead, use spot treatments or consult a dermatologist for safe extraction if needed.
Diet and Lifestyle: While the relationship between diet and acne is complex and varies from person to person, maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle can support overall skin health. Drinking plenty of water, eating a balanced diet, and managing stress can contribute to clearer skin.
Consult a Dermatologist: If over-the-counter treatments are not effective or if you have severe or persistent acne, consider consulting a dermatologist. They can provide personalized treatment plans, prescribe stronger medications, and offer in-office procedures such as chemical peels or laser therapy.
Patience: Achieving clear skin often takes time, so be patient and consistent with your skincare routine. It may take several weeks to see noticeable improvements, and it's essential to continue treatment even after acne clears to prevent future breakouts.

Remember that what works for one person may not work for another, so it may require some trial and error to find the right combination of products and practices for your specific skin type and acne concerns. Be gentle with your skin, and avoid using too many products at once, as this can lead to irritation.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best acne treatment for faces on the market

Proactiv 3 Step Acne Treatment - Benzoyl Peroxide Face Wash, Repairing Acne Spot Treatment for Face and Body, Exfoliating Toner - 30 Day Complete Acne Skin Care Kit

Proactiv

Based on 22 reviews Check latest price

Product description

It’s the first 3-step acne treatment system that started a skin care revolution. Designed specifically for acne-prone skin, this Proactiv acne treatment kit delivers finely-milled benzoyl peroxide deep into your pores to help stop acne-causing bacteria in its tracks and prevent new breakouts from forming. This acne kit includes Renewing Cleanser, an acne face wash, Revitalizing Toner, and Repairing Treatment, the original acne treatment cream. The starter acne treatment system is a 30-day introductory size of Proactiv Solution 3-Step regimen to help ease your skin into your new acne care program. As you incorporate Proactiv into your regular routine, you should begin to see visible changes to your skin in the weeks ahead. In the first week, your skin is acclimating to the Proactiv acne treatment. You may experience some dryness, slight flaking, and irritation in these early days. This is totally normal. As with any acne product, be sure to use a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 every day to protect your skin. Proactiv has a complete line of products beyond the 3-Step System, including acne, moisturizer, hydrating moisturizers, sunscreens, acne spot treatments and acne body washes, all formulated specifically for acne prone skin.

THE ORIGINAL ACNE KIT THAT STARTED A SKINCARE REVOLUTION - Designed specifically for acne-prone skin, Proactiv Solution delivers finely-milled benzoyl peroxide deep into your pores to help stop acne-causing bacteria in its tracks and prevent breakouts.
YOU NEED MORE THAN A PIMPLE CREAM - Proactiv Solution is a powerful, comprehensive acne treatment system that goes deep into your pores, removes impurities and helps prevent future flare ups.
YOUR SKIN ROUTINE, MADE EASY - Just 3 steps a day gets you on your way to clear, radiant skin.
SAFE FOR DIFFERENT AGES AND SKIN TYPES - Proactiv's 3-Step Kit provides the same powerful skin care for teens and adults, and is great for sensitive skin.
A WIN FOR YOUR SKIN - Our complete treatment system can clear existing acne blemishes and prevent new breakouts from occurring. What's not to love.

User questions & answers

Question:	Does this work? I have sensitive skin
Answer:	Proactiv worked very well for me. It takes time. If your skin is sensitive, start out slowly. For example, use once a day or every other day until your skin gets use to it. Always moisturize and wear sunscreen during the day.
Question:	How fast are the results
Answer:	This stuff is amazing! It’s been about 3 years now since I first started using proactiv. I had spent a lot of my money on products that weren’t working super expensive ones too that only gave me more severe acne. I gave into this and started seeing results within just a couple of weeks. I had cystic acne on my cheeks. I haven’t had severe breakouts since I started my proactiv journey. Now I just get hormonal breakouts or stress breakouts and always have some on hand in case of this. My acne is gone within just a few days.
Question:	Is this good at all? I see review of it being very small, also does it remove dark spots
Answer:	It does not remove dark spots- the FAQ on their website also states this. It does look like they're travel-sized bottles, but I have no experience with purchasing directly from Proactive, so I'm not sure what is considered "regular" size. I did not have a good experience with it, but I know a few people that love it.
Question:	Is this extremely drying? i have hormonal acne from pcos. wondering if anyone else has had any success with this for pcos
Answer:	I'm pretty sure i have pcos as well. I haven't been diagnosed yet because I haven't seen an endocrinologist yet it's A 2 month waiting period. But I'm having all of a sudden acne as well on the face. I've been subscribe medication "spironolactone " generic for Aldactone, and I'm wondering if this medication is causing the acne on my face. Wondering if you are on this med. I tried proactive and it has dried my face out really bad.

