We have all been there when it comes to dealing with acne. Ever since puberty hit, it's like the battle never ends. Blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, the giant ones, you name it, some of us are still struggling to get rid of them and none of us enjoys having them. In this scorching summer heat, don't let excess sebum get trapped in your pores, don't give up on clear skin and under no circumstances think your journey to clear and healthy skin needs to be an expensive one.
After endless trials and errors, we, your favourite beauty guides have come up with the perfect products to use and combine for you to have glowing clear skin, all without breaking your bank. Here are our top acne fighters for you to choose from:
Cleansers
Best Overall - Minimalist 2% Salicylic Acid + LHA Cleanser
Salicylic Acid is the miracle ingredient to look for when your target is to treat acne. But that's not all! Minimalist aims for multi-level cleansing with this formulation containing Capryloyl Salicylic Acid (LHA) which penetrates deep within the skin to cleanse away excess sebum and dirt and additionally, exfoliate the surface of the skin as well to remove dead skin cells and reveal visibly softer skin. It also contains zinc which is anti-bacterial and keeps acne-causing germs at bay. Moreover, the formulation is completely sulfate-free so it does not over-dry your skin unlike most "pimple clearing products". Your skin remains hydrated and nourished and oiliness reduces visibly over time.
Price - INR 299 (100 ml)
2. Best Alternative - Be Bodywise 2% Salicylic Acid Face Wash
An excellent alternative to the Minimalist face wash, although devoid of LHA, this face wash does contain the same percentage of Salicylic Acid and can exfoliate your skin to remove excess oil, impurities and dirt. It also stops blackhead formation from clogged pores. It regulates sebum production and contains Allantoin which helps calm irritated skin so this is suitable for moderately sensitive skin as well.
Price - INR 299
Exfoliators
Best chemical exfoliator - The Derma Co. 30% AHA + 2% BHA Face Peeling Solution
Do not get intimidated by the term "chemical exfoliator", these are perfectly safe to use on skin and work even more efficiently than beaded physical scrubs that might cause microtears on the skin. This peeling solution will exfoliate your dead skin cells and not only reduce your acne but also get rid of your acne scars and brighten your skin over time. Use once every week for visible results. It might produce a little tingling sensation and is thus not suitable for sensitive skin or chemical exfoliation beginners. However, the brand has a milder variant of 15% AHA + 1% BHA which is perfectly suitable for beginners and people with sensitive skin.
Price - INR 599
The milder variant is priced at INR - 499
2. Best physical exfoliator - Biotique Bio Papaya Visibly Flawless Face Wash
If your skin is too sensitive or you just don't prefer chemical exfoliators or whatever reason you have to not use them, you can always opt for this product instead. Yes, we do know what you're thinking "It says face wash!". We know! However, this is formulated to be an exfoliating face wash and does not have hard, rigid beads like those apricot or walnut scrubs (seriously guys, stop using those) this is very gentle on the skin and the soft beads scrub your dead skin right off without causing micro-tears, inflammation or irritation to your skin.
Price - INR 65 (50 ml), 155 (150 ml), 270 (200 ml)
Toners
Best overall - Plum Green Tea Alcohol-Free Toner
We do understand with the constant oiliness, the temptation to get an astringent containing rubbing alcohol can be immense but seriously, imagine if you ate a ton of oily fries and your doctor completely avoided that concern and dehydrated you all day with a massive bottle of vodka instead. Doesn't sound right? Then don't do that to your skin either. No matter how oily your skin is, your target should be to clear excess oil, not to dry out your skin completely. That is why this toner is a cult favourite. It contains green tea that treats acne, glycolic acid that brightens skin and being alcohol-free, it gives your skin a good amount of hydration as well.
Price - INR 390
2. Best for sensitive skin - Biotique Bio Cucumber Pore Tightening Toner
This gentle toner cools the skin and provides it with hydration, preventing any inflammation. It regulates oil and maintains the skin's pH level, keeping your complexion looking healthy and ridding you of the concern of open pores. Ingredients like cucumber and peppermint oil keep your skin feeling calm.
Price - INR 175 (120 ml)
Masks
Best overall - MCaffeine Anti Acne Cappuccino Coffee Face Mask
I can't be the only one who is obsessed with how right this brand goes with its products. I mean, coffee, clay and salicylic acid, it does not get any better than this. We have already discussed the wonderful thing that is salicylic acid. However, this mask also contains coffee which is filled with anti-oxidants as well as Kaolin Clay which is a holy grail ingredient to control oil and naturally cleanse the skin. The mask has a unique jelly-like texture and smells like a cosy, warm café. It can be used twice a week and needs to be left on for 15-20 minutes.
