I've Tried $673 Worth of Acne Products, and Here's What Finally Worked

You're probably familiar with the best-selling Differin Gel, but its sister cleanser, the Differin Daily Deep Cleanser ($10) is not to be slept on. It contains five percent benzoyl peroxide that creates crystal-clear results without the irritation famously associated with the acne ingredient. The texture of the cleanser is also a pro: it's a bit grainy, but not stripping or harsh.

In my opinion, toners are so underrated, and the Caudalie Vinopure Natural Salicylic Acid Pore Minimizing Toner ($28) is one I always recommend to friends and for good reason. Like the name implies, its hero ingredient is salicylic acid, fussy acne's worst nightmare. I tend to use this formula at night, so the BHAs can get to work while I sleep.

I tend to go overboard with acne products, leaving my skin stripped and dehydrated. This time around, I knew my routine had to be as equally packed with hydrating formulas as it was with acids and topical antiseptic, so I've relied heavily on the Fresh Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Toner ($45). The rose-based toner doesn't just retain moisture but soothes any and all irritation.

I've heard a lot about The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution ($7) — I mean, really, who hasn't? It wasn't until I hit acne rock bottom that I knew it was time to incorporate it into my routine. The exfoliating solution uses a generous cocktail of AHAs and BHAs to improve your skin texture and fight acne. The result: a reduced appearance in pores and baby-soft skin.

Another product that deserves all the hype: the Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Facial Treatment ($8). I use it about once a week, mix in a bowl with apple cider vinegar, and let the mixture sit on my skin for about 10 to 15 minutes. When it dries, your face will feel tight and uncomfortable, but your pores will be vacuumed clean, and the brief sense of discomfort is so worth it.

Niacinamide is one of those ingredients that you always hear about, but you should own more products that contain it. The thing is, if you have acne-prone skin, it's key. It flushes out pores to prevent future breakouts and in the case of The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% ($6) uses niacinamide in tandem with zinc PCA to control sebum production.

I can never decide which is more frustrating: an actual pimple or the mark it leaves behind. The emotional duress of dealing with an acne scar from a breakout that happened weeks ago is a mind-boggling experience, but the Murad Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum ($72) makes it easier to handle. A combination of glycolic acid and vitamin C fades spots while offering additional antioxidant benefits, so your skin can repair itself faster the next time you get a pimple.

A great way for me to avoid touching my face: makeup. I only wear a full face when I'm determined to master a look I saw on Instagram, but on most days I wear the It Cosmetics Bye Bye Breakout™ Full-Coverage Concealer ($32) on my chin and forehead — my most active acne zones. Bonus: this full-coverage concealer acts as an acne treatment, too, infused with tea tree oil, colloidal oatmeal, and sulfur to control oil, treat acne, and moisturize.

Three years ago, the last time I dealt with chronic breakouts, pimple patches were my go-to. The Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch ($6) protects my active breakouts from my hands and external stressors. Like I said, I've adopted a terrible habit of touching my face while working from home and covering hot spots with these patches helps prevent worsened breakouts. The ultrathin hydrocolloid patch also acts like a scab on any just-popped wounds, so it can heal faster without irritation.

Another acne patch I swear by lately is the Hero Cosmetics Micropoint for Dark Spots ($13). Unlike a lot of other acne patches, these specifically target scars, using tranexamic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin C to reduce the appearance of dark spots. Each sticker contains 170 microneedles so the aforementioned ingredients can penetrate deep into the skin for fast results.