Acne Treatment Differin Gel, Acne Spot Treatment for Face with Adapalene, 15g, 30 Day Supply, 0.5 Ounce

Differin

Based on 31 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Differin Gel contains an Rx-strength acne-fighting retinoid. It clears breakouts where they start (deep in the pores), prevents acne before it begins, and as a result, restores skin's texture and tone.

Clears breakouts where they start (Deep in pores) and prevents new acne from forming, which ultimately restores skin's texture and tone
Differin works differently than other Acne treatments by normalizing skin cell turnover and effectively targets two primary causes of Acne, clogged pores and inflammation
Adapalene was created for superior tolerability compared to other prescription retinoid products not containing Adapalene; It is suitable for use as part of your morning or evening regimen
Water based formula, oil free, alcohol free, fragrance free, non comedogenic; Helps reduce the risk of scarring and Hyperpigmentation by treating Acne
In a clinical study, Differin gel provided up to 87 percent reduction in acne lesions after 12 weeks, which will continue to improve with further use

User questions & answers

Question:	is there a guarentee
Answer:	Hi Maxx! While we do not offer a guarantee on this product as results may vary, we can say that in clinical studies, Differin Gel provided nearly a 60% average reduction in acne lesions after 12 weeks which continues to improve with further use. It is also the first multi‐benefit dermatologist recommended retinoid available without a prescription and the newest advancement and ingredient in the OTC acne category in over 30 years! Let us know what you experience with the product as we would love to hear your results!
Question:	While using this product is it okay to use face masks as well? such as aztec secret indian healing clay
Answer:	Normally I love the Aztec clay (I like to mix it with honey) but it dried out my skin while using the differin. My skin is always on the dry side though, so if your skin is oily it may not bother you. You could even skip the differin for the day just in case.
Question:	Can this be used for aging skin
Answer:	According to a dermatologist-Differin is a fantastic anti-aging product as it stimulates collagen production by cells in our dermis (the deeper layer of the skin),” "This is what helps with fine lines and overall skin thickness." ... It's also the same ingredient that helps improve skin discoloration, texture and tone. It can take anywhere from 3-12 months to see improvement, but I can tell you it helped me immensely. Lightened my dark brown spots and smoothed my fine lines. It took about 3 months of every day usage to see results
Question:	Should the package be saftey sealed
Answer:	Hi Kysha! Your product’s tube should definitely be sealed upon purchase. If it’s not, please reach out to gss@galdermaservices.com with the lot number (found on the bottom of the package), as well as the purchase location.

Product features

Differin Gel

Differin contains the first OTC Rx-strength acne-fighting retinoid. Retinoids play a crucial role in the treatment of acne by regulating skin cell turnover & reducing inflammation deep in the skin to clear & prevent pimples. What makes the retinoid in Differin (Adapalene) so cool is that it’s gentler on your skin, while still effective — that means you get the clearer skin you want without having to do things like completely avoid sunlight forever!

Beauty Favorite

In 2020 we won an Allure Best Of Beauty award, and in 2018 we won a Glamour Beauty Award. So we’re kind of a big deal.

Trust the process

This stuff isn’t like the other OTC products you’ve tried. There’s no true magic wand to get rid of a bad breakout, but Differin Gel renews skin from the inside out, resulting in clearer, smoother skin over time.

Before & after

When used every single day, Differin Gel can reduce up to 87% of acne in just 12 weeks (Cunliffe et al 1998, Galderma Laboratories). That’s about the time it would take to leisurely binge-watch your favorite old TV series.

