Here's What Happened When Teen Vogue's Editors Tested Spring's New Acne Products
Acne is beauty's great equalizer. No matter how meticulous we are with our face washing, how many ingredients we incorporate into our routine, or what kinds of bizarre methods we try, pimples are bound to happen. And here at Teen Vogue, we tend to be pretty vocal about our struggles. Mostly because, if there's ever a beauty conundrum, we have an entire closet full of products at our disposable to fix it.
But instead of having our editors merely enter the Narnia that is the beauty closet and then reappear days later with clear skin, we thought we'd do one better: Document it! Here, six members of our staff test out spring's latest and greatest acne launches. Find out which is right for you in the slideshow and let us know your thoughts!
1/7It was simultaneously gross and awesome.
2/7<a href="/contributors/alexandra-thurmond">Alexandra Thurmond</a>, assistant to the editor in chief
Product: "I tested Clearasil’s Ultra Rapid Action Lotion, a spot treatment for the face, chest, and body that delivers a concentrated dose of medication and claims to visibly reduce the size of blemishes in just four hours."
The Results: "I’ve had relatively clear skin for the past few years, but every now and then I get a blemish—and usually at the worst possible time. I used this product to treat a spot on my chin, which can be a problem area for me. The label says the product will reduce the size of a pimple in four hours, and while I don’t know if it was quite that quick, it certainly had improved by the end of the day. I used it again that night before bed, and by morning it was nearly gone! This treatment definitely earned a permanent place on my shelf for tending to the occasional breakout."
3/7<a href="/contributors/emily-gaynor">Emily Gaynor</a>, assistant beauty editor
Product: "I’ve been using two products from the new Estee Lauder Clear Difference Line: The Blemish Treatment and the Complexion Perfecting BB Crème SPF 35. The spot treatment is infused with salicylic acid to supposedly remove the debris that clogs pores, and glucosamine prevents pore congestion while marine extracts combat oil. The BB is intended to complement the spot treatment by blurring redness and soothing irritation."
The Results: "This line is perfect for me because I don’t love to incorporate a million products into my routine. My morning skincare regimen usually consists of washing my face, putting on serum and tinted moisturizer, dabbing on a swipe of cream blush and finishing off with eyeliner and a bold lip. When I break out, I hate having to use a different cleanser, treatment cream, concealer, and foundation. The process often requires many more steps, and I inevitably skip some. Clear Difference offered a simple solution. I dab the spot treatment (with an easy-to-use rollerball applicator) directly on any breakouts, and it instantly absorbs. Then, I apply an even layer of the BB cream and my skin suddenly appears blemish-free. The redness disappears and any irritation is masked. I will definitely use this line whenever I break out or my skin is unusually blotchy."
4/7<a href="/contributors/avery-spofford">Avery Spofford</a>, assistant to the managing editor
Product: "I tried out Kate Somerville’s HydraClear Hydrating Acne Gel, which aims to reduce and prevent breakouts with salicylic acid while hyaluronic acid and red algae moisturize without clogging pores."
The Results: "My skin is dry and prone to periodic pimples. For the past two years I’ve been prescribed Aczone, a topical gel with dapsone, to keep these monthly monsters at bay. I’ve learned from experience that things (namely, my skin) can get ugly when I deviate from this formula, but the moisturizing properties of hyaluronic acid persuaded me to play guinea pig. HydraClear didn’t scale-ify my skin and my monthly breakout never surfaced, so if you’re both dry and acne-prone, this product is definitely worth adding to your arsenal. (Full disclosure: The instructions advise reapplying three times a day. Call me lazy, but I cheated and just used the gel before bed)."
5/7Chantal Strasburger, editorial assistant
Product: "I tried out two products from the Dr. Jart Pore Medic collection. The first was the Cleansing Bubble, which claims to remove dead skin and preserve skin elasticity, and the second was the Pore Minish Primer, which allegedly reduces the appearance of pores."
The Results: "I’m a total sucker for packaging, and I found the simplistic labeling aesthetically pleasing; no bells and whistles, just honest facts and straightforward directions! But beyond the superficial, the Cleansing Bubble was extremely gentle and left my skin feeling refreshed and matte. I don’t usually use primers because I try to keep my routine down to the essentials, but this one was a pleasant surprise. My skin was noticeably less shiny and felt soft and smooth. But the best part about this collection, in my opinion, is that it’s free of alcohol and parabens, so I didn’t have to worry about the side effects of chemicals. I would absolutely recommend this for anyone dealing with oily skin or clogged pores!"
6/7Julia Rubin, online features editor
Product: "I’ve tried out a lot of topicals in my time (both prescription and not), and the very first one I used (15 years ago!) was Clinique Acne Solutions Spot Healing Gel, which is now being reintroduced as their Acne Solutions Clinical Clearing Gel. While the formula is the same—salicylic acid is the primary zit-fighting ingredient, along with alleged oil control and anti-irritant agents—now there’s some real science behind the product. Clinique tested it against adapalene (which you may know as Differin, and coincidentally is my current weapon of choice) and found it to be just as effective as the dermatologist-recommended prescription. They also discovered it could be used as an all-over treatment, not just a spot gel."
The Results: "I decided to use the product as a spot treatment, since the rest of my face is looking pretty good at the moment. Going from my Differin cream to the Clinique gel was an adjustment, since the gel’s finish is noticeable and a bit tight-feeling. I was worried I’d wake up with dry, flaky skin given the lack of emollient (and the formula’s alcohol and water base), but was pleasantly surprised when that was totally not the case. My big, juicy zits (gross, sorry!) became smaller and harder and even a bit less red—a major victory given my chin’s sorry state—with just one use. A week later, I can confidently say this product is a keeper.
Some thoughts though: I much prefer using the gel at night, since the somewhat tacky after-feel isn’t great under makeup. Also, while the lingering tightness thankfully won’t dry out your skin, it can be slightly uncomfortable. My solution? Use a light moisturizer before you spot treat, and then use the gel. If you’re still feeling tight, rub in cream on your hands and gently pat your face. (Or, as beauty editor extraordinaire Phill suggests, put some more facial moisturizer on a cotton ball and dab all over.)"
7/7Phillip Picardi, online beauty editor
Product: "I tested Dr. Dennis Gross’ Clinical Concentrate Purifying Booster, which is a water-free formula that’s designed to add to existing beauty products for added benefits, like toning, clearing, controlling oil, and tightening pores with the help of active ingredients like willow bark extract, witch hazel, and lactic acid."
The Results: "The one thing I absolutely detest about acne products is the texture. I’m a makeup fanatic, and I’m always searching for a dewy, healthy complexion, and I find it incredibly ironic that acne skin care leaves you dry, tight, and red. It’s just not right! Dr. Gross’ Booster appealed to me because I didn’t have to change anything about my insane seven-step skin care routine. In fact, all I had to do was add a couple drops of the product to my moisturizer (or even my foundation if I wanted!) in the morning and at night, and I’d get a daily dose of oil and pimple reduction. While the actives in this formula aren’t ideal for combatting recurring or excessive breakouts, they certainly did the job for my skin, which suffers from the occasional makeup-induced zit now and then. Also: I could skip my afternoon blotting paper. That willow bark is no joke!"
