Remember when you thought acne was just something you’d have to deal with as a teenager? And we all know it was bad enough then. Now many us find ourselves going to dermatologists for a one-two punch of acne fighting treatments and Botox… but it doesn’t have to be that way!

Not all acne is created equally, so it’s always important to discuss treatment plans with your dermatologist, but a great place to start for most is with exfoliating pads to remove the dead skin cells that clog pores. Keep reading for the best ones (seriously, they work magic after one use) and other acne fighters to tackle acne from head to toe.
acne from every angle
-
Alumier MD Acne Clarifying Cleanser
Free of common irritants, this salicylic acid cleanser goes on gentle and smooth while being effective enough to clear off heavy makeup.
$48 at Alumier MD
-
PanOxyl Creamy Wash Benzoyl Peroxide 4% Daily Control
Along with salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide is one of the most effective acne fighters. PanOxyl makes one in a 4% concentration (pictured here) as well as 10% for more severe acne prone skin.
$11.99 at PanOxyl
-
Black Wolf Acne Body Spray
Hit every spot - literally - with this easy-to-use salicylic acid spray that can get to those hard-to-reach areas like your back.
$19 at Black Wolf Nation
-
Valoie AKTIV Pore Repair
It's a myth that you have to dry out skin to keep it clear - hydration is key. This repair serum is loaded with it thanks to a potent formulation that includes hyaluronic acid.
$65 at Valoie
-
Chantecaille Bio Lifting Oil Free Fluid+
If you have the kind of acne that is small bump/rash-like, the key to the issue might be to opt for exclusively oil-free products. This moisturizer is unique in that it's loaded with actives without being heavy - in fact, it's called a fluid because it's just that lightweight. This is a perfect summer-time pick.
$275 at Chantecaille
-
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel
If you're going to invest in one thing in the skincare realm, let it be these game-changing (life-changing, actually) exfoliating pads. They're gentle enough to use daily and will leave skin GLOWING after one use. This is the only two-step peel on the market and literally you'll look as though you just had a facial after two minutes.
$88 at Dr. Dennis Gross
