What’s the Best Acne Treatment? Top Consumer Picks

Acne is a common concern for people of all ages and ethnicities, as it often causes pain, discomfort, and a lack of confidence. Getting rid of acne, therefore, is important to do as soon as possible. Do over-the-counter affordable acne solutions really work? And if so, which ones are the best for your money? Here is a comparison of several products to help you determine the very best acne treatment for you.

Cheap Daily Acne Wash Products

Sometimes, the best acne treatment is a good washing, which means acne can be managed by making sure your face is free of dirt and oils, as well as exfoliated regularly. Acne washes can achieve this and are usually less drying on your skin that topical applications that are left on all day or night. These acne washes are rated highly by users and seem affordable, too!

Finding the best acne treatment

Dial Acne Control Deep Cleansing Facewash

Dial Acne Control Deep Cleansing Face WashThis oil-free wash actually contains salicylic acid within the wash, something that’s been proven to control acne within 3 days in many cases. This product is among the most affordable on the market, however, costing under $4 a bottle. (If you like the Dial face wash, there is a body wash, as well. It has been reported by reviewers to work wonders on “bacne” – or acne on the back.)

Get it for $7 now at Amazon.

St. Ives Apricot Face Scrub

St. Ives ScrubIf your skin is sensitive and harsh chemicals just won’t do, you might find St. Ives to have your answer. This product is hard on dirt, using tiny scrubbing particles to rub away dirt and oil – as well as dead skin. The low-fragrance, soothing formula won’t irritate skin. If you find that it’s not as effective on acne as you would like, you may consider their blackhead control version (which contains salicylic acid) to work better.

Get it at Amazon for $3.25.

Biore Pore Unclogging Scrub

Biore Pore Unclogging ScrubSometimes, you need to get deep into the problem to solve it. This Biore cleanser claims to do that by getting into the pores and working dirt and oil out to the surface, so your skin can heal. This also contains salicylic acid; because the scrubbing particles are round (not jagged), there may be less irritation with this than other exfoliating products on the market.

Buy it on Amazon for $5.47.

Lotions and Spot Treatments for Acne

For more aggressive treatment, you may want to consider a cream or lotion that stays on all day (or night.) These products are designed to be low-key. They are powerful against pimples and breakouts, however!

Burt’s Bees Targeted Acne Spot Treatment

Burt's Bees Natural Acne Solutions Targeted Spot TreatmentWhen you just need to zap a zit or focus on a particular area, a powerful but natural product like this Burt’s Bees Treatment may be just the thing. In addition to the salicylic acid other products have, this includes tea tree, calendula, yarrow, and parsley extracts. It claims to improve the look of blemishes within 48 hours, too!

Buy it at Amazon for $7.69.

Clean & Clear Advantage Mark Treatment

Clean & Clear Advantage Mark TreatmentIf a tiny bottle could perhaps be the best acne treatment, this product may be it. Just a small dab of the Clean & Clear treatment works immediately to diminish pimples and draw out irritating particles. Put a bit on overnight and you will wake up with significantly less inflammation, redness, and swelling! Get it for $6.79 at Amazon.

Other Acne-Fighting Products

Sometimes, getting rid of acne takes special efforts. These products are unique in the marketplace and have fans who love how they work!What is the best acne treatment for you?

Nexcare Acne Absorbing Cover

Nexcare Acne Absorbing CoverSometimes, you can’t seem to get a pimple to pop. If you find that scrubbing and treatments don’t work, a more natural and pain-free solution may be needed. The Nexcare Acne Absorbing Covers are a wonderful product that act like a sticker that gets put on top of an acne spot. When left for several hours (or overnight), the cover absorbs all the oil and dirt that fills a pimple. You’ll be left with a less-inflamed area that can usually heal on its own without chemicals or squeezing.

Buy it on Amazon for $5.70.

InstaNatural Charcoal Mask

InstaNatural Charcoal MaskCharcoal has amazing properties when used as a beauty treatment. It absorbs oil and draws out impurities in the skin, making it perfect for an ingredient in an acne mask! Apply this InstaNatural Charcoal Mask product to get your skin deep-down clean. It washes off easily, leaving behind less grime for a better complexion.

Buy it for $15.27 at Amazon.

How to Find the Best Acne Treatment for You

With so many products on the market, often the best way to discover your perfect plan is to try them. Start with the smallest sizes of the product you want to try first, use it as directed, and note any changes in your complexion. It may take several days or even weeks to determine if a treatment is working. Give it time to work before moving on to another product.

If you experience signs of an allergy or reaction, discontinue use right away. (These may include anything from redness and irritation to life-threatening symptoms of difficulty breathing or dizziness.) You should always check the ingredients on any product you use to see if the offending ingredients are include in future products. Pay special attention to any warnings or contradictions on the product packaging. Some products may cause you to be more sensitive to light, for example, so it would make sense to avoid sunlight or use sunblock when outside. Finally, avoid doubling up on products; a face wash with salicylic acid shouldn’t be used in conjunction with a spot treatment that also contains it until you know how your skin will react.

The best acne treatment is out there. However, finding it may take a little patience.