If you're living my high school nightmare right now (even if you're out of high school, because let's be honest, I've been out a long time and I still get the odd flare up), listen up: TotalBeauty.com readers have found the drugstore products that actually work! Sure, you could spend a fortune on high-end products or prescription creams, but these will deliver the results you want for way cheaper. Check them out below -- no more clearing out the Walgreen's shelves for you!
No. 10:
Clean & Clear Maximum Strength Persa-Gel 10,
$4.86
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 7.6 (out of 10)
Why it's great: Readers say this is the
"only on-the-spot treatment" that makes acne
"completely disappear within a matter of hours (sometimes
minutes)." After using this gel, readers have "completely
smooth" skin and "no problem with blemishes." One
reader says, "everything is slowly clearing up and my self
confidence is getting higher" after one week of use. The gel
"applies evenly and disappears like a moisturizer," and
readers like that it "has no odor and doesn't
burn."
No. 9:
Clean & Clear Advantage Oil-Free Acne Moisturizer,
$6.49
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.2
Why it's great: "Since I've started
using this I haven't had to use any spot treatments for any
blemishes, this stuff clears it up before they start!" raves
one reader. Since this product "works like an acne treatment,
moisturizer, and even a toner in one," it is "just what
[my] skin needs." Readers say "the results have been
remarkable," and they have "never been so impressed with
a product before." The salicylic acid helps "control the
oil and shine" all day, and its "yummy citrus scent"
is a big bonus.
No. 8:
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, $9.99
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.3
Why it's great: Many readers started using
this gentle cleanser after their dermatologist recommended it to
help prevent breakouts. "It works wonders on my combination
skin, leaves it feeling soft and silky afterwards and never dries
my skin out," one reader says. This cleanser does what
"expensive cleansers fail to do," which is to make skin
feel "clean without the 'pulled tight' kind of
feeling," says another. It helped one user realize that
"acne-prone skin needs babying, not harsh products," and
Cetaphil delivers as the "most gentle and effective cleanser
you can get."
No. 7:
Noxzema Triple Clean Anti-Blemish Pads, $3.59
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.3
Why it's great: According to readers, these
"convenient" pads are the "best of the best."
One reader says it is "wonderful to be able to cleanse your
face and then simply toss the pad." Another
"desperate" reader says she is "so thankful"
she tried these pads -- they help keep her "skin in
check" and her "breakouts under control." And while
it leaves skin feeling "clean and refreshed," there is
"no sting, just clean!"
No. 6:
Desert Essence 100% Pure Tea Tree Oil, $19.99
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.4
Why it's great: This "natural
medicine" is an antiseptic that can "be used on almost
anything," including breakouts. "Tea tree oil works great
for acne!" exclaims one reader. "It doesn't matter
what brand you use, this stuff is [a] miracle potion." Readers
say adding "a drop or two of this oil to [your]
moisturizer" will control breakouts and leave you with "a
great, tingly clean feeling." It helped calm "the red
throbbing monsters" one reader suffered from, and dabbing the
"potent formula" on a blemish will work "better than
anything else."
- Do you prefer your acne-fighters to come from your fridge? Then you'll love this.
- Is money no object when it comes to acne? Then check out these awesome zit-zappers.
- Is nothing helping your skin? Then the problem may be where you live. Find out more here.
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