1. Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Acne Face Wash
Dermatologist Dr. Corey Hartman likes cleansers designed for acne to target smooth skin. You still get the fighting powers (read: actives) but it is on the skin for less time, meaning less chance for irritation. This cleanser from La Roche Posay has two percent salicylic acid to clear blackheads, whiteheads, and breakouts as well as LPA, lipo-hydroxy acids, which are a super gentle exfoliant.
Keeping skin clear of active breakouts is the first step to achieving that smooth, radiant skin you’re after. A daily cleanser is a great tool to both target current acne, but also prevent new breakouts from forming. The downside of a product like this is it can be drying. Be sure to follow up with a hydrating serum or moisturizer, plus SPF in the morning.
Size: 6.76 oz | Key Ingredients: BHA
2. Best Splurge: La Prairie Cellular 3-Minute Peel
This spa-worthy peel is just as fun to apply as it is effective. Using a salon-type brush, apply the product to your skin to exfoliate and uncover refreshed skin in just three minutes. This peel is formulated with AHA’s and BHA’s such as Salicylic acid. Rather than cause irritation, it’s meant to stimulate the skin’s natural repair process, leaving your face silky and velvety smooth. Best results are when applied weekly. We recommend using this peel at night and applying sunscreen in the morning.
Size: 1.4 oz | Key Ingredients: AHA, BHA
