5 Products Dermatologists Actually Use When They Get Zits

When zits threaten to take over your life, the worst thing you can do is empty out your medicine cabinet and attack them with the harshest alcohol-based product you can find. Getting rid of acne requires planning and quality ingredients that won't dry out and irritate your skin. These five products are among those actually used by dermatologists — the skin gurus themselves — when a zit rears its ugly head. 

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Pull out the big guns without spending a ton by investing in a quality skincare system like Clinique Acne Solutions Clear Systems Kit. This kit contains a cleansing foam, clarifying lotion, and all-over clearing treatment. You won't find any fragrances or unnecessary oils in these products and one kit provides a four-week supply of each product.

Clinique Acne Solutions Clear Systems Kit ($28, originally $38.50) 

All too often, our focus when it comes to acne and pimples is how to get rid of an existing zit and not how to prevent future problems. It's important to add hydration to the skin, but the fewer nasty chemicals and pore-clogging ingredients in your lotion, the better (especially if you have acne-prone or sensitive skin). Try Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream for Sensitive Skin, which is completely free of dyes, lanolin, parabens, masking fragrances, and formaldehyde. 

Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream for Sensitive Skin ($14.13) 

As far as acne cleansing reatments go, Kiehl's Blue Herbal Acne Cleanser Treatment is one of the fastest and most effective — and it won't irritate surrounding skin or cause inflammation. A powerful, yet gentle, combination of salicylic acid, ginger root, and frankincense clear pimples, whiteheads, and blackeads without drying out your skin. 

Kiehl's Blue Herbal Acne Cleanser Treatment ($22)

If you have severe acne, PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash relies on the highest strength of benzoyl peroxide (10 percent) to kill pimple-causing bacteria and dry up active blemishes. Because of the intense formula, it's best to only use this wash if you have a more serious acne problem (it's great for acne on the body, too). 

PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash ($9.48)

Since no one actually wants to walk around the office covered in pink blemish cream, this Malin+Goetz Daytime Acne Treatment solves the age-old dilemma of how to treat pimples when the sun is shining and you have to interact with actual people. This transparent gel, which is easily absorbed and works great under makeup, attacks acne with lactic acid and salicylic acid, but adds moisture back with panthenol and soothing lavender. 

Malin+Goetz Daytime Acne Treatment ($22)