BY ARI.Y
Our favorite picks to zap away those zits.
Skin you’re confident in can be a real game-changer. However, repeat after me: no one is perfect, including your skin. While a fabulously flawless complexion is the stuff of dreams, clearer and healthier skin is a reality you can very much reach. Especially with the right products at your side — or on your vanity, rather.
Having reached a sort of cult status following, The Ordinary’s coveted collection of skincare essentials have taken over the beauty world, and celebs and ordinary folk alike swear by the brand. We do too. That’s why we’ve got our own certified favorites that help us deal with breakouts, both big and small.
1. Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA Moisturiser
Don’t believe the rumors. Even oily, acne-prone skin needs just as much daily moisturizing as any other skin type. In fact, depriving it of precious moisture means it will overcompensate by producing even more oil, leading you to breakout central. This moisturizer with a soft, matte finish does an excellent job of boosting your skin’s hydration without that greasy and sticky feel. Wear it on its own or right before applying makeup to make your face the perfectly prepped canvas.
2. Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
As your new best friend and your acne’s new worst enemy, glycolic acid, is a popular go-to ingredient to banish blemishes of all kinds. Its antibacterial powers are a must to control and heal existing acne. While as a chemical exfoliant (an AHA to be exact) it clears out gunked-up pores and deals with stubborn texture for more touchably soft and smooth skin. If you’re slipping this into your routine, apply only at night as it increases your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. Make sure to be extra generous with your sunscreen the next morning.
3. 100% Plant-Derived Squalane Hydrating Solution
Quenched skin is skin that does a better job at both preventing and healing acne. This little baby has some intense hydration in a bottle. Look: the idea of slathering oil all over your face might freak you out, but don’t fret. Its star ingredient, squalane, is found in your own body and even in olives and sugarcane. Use it as the last step of your usual regime to seal in all your previous skincare. Then, let your skin drink up and reap its soothing, strengthening, and moisturizing benefits.
4. Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
Treating yourself to your very own spa session while beating breakouts into submission at the same time? Yes, it’s possible. After all, salicylic acid is that goodness your acne-prone skin needs. With anti-inflammatory properties, it calms even the angriest of zits and tackles those unsightly blackheads to boot. As you wind down and mask up, the infused charcoal and Amazonian clay also get to work to deep clean pores of impurities while sopping up any excess oil. Use 1–2 times a week on dry skin for the right amount of terrific treatment.
Looking for other ways to get super, envy-worthy skin? Shop Skin Care now on ZALORA Philippines!