Try a product with salicylic acid

If your breakouts are frequent and you’re tired of battling them, you may want to consider switching up your skincare routine. “Pick a cleanser that has salicylic acid in it, which you can get over the counter,”. “Those with acne-prone skin may need an astringent to degrease the skin, too — I like salicylic or glycolic acid, because they can help with the scarring that could occur, as well.” Try La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser for Acne Prone Skin, made with 2% salicylic acid along with lipo hydroxy acid, which also exfoliates and helps reduce oil production.

“Salicylic acid is also very potent when it comes to getting rid of blackheads — it helps by removing dead cells and excess oil from the surface of the skin,”Another way to bust blackheads is using a vitamin A derivative, like adapalene, which is the main ingredient in dermatologist-favorite Differin Gel. “Think of it like a pipe cleaner for your pores, to keep them clear so oil does not get trapped,” he explains.

Go light on your makeup.

Beauty products are one of the most common causes of adult acne, and unfortunately, using heavy duty makeup to hide your blemishes won’t make them physically disappear.

“Use mineral makeup on your skin rather than oil-based products that can contribute to breakouts,” recommends adding that oil-based foundation and concealer can block pores. Better yet, go totally makeup-free for a few days — it could be just the break your skin needs to clear up quick.

Tweak your diet.

While it’s advised to be wary of at-home treatments, there are ways to get rid of pimples without products. “Since acne is caused by a combination of genetics and your environment, factors such as hormonal fluctuations, stress, and diet can cause breakouts,” Stick to a low sugar diet and avoid cow’s milk and whey protein, as they can be known to exacerbate acne, and try to “minimize stress however you can, such as practices like meditation or yoga,” he advises.ß