Neutrogena Rapid Clear Acne Face Pads with Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Medicine to Fight Face Breakouts, Oil Free Pads with Maximum Strength Salicylic Acid Acne Medicine, 60 ct

Neutrogena

Based on 7 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Conveniently clear breakouts fast and help prevent emerging ones with Neutrogena Rapid Clear Maximum Strength Acne Treatment Pads. The soft, textured pads contain a powerful acne medicine with Micro-Clear technology, which cuts through oil and boosts the delivery of the acne medicine deep to the source of breakouts to unclog pores. So powerful, these pads are clinically proven to reduce pimple size, swelling, and redness in 8 hours. This acne treatment formula cleans deep into pores to give you clearer skin without over-drying or irritation.

60-pre-moistened acne treatment pads with maximum strength salicylic acid, acne-fighting medicine, to visibly reduce acne and help stop breakouts, even before they become visible.
Neutrogena Rapid Clear Treatment Pads are especially formulated for acne-prone skin and are oil-free and non-comedogenic (won't clog pores).
Formulated with powerful Micro-Clear Technology, which cuts through oil and boosts the delivery of acne medicine deep to the source of breakouts.
Maximum-strength formula is designed to remove dirt, oil, and makeup while working fast to clear acne and prevent breakouts. This acne treatment is clinically proven to reduce pimple size, swelling, and redness in just 8 hours.
These soft, textured acne pads clean deep into pores to give you clearer skin without over-drying or irritation. Acne treatment from the #1 Dermatologist Recommended Brand.

User questions & answers

Question:	Does this smell like the acne stress control pads, which i loved, which don't seem to be available anymore
Answer:	Have a non alcohol smell that does somewhat remind me of the old pads.
Question:	will this clear up white head breakouts
Answer:	It helps if you have oily skin like I do / very little with white outs never black heads lol but for sure for greasy skin and whit heads a must
Question:	Re the pads: Do you use them daily or just when you have a breakout, and on your whole face or just problem areas? Thanks
Answer:	I use them once daily at night to prevent breakouts. When I first started using the pads, I used them once in the morning and once at night, but as my skin improved I switched to using them only at night. If I have a breakout, I use them twice a day. You really have to experiment to see how much usage is good for you. If you experience drying, cut back. I started using the pads only on my problem areas, but I now I use them all over my face, except near my chin and mouth which are dry areas for me.
Question:	after cleaning my face with the pad nd allow to dry,can i follow up with my face moisturiser
Answer:	Yes you can. It dries in a few seconds and the moisturizer helps combat the drying effects of the salicylic acid

Product features

Neutrogena Rapid Clear Treatment Pads

Neutrogena Rapid Clear Treatment Pads clear breakouts fast and helps prevent emerging breakouts before they become visible. The soft, textured pads contain a powerful anti-acne ingredient with MICROCLEAR, a technology scientifically shown to dissolve oil and help boost delivery of salicylic acid to the source of breakouts. The acne-fighting medicine penetrates into pores and the formula cleans deep to give you clear, smooth skin. A product you can trust, these pads have been clinically proven to reduce pimple size, swelling, and redness in 8 hours.

“Based on a 4-week independent US clinical study, 2006”

About Neutrogena Brand

Neutrogena is a brand of Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. The #1 dermatologist-recommended* skincare brand, Neutrogena offers some of the world's most loved beauty and skin care lines, and manufactures and markets products in over 70 countries.

*Neutrogena is the #1 OTC brand recommended by Dermatologists in the USA. (Source: Dermatologist Recommendation Study. Gfk. 2016).