Price - INR 575 (100 gm)
2. Best DIY - Bentonite Clay + Tea Tree Essential Oil + Vitamin E.
Now, under normal circumstances, I would share this recipe with no one but after all, I promised to be your amazing beauty guide and I need to keep my word so...
You can buy Bentonite Clay from any online and maybe some offline stores as well. Buy a small bottle of tea tree essential oil. Go to your nearest pharmacy and get those Vitamin E capsules. Yes, those 40 rupees strips.
Take a bowl, use a small amount of the Bentonite Clay, 1-2 drops of the tea tree essential oil and cut open the top of 1 Vitamin E capsule, pour the oil into the mixture, mix well and apply the mask to your face for 10-15 minutes. It might create a tingling sensation but the mask is extremely effective and will leave your skin looking fabulous for days. Use twice a week for best results. However, do a patch test for allergies or inflammation if you have sensitive skin.
Serums
Best overall - Pulp Cosmetics Ex Acne - Anti Acne Serum
Yes, we know, salicylic acid again but hear me out: Salicylic Acid with Niacinamide *chef's kiss*. It doesn't get any better than these two when it comes to an anti-acne combo. Niacinamide gets rid of those dark spots and acne scars as it brightens your skin over time. This serum also contains Azelaic Acid which smoothens the skin. To top it all off, it contains Centella Asiatica (your good ol' Gotu Kola) which is anti-inflammatory making this serum perfect for any and every skin type. A product that treats acne, hyperpigmentation, spots, smoothens skin, brightens skin, hydrates skin as well as soothes skin...a formula of dreams! Although on the pricier end, this serum is extremely potent and worth every penny. A little bit of it goes a long way and you'll only need a couple of drops per use.
Price - INR 799 (30 ml)
2. Best Alternative - Pilgrim Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide Oil Control Serum
Although not a very expensive product, this serum contains the holy duo of Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide. It is a water-based light serum that will keep your skin hydrated but not oily. It contains Hyaluronic Acid which nourishes the skin with hydration, tea tree oil which has been a known natural acne fighter and green tea which is full of antioxidants. It also brightens the skin, is quick-absorbing and minimizes pores. It is also suitable for sensitive skin, all at a very modest price.
Price - INR 495 (30 ml)
Moisturiser
Best overall - Mamaearth Oil-Free Face Moisturizer With Apple Cider Vinegar
No, you cannot skip on moisturizer just because you have oily, acne-prone skin. Your skin needs nourishment. So what you can do instead is go for an oil-free moisturizer to hydrate your skin. This one is again a holy grail product that balances the pH of the skin, treats existing acne and stops the future occurrence of acne. It is suitable for all skin types and is a product many with acne-prone skin swear by.
Price - INR 299 (80 gm)
2. Best Gel Formulation - Ponds Super Light Gel Oil-Free Moisturiser
If you are someone that is still sceptical about creams and would prefer a gel formulation instead, this super affordable gel moisturiser can make a big difference. Believe us when we say, it is almost an exact dupe of Clinique Moisture Surge which so many celebrities swear by. It contains Hyaluronic Acid which is the ultimate hydrator, as well as Vitamin E which nourishes your skin.
Price - INR 100 (50 ml), 200 (100 ml), 400 (200 ml), 429 (247 ml)
What not to use:
Anything containing Vitamin C: With the several "brightening" treatments available on the market with Vitamin C, it can be tempting to incorporate that into your skincare routine, however, Vitamin C is an unstable acid and will disrupt the pH level of the skin and render products useless when combined with salicylic acid which is the main ingredient for treating acne. Thus your efforts will be in vain. This skincare regime already contains brightening ingredients so you do not need to look further.
2. Anything containing Vitamin A or Retinol: If you are using any anti-ageing products, they most probably, if not definitely, contain Retinol or Retinoids which are a form of Vitamin A. As they are an anti-ageing ingredient that accelerates cell turnover and produces collagen, combining them with Salicylic Acid will result in a double as powerful exfoliating skincare routine which is the last thing you'd want. Well, unless you want your skin red, irritated and flaking or peeling.
We surely hope, you will be able to choose the right products for your skin from this detailed acne-treatment routine. However, when trying new products always do a patch test for allergens and reactions because your skin is just as unique as your identity. If you are treating cystic acne, however, we recommend you consult a dermatologist before selecting any product. For any further questions, comment below or follow us on Instagram @bedewblog. You can also subscribe to our site for exclusive discount coupons for various beauty brands.
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