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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Wilfrid Laurier chapter.

I am proud to say that I’ve basically tried every skincare product in the book. I’m someone who struggled with acne at an early age, likely due to genetics. Through trial and error, I’ve discovered many acne solutions that work for me and hopefully they can help you as well.

Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Deep Pore Cleansing

This face mask is my holy grail product. Yes, it will make you look like Shrek, and while it kind of hurts to take off because of how hard it gets, I promise you that the pain is worth it. I’ve got five people hooked to this mask because it genuinely clears acne through deep pore cleansing. It’s less than $20 on Amazon which is a great deal considering how expensive luxury skincare products can get. For the best results, I recommend mixing it with apple cider vinegar (if you can handle the smell). Honestly, this face mask is the best. If you buy anything mentioned here, get Aztec.

Acne Stickers

I’ve used different brands of acne patches and they have all worked the same for me. You put the sticker on your zits overnight and when you wake up, they should be less inflamed and red. This method helps to reduce picking and there also won’t be any residue left on your pillow overnight that often happens when using spot treatments. There are many different kinds of stickers that have tea tree oil, hemp seed oil or salicylic acid. These stickers are perfect for these red zits that just seem to get angrier and angrier.

Clear Complexion Willow Bark Spot Treatment, Boscia

This is one of the first spot treatments I remember actually liking. The formula doesn’t feel harsh and the blend of willow bark and rosemary leaf extract work to unclog pores and reduce breakouts. This product is vegan, free of artificial fragrances and it’s small enough to carry around in a travel bag. I would highly recommend using a spot treatment if the zit is big and scary because they can help dissolve the blockage within the pore that created the zit in the first place.

Mask of Magnaminty, LUSH

This cult favourite Lush face mask is worth the hype. Yes, it will also make you look like Shrek, but it smells a lot better than the Aztec mask. The Kaolin clay gets rid of the nasty stuff in your pores and the peppermint oil smells delicious. LUSH products are natural, and you can purchase this face mask in a self-preserving formula if that appeals to you. What I like about this mask is that it feels like it soothes, cleanses, exfoliates and moisturizers all in one and it smells like Christmas.

These are just a few acne products that worked wonders for me in my journey to clearer skin. There are many factors as to why acne occurs but trust that things will get better and be cautious with any product or service you use.

Mary Shanahan

Wilfrid Laurier '21

Mary is a fourth-year English student at Wilfrid Laurier University.
Rebecca is in her 5th year at Wilfrid Laurier University.  During the school year, she can be found drinking copious amounts of kombucha, watching hockey and procrastinating on Pinterest. She joined HCWLU as an editor in the Winter 2018 semester, and after serving as one of the Campus Correspondents in 2019-20, she is excited to be returning for the 2020-21 school year! she/her