Neutrogena Stubborn Acne AM Face Treatment with 2.5% Micronized Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Medicine, Oil-Free Daily Facial Treatment to Reduce Size & Redness of Breakouts, Paraben-Free, 2 oz

Neutrogena

Based on 651 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Help eliminate acne breakouts & redness with Neutrogena Stubborn Acne AM Treatment. From the #1 dermatologist-recommended acne brand, this daytime acne treatment reduces the size & redness of stubborn acne and post-acne marks in just a few hours. The clinically proven acne treatment is inspired by a dermatologist-recommended regimen for clear skin and contains 2.5% micronized benzoyl peroxide acne medication to penetrate deep into pores and kill acne-causing bacteria at the source. When used together with Neutrogena Stubborn Marks PM Treatment, 86% saw clearer skin after just four weeks. The daily treatment vanishes into skin, and is oil-, paraben-, phthalate-, dye-, and fragrance-free. For best results, use Neutrogena Stubborn Acne AM Treatment along with Neutrogena Stubborn Marks PM Treatment as part of your skincare routine.

2-ounces of Neutrogena Stubborn Acne AM - Treatment with 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide works all day to help eliminate stubborn acne breakouts and redness
With a vanishing formula, this daytime acne face treatment reduces size and redness of acne in just hours with a dermatologist-recommended approach. The oil-free treatment is suitable for daily use on full face, not just breakouts
The clinically proven formula contains 2.5% micronized benzoyl peroxide, a powerful acne medication and recommended first line of treatment by dermatologists that penetrates deep into pores to help kill acne-causing bacteria at the source
Free of parabens, oil, phthalates, dyes & fragrances, this acne skincare treatment is part of a dermatologist-recommended regimen for clear skin. For best results, use this acne treatment with Neutrogena Stubborn Marks PM Treatment with Retinol
Our recommended skincare regimen for stubborn acne & post-acne marks, when used together, the retinol in the PM formula helps release pore-clogging dead skin cells, giving benzoyl peroxide a clear path to effectively target acne-causing bacteria

User questions & answers

Question:	Can you add moisturizer or haves moisturizer
Answer:	Yes you absolutely need a developer. If you are just trying to go darker use a 10 vol developer. If you are trying to cover up greys use a 20 vol developer. Hope that helps!
Question:	How long am I supposed to keep this on? Do I leave it on all day or wash it off minutes after applying
Answer:	Same thing I believe, "intense" and "bright" being used the same, different wording possibly due to copyright laws? Same product, go by numbers

Product features

Neutrogena Stubborn Acne AM Treatment

Help eliminate acne breakouts & redness with Neutrogena Stubborn Acne AM Treatment. From the #1 dermatologist-recommended acne brand, this daytime acne treatment reduces the size & redness of stubborn acne in just 4 hours. This clinically proven acne treatment contains 2.5% micronized benzoyl peroxide acne medication that penetrates deep into pores and kill acne-causing bacteria at the source. This daily treatment vanishes into skin, and is oil-, paraben-, phthalate-, dye-, and fragrance-free.

For best results, use with Neutrogena Stubborn Marks PM Treatment.

MICRONIZED BENZOYL PEROXIDE

Contains 2.5% micronized benzoyl peroxide, the #1 dermatologist-recommended OTC acne ingredient.

GENTLE & WON'T OVER-DRY SKIN

Made for acne-prone skin, this AM Treatment is oil-, paraben-, phthalate-, dye- and fragrance-free.

STARTS TO WORK IN JUST 4 HOURS

Neutrogena Stubborn Acne AM Treatment starts to reduce acne size and redness in just 4 hours.

FORMULATED WITH 2 DERM-PROVEN INGREDIENTS

Neutrogena Stubborn Acne AM uses 2.5% Micronized Benzoyl Peroxide to kill acne-causing bacteria all-day, while Neutrogena Stubborn Marks PM uses Retinol SA to reduce post-acne marks at night.

TACKLE 3 KEY CAUSES OF ACNE + MARKS

Neutrogena Stubborn Acne AM & Stubborn Marks PM work together to tackle 3 key causes of acne & marks: bacteria, inflamed acne bumps and clogged pores.

CLINICALLY PROVEN RESULTS

When using Neutrogena Stubborn Acne & Stubborn Marks together after continued use, 91% saw reduction in red, inflamed acne and 88% saw improvement in uneven tone.

