Acne & Blemishes

Breakouts involve oil, blocked pores, bacteria and inflammation, and most products address one or two of those rather than all four. Salicylic acid clears the pore, niacinamide and zinc help regulate oil, and azelaic acid works on the blemish and the mark it leaves behind.

Give any routine eight to twelve weeks before judging it. Acne that scars or persists is a medical problem, and a dermatologist has options a shelf does not.