The Her Campus National Editors write about products we love and think you’ll love too. Her Campus has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase. All products are in stock and all prices are accurate as of publication.
It’s taken a long time, years to be exact, to find some sort of skincare regimen that fits my criteria of a product I can’t live without. Those rules were as follows:
- Would be gentle enough to not make my skin erupt in a rash or acne, but tough enough to actually make a difference.
- Work efficiently/quick enough to see a difference in at least a week or two.
- Be made of ingredients that I trust and that have been tested to work on my type of skin.
After all this time, I am still experimenting with a set skincare regimen that works every time, but meanwhile, here are five of my favorite products I have found on the journey so far (with links so you can get them for yourself!). A reminder that what works for me might not work for you, and these are just my opinions on products that helped me.
Clean & cLear’s Advantage Spot treatment
This is my holy grail spot treatment. Just put a little bit on a pimple before you go to sleep, and in the morning, poof, it’s gone. The secret in this product is 2% salicylic acid to clear up the bacteria, plus witch hazel to reduce swelling and inflammation.
https://www.cleanandclear.com/acne-advantage/advantage-acne-spot-treatment
The ordinary’s Brightening Cream
This brightening cream is made with Azelaic Acid, proven to brighten skin tone and even out skin discoloration. I have a lot of acne scarring on my chin, and within a week of using this product, my skin has toned out tremendously. Plus it is formulated without alcohol, so it won’t strip your skin of its natural oils.
https://www.sephora.com/product/the-ordinary-deciem-azelaic-acid-suspension-10-P427411?skuId=2031458
The ordinary’s Exfoliating Peeling Solution
This mask has been all over the internet for months now, and it’s for a good reason. Made with Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, and Salicylic Acid, all included to exfoliate the skin and unclog pores. Throw the liquid on your face for about 10 minutes, and wash it off with water to reveal glowing skin. I do have to say that this product has an odd smell, but it is worth it for the results.
https://www.sephora.com/product/aha-30-bha-2-peeling-solution-P442563?skuId=2210607
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
I originally got this as a free birthday gift from Sephora, but have since bought a replacement. This mask hydrates your lips SO MUCH. Lines? Gone. Dryness? Not with this! They have many different “flavors” to choose from, but the “Peach Iced Tea” one is my favorite.
https://www.sephora.com/product/lip-sleeping-mask-P420652?skuId=2480267
Hanhoo Acne Spot Patches
Finally, we have a bit of a surprising item on the list. These acne spot patches from Walmart are better than some higher-end patches I have tried. The secret in these is Hydrocolloid, which targets impurities without drying out the area. They eliminate bumpiness and stay on all night without giving you red spots when you take them off in the morning. Plus, they’re only $2.50!
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Hanhoo-Blemish-Acne-Spot-Patch/375497192