Proactiv Emergency Blemish Relief - Benzoyl Peroxide Gel - Acne Spot Treatment for Face and Body, .33 Oz

Proactiv

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Emergency Blemish Relief is an invisible spot treatment for unexpected blemishes that contains a powerful double dose of microcrystal benzoyl peroxide to target acne-causing bacteria inside pores to clear up acne blemishes.

EMERGENCY RELIEF: This invisible benzoyl peroxide spot treatment contains a powerful dose of microcrystal benzoyl peroxide to target acne-causing bacteria inside pores to clear up acne blemishes.
YOU NEED MORE THAN A PIMPLE CREAM: Proactiv's benzoyl peroxide acne treatment is designed to unclog pores and is specially formulated to help absorb excess oil and clear emergency blemishes fast.
PERFECT FOR ON THE GO: Unexpected blemishes can happen any time, so this pocket-sized spot treatment can go wherever you do.
SAFE FOR ALL AGES: Proactiv's acne skin care treatment provides the same powerful skin care for teens and adults.
MADE FOR YOUR SKIN: Proactiv Solution delivers benzoyl peroxide microcrystals deep into your pores to help stop acne-causing bacteria in its tracks and prevent new breakouts from forming.

User questions & answers

Question:	what is the expiration date
Answer:	I found the ingredients here: https://m.sephora.com/product/rapid-relief-acne-spot-treatment-P421432
Question:	Is this a white paste
Answer:	Unfortunately it was discontinued.
Question:	Yes, i have a question... why don't you offer one tube? why two
Answer:	The active ingredients are different between the two Murad acne spot treatments. Rapid Relief Acne Spot Treatment is a 2.0% Salicylic Acid acne treatment while the Acne Spot Fast Fix is a 3.5% Benzoyl Peroxide acne treatment.
Question:	Is this the same product they use to give out as a bonus? It isn't the same looking bottle but what i used would make a zit pop in less than 24 hours
Answer:	Colloidal Sulfur 4.0%

Cystic Acne Spot Treatment for Face & Body – Natural Acne Scar Remover – Fast Acting Acne Breakout Cleanser | All Skin types – Acne Skincare Cream with Tea Tree Oil, Aloe Vera - Made in Usa - 1 fl.oz

Lorrelis Labs

Based on 645 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Our Cystic Acne Treatment is a perfect solution for the most complicated acne cases. With the powers of nature, it is not only solving the pimple problem but preventing it even before it starts. Created with care for your health our Acne Treatment Balm will make you forget about your problems once and for all!

Potent Formula: Suffering from severe or cystic acne can be a nightmare which is why we have developed the Lorelis Labs acne treatment for women! This acne spot treatment for face is a natural solution for people struggling with scarring or pimples and it allows you to enjoy flawless skin.
Effective Solution: This unique cystic acne cream can help to prevent follicles from being blocked by sebum buildup. It helps to unclog pores and cleanse any oil residue. Our acne scar treatment for face can help tackle the cause instead of the symptom.
Premium Ingredients: Our acne scar removal cream is formulated with carefully selected ingredients that may help to improve the aspect of scars and reduce acne. You can enjoy the full benefits of aloe vera, echinacea, coconut oil, witch hazel, tea tree oil, rosemary oil, bentonite clay, and arnica Montana flower.
All-Natural: With our acne spot cream, you don’t have to worry about negative side effects such as burning sensation, rashes, and redness. Because our acne lotion is made with natural ingredients, it works great on all skin types.
Premium Quality: Our acne dark spot remover for face is made in the USA and checks the highest quality demands. This acne repair lotion is easy to apply and has a non-stick formula that helps to calm and soothe the skin.

User questions & answers

Question:	How fast does this work
Answer:	It seemed to dry up my lumps over a few days.
Question:	How do you apply? Just put it on your skin and don't wash it off?And how many times a week
Answer:	Directions say to apply to clean dry skin and let dry. Do not wash off. Can be used up to 4 times a day. Test a spot first to make sure you dont have a reaction to it, and do not get in your eyes.
Question:	Does this work on hormonal acne
Answer:	Yes it worked well with my teenage daughter's acne.
Question:	Does it remove scars/blemishes
Answer:	Yes I’ve seen great improvement on my son’s skin