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Acne but my derm appt's in 6 months
25
items Over-the-counter (OTC) options as you wait Made some updates to this list June 2026*
Sections
3
My Arsenal
Basics
Dark Spots
My Arsenal
SULFUR! Such an underrated ingredient! I had such an amazing result practically overnight. This plus the Azelaic Acid I tagged was amazing. Had a stubborn pimple on my cheek that would not go away and finally its been under control. Also it doesnt no...
1a. MY NEW FAVORITE !
Azelaic Acid is great for rosacea. Azelaic Acid 10% SERUM PLUSS Niancinamide. Very hydrating, has some fragrance. Also great hyperpigmentation and I have had great results with it. One of my favorites!
1b. Anua Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Serum
everyone should try this! Good to hydrate skin. can be done over your makeup for dewy look or bare face for nice glow. Spray this before putting on any Hylauranic Acid like the Neutrogena Boost
Multi-Quench Mist - Polyglutamic Acid Face Mist For ... - Prequel
A hydrated face produces less oil, crazy right but so true
Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Skin Care
Should be in your car, gym bag, to remove any bacteria and sweat throughout the day,
Hypochlorous Acid Spray - Prequel
Should tingle, not burn. Apply to completely dry skin using a clean cotton swab. Patch test first on your wrist or jawline before full application. Leave on for up to 10 minutes (or less). Wear sunscreen if you will be in the sun—see my other list fo...
Retexturizing Exfoliating Peel | Obagi Blue Brilliance Peel
last step in the entire routine
Cicaplast Balm B5+ | Soothing Therapeutic Balm for Dry Skin Irritations
Basics
The most effective acne wash compared to salicylic acid washes. Peroxide bleaches clothes so make sure your skin is dry before you put on your fave sweater and dry of with a white towel. Dont use it at the same time of day as your retinol
Acne Foaming Cream Wash with Benzoyl Peroxide
CeraVe or this; make sure its 10%. Again, peroxide bleaches clothes so make sure your skin is dry before you put on your fave sweater and dry of with a white towel. Dont use it at the same time of day as your retinol
PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash Benzoyl Peroxide 10%
if you tried the BP wash and didnt like it; heres another option. Sulfar smells like rotton eggs but it will KILL that acne. Plus it just unpleasant for a quick wash; it wont linger.
Sulfur Soap
Spot Treatment with 10% Sulfar. Apply with a cotton tip. Dont put the dropper on your pimple that's ewww
EradiKate® 10% Sulfur Acne Treatment
Hydrocolloid Dressing is the same thing as pimple patches. If you already use pimple patches switch to this. Just dont leave your patch on for a crazy longtime
Dont Buy Pimple Patches; Just Buy a Roll
gym bag essential to prevent the bacne from sweating.
Advanced Acne Institute
Use non-comedogenic makeup and moisturizer. That said, going makeup-free can really help, because even with cleansing, residue can build up over time. Speaking from experience, my acne improved much more when I stopped using makeup and concealer, especially on active pimples; covering bloody o...
Pore-Clogging Ingredients Checker
Hypochlorous Acid Spray - Prequel
Dark Spots
This is my top rec in the list
1b. Anua Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Serum
Thiamadol: slow down pigment production, so dark spots fade over time and new ones are less likely to form. Gotta use it 4xs a day for the results tho. but safe alternative to hydroquinone
Radiant Tone | Dark Spots
formulated by a dermatologist. Has multiple dark spot ingredients all packed in one tube to fight dark spots. nonirritating and promising results
Remedy for Dark Spots | Discoloration Serum
starts with gut health
Liposomal Glutathione Supplement - Cymbiotika
Noticeable improvement in 12 weeks; but pricy ($100+). Does not irritate the skin like other retinols.
If Tretinoin easily irritates you
Transexamic Acid: indirectly calms inflammation which can trigger pigment (i.e. popping a pimple and gettign a spot after). It helps prevent new dark spots and even out tone over time.
Popped Your Zit and Now You Have a Dark Spot
3 different level Peel Pads and I have all 3. The blue (sensitive skin), orange, and red (most intense) peel pads use progressively stronger concentrations of exfoliating acids. Red provides the most intensive at-home peel while remaining less potent...
Peels | Dennis Gross Skincare
Try the sandwhich method if irritating (moisturize then this then moisturizer on top)
Retinals (Stronger than a Retinol)
Its a retinoid and less irritating and less expensive
Differin Acne Treatment Gel, 30 Day Supply
check out my sunscreen recs onmy other list
Sunscreen - Amazon.com