New Pimple-Fighting & Derm-Approved Breakout Treatments That WORK!

It doesn’t matter what age you are – or where you’re at in your skincare journey – there’s nothing like a breakout to make you feel just a little insecure (no matter how normal you know they are)! Minuscule or mountainous, pimples are hella annoying, but luckily the technology to treat and prevent them keeps getting smarter and stronger.

For example, that random spot in the middle of your face that just popped up? There are pastes and patches to zap it away. Or, if rosacea-esque texture has become your new norm, there’s a camouflage solution with SPF to help. Maybe body acne is your struggle rather than facial? Spray it away with an easy-to-use body powder.

No matter how incurable you think your pimple situation may be, we promise there are solutions that will make it better. Keep scrolling for some of the best to try right now.

Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Camo Drops SPF 35, $46

If you’re familiar with Dr. Jart’s redness-reducing Cicapair line – that uses Centella asiatica extract (Tiger Grass) to heal inflamed skin – then you’ll love their new Camo Drops with SPF. Formulated with Niacinamide and their own green energy complex, these sunscreen-based drops soothe sensitive areas when applied after moisturizer.

SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF, $166

It’s taken SkinCeuticals a total of six years to release Silymarin CF, which combines 15% L-ascorbic acid, 0.5% Silymarin (a powerful antioxidant derived from Milk Thistle Plant), 0.5% Ferulic Acid, and 0.5% Salicylic Acid, to refine skin texture and balance skin oiliness. Consider it your vitamin C and acne treatment in one.

Hanhoo Blemish Custom Patch, $7

Pimple patches have been life-saving in the acne department, but tiny transparent dots don’t always cover a lot of facial ground. Hanhoo’s custom patches are meant for larger clusters however, so you can target more turf without drying out the surrounding skin.

Flora + Bast Clarifying Facial Treatment, $88

This vegan retinoid oil addresses blemishes and signs of aging, but is gentle enough for all skin types, ranging from normal to severely irritated. CBD and CBG cannabis extract also helps even tone and texture, while supporting your skin’s natural barrier, via 1-3 pumps post cleanser.

Peace Out Clear Skin Squad, $25

Whether you’re battling enlarged pores or pesky pimples, this do-it-all kit can help. The dots extract impurities, the serum calms blemishes, and the strips promote clearer-looking skin. Used as a trio, the squad also keeps oil in check and disguises post-breakout dark spots.

Derm-Approved Blemish Blasters

Topical Medication: According to NYC-based celeb dermatologist Dr. Hadley King, there’s more good news in the anti-acne department because the FDA recently approved a new topical anti-androgen medication named Clascoterone (brand name Winlevi). “This has anti-androgen and anti-inflammatory properties and is therefore the first topical drug for decreasing sebum production and should be ideal for hormonal acne,” she says. And while not suited for everyone, your derm can advise if this is a prescription possibility for your skin type.

Pimple Paste: Another King-approved product is InnBeauty Project Pimple Paste, $15. “This overnight drying paste contains oregano and thyme essential oils to help kill Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermis, two of the major acne-associated bacteria,” she explains. Reach for this mighty tube when you need to treat current acne – or prevent future breakouts – instead of sulfate-laced toothpaste.

Breakout Patches: “Pimple patches are top of mind whenever I’m asked about acne,” says Dr. Deanne Mraz Robinson, board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Modern Dermatology in Westport, Connecticut. “While masks are certainly causing more breakouts, they also allow you to wear a patch beneath without anyone knowing.” Robinson swears by Rael Miracle Patches, $12, for their vast range of smaller spot patches and larger patches for the chin or jawline.”

Body Acne Spray: While most of us spend countless hours in pursuit of a flawless face, let’s not neglect the neck down, k? Body acne is a real struggle, but it’s treatable. Robinson advises looking for the same active ingredients as you would for fighting acne on the face. “I recommend Arm + Hammer Invisible Body Powder Spray, $24, to wick away sweat, absorb moisture, and eliminate odor.”

Non-Stripping Cleansers: At the end of the day, patches, pastes, and topicals are great, but how you’re cleansing your face can be crucial to whether or not you’re breaking out. “My favorite cleansers that clean and exfoliate without stripping the skin are CLn Acne Cleanser, $32, SkinBetter Daily Enzyme Cleanser, $34, and SkinCeuticals LHA Cleansing Gel, $41,” says Robinson.