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Dig deep enough and Reddit becomes like a reference guide on any and every topic imaginable—weight loss, motherhood, sex, and for babes who take their beauty routines super seriously…skin care.
Redditors are not shy when it comes to sharing holy grail products—from cleansers and makeup removers to sunscreens and acne care. In fact, the SkincareAddiction subreddit has a whole encyclopedia of acne treatments its members swear by.
But because you shouldn't believe everything you read online, we ran the list by two top dermatologists to see which products check out. Below, their takes on Reddit’s top acne-fighting products (and how to work ‘em in to your routine next time a pimple rears its ugly head).
1
Stridex Maximum Strength Pads
BUY IT $15, amazon.com
“Beta hydroxy acids like salicylic acid help remove oil and dead cells from the surface of the skin and keep pores clear," says Joshua Zeichner, M.D., the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
"When formulated with menthol and fragrances (as in these pads), it can lead to irritation of the skin, so only use if you have normal to oily skin and are not sensitive," he says.
2
Paula's Choice Strength Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution (Regular Strength)
BUY IT $27, amazon.com
“Beta hydroxy acid is a good chemical exfoliant that is more gentle than a glycolic and so may be less irritating to red skin," says says Kavita Mariwalla, M.D., a dermatologist in West Islip, New York. "It will not make redness go away but it won’t promote or worsen it, so this is a good choice for one to two times a week."
There is an extra-strength version of this product on the list, too, which Mariwalla says is okay for oily skin. “But I wouldn’t recommend it for anyone with sensitive skin or rosacea,” she says.
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3
Neutrogena Rapid Clear Acne Defense Face Lotion
BUY IT $9, walgreens.com
“Two percent BHA helps keep the pores clear so that oil does not get trapped in the follicle leading to pimples. Avoid if you have very sensitive skin as fragrance may cause irritation or an allergy,” says Zeichner.
4
Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Daily Leave-On Mask
BUY IT $11, cvs.com
“A mild benzoyl peroxide concentration that I would leave on for five minutes no more than twice a week,” says Mariwalla.
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5
Paula's Choice Clear Daily Skin Clearing Treatment (Regular Strength)
BUY IT $17, amazon.com
“2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide has been shown to be as effective as higher concentrations, but is associated with less skin irritation,” says Zeichner.
6
Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Spot Gel
BUY IT $9, amazon.com
“This is a good spot treatment for acne on the back or chest," says Mariwalla. However, "the BP concentration is high and may leave a dry ring around any pimple on the face."
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7
Aztec Secret Healing Indian Clay
BUY IT $9, amazon.com
“Betonite clay is natural clay from the earth that can calm inflamed
skin and absorb oil that would otherwise clog the pores," says Mariwalla. "In mask form, I recommend it for oily skin. Use once a week,” says Mariwalla.
8
Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque
BUY IT $5, walgreens.com
“This is like your junior high boyfriend, so it is hard for me to not look at this masque without fond memories," says Mariwalla. "This is a reliable, well-performing mask for young people to start out with. It doesn’t do anything bad but don’t expect miracles from it either,” she says.
“Be cautious about using a product with fragrance if you have sensitive skin as it may cause and allergic reactions,” adds Zeichner.
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9
Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum
BUY IT $28, amazon.com
“The percent of C in this serum is efficacious and will still be absorbed. It will help dry out acne and improve a sallow complexion,” says Mariwalla.
10
Ole Henriksen Truth Serum
BUY IT $48, sephora.com
“Vitamin C alone will not boost collagen. However, it is a skin brightener and the low percent in this product will effectively get absorbed,” says Mariwalla.
Cassie Shortsleeve
Freelance Writer
Cassie Shortsleeve is a skilled freelance journalist with more than a decade of experience reporting for some of the nation's largest print and digital publications, including Women's Health, Parents, What to Expect, The Washington Post, and others. She is also the founder of the digital motherhood support platform Dear Sunday Motherhood and a co-founder of the newsletter Two Truths Motherhood and the maternal rights non-profit Chamber of Mothers. She is a mom to three daughters and lives in the Boston suburbs.
