With many anti-acne products in the market, it can be confusing to pick the right one for you. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate your options wisely so you can zap those zits asap.
Effective Acne Products in the Philippines
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SPOT TREATMENT
Spot treatments contain high concentrations of anti-acne ingredient/s that dry out pimples in record time.
Depending on its active ingredient, the product can treat both fluid-filled and deep-skin acne OR just fluid-filled ones.
⚠️ Active ingredients in spot treatments can make your skin sensitive to UV rays. Wear face sunscreen daily.
Celeteque Acne Spot Corrector Gel
Lazada | Shopee
Belo AcnePro Pimple Gel
Lazada | Shopee
Benzac Spots Treatment Gel
Lazada | Shopee
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BHA
BHA (beta hydroxy acid) goes deep into the pores to treat acne and dissolve dead skin cells that may cause further clogging.
BHA’s ability to both treat and prevent acne makes it a common ingredient in anti-acne products, including spot treatments and medicated acne patches.
Furthermore, it’s effective against BOTH fluid-filled and deep-skin acne (cystic acne, new “unripe” acne).
⚠️ Start at the lowest concentration (%) at the lowest frequency (e.g. 1x a week). Dial up frequency and/or strength as needed and as tolerated by your skin.
⚠️ You may experience ‘purging’ or a temporary breakout as a result of BHA cleaning out your pores.
⚠️ With increased skin cell turnover comes increased sun sensitivity. Wear face sunscreen daily.
Oxecure Blackhead Clearing BHA PHA Toner
Lazada | Shopee
COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
Lazada | Shopee
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Lazada | Shopee
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TEA TREE OIL
Tea tree oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been shown to be effective in calming down and clearing acne.
If you find other anti-acne ingredients too harsh and drying, tea tree oil is a gentler option—however, slower.
⚠️ DON’T use pure tea tree oil directly on your skin. Dilute it or use anti-acne products that are formulated with tea tree oil.
⚠️ May still cause sun sensitivity. Wear face sunscreen daily.
The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil
Lazada | Shopee
Human Nature Acne Defense Solution Gel
Lazada | Shopee
RETINOID
Retinoids are the miracle workers of skincare. They have both strong anti-acne and anti-aging properties.
Retinol, a type of retinoid, is considered the gold standard of both acne and anti-aging treatments. Its prescription strengths are used to treat severe cases of acne and skin aging.
If you are 20+ years old with persistent adult acne, retinoids are a great choice to “hit two birds with one stone”.
⚠️ Start at the lowest concentration (%) at the lowest frequency (e.g. 1x a week). Dial up frequency and/or strength as needed and as tolerated by your skin.
⚠️ You may experience ‘purging’ or a temporary breakout as a result of retinoid cleaning out your pores.
⚠️ Retinoids can make your skin sensitive to UV rays. Wear face sunscreen daily.
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion
Lazada | Shopee
Celeteque Age Spot Erasing Serum
Lazada | Shopee
Pond’s Age Miracle Youthful Glow Double Action Serum
Lazada | Shopee
ACNE PATCH
Acne patches are great for pus-filled acne. They absorb the goo and promote fast healing.
⚠️ Regardless of type, use acne patches on clean, untreated skin only. Anything that goes under the patch, whether dirt or treatment, gets trapped and may cause irritation.
⚠️ DON’T use hydrocolloid and medicated acne patches on acne without fluid. They will only dry out your skin’s surface and produce very little effect.
For deep-skin pimples like cystic acne and new, “unripe” acne, use BHA or retinoid instead.
COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch
Lazada | Shopee
Some By Mi 30 Days Miracle Clear Spot Patch
Lazada | Shopee
Luxe Organix Hydrocolloid Acne Patch Night Time
Lazada | Shopee
FAQS
What’s the best acne treatment product?
This is NOT a medical advice, but here’s a great rule of thumb:
If you only have occasional, hormonal acne: acne patches or spot treatments.
If you have frequent active pimples and a lot of clogged pores (“whiteheads” and “blackheads”): a BHA toner or retinoid + acne patch / spot treatment for “ripe”, fluid-filled ones.
If you have persistent and/or severe acne despite a diligent skincare, kindly seek the help of a dermatologist. It could be a symptom of an underlying health issue.
What’s the best cystic acne treatment?
For occasional cystic acne, BHA or retinoid or benzoyl peroxide. Some women saw success in using birth control pills too.
What’s the best acne treatment for sensitive skin?
Tea tree oil-infused product, unmedicated acne patch (for fluid-filled acne), or betaine salicylate (a gentler BHA).
Any retinoid or exfoliant at low concentrations can work too. It really depends on what your skin can tolerate.
⚠️ IMPORTANT ⚠️
An anti-acne product alone may NOT cure your acne. It should be supported by and incorporated in a solid skincare routine.
Also, other lifestyle practices should also be considered in addressing acne.
In some cases, acne is NOT an isolated issue but a symptom of another, more serious health concern (e.g. polycystic ovary syndrome for women).
For best results, try looking into these areas and make healthier changes for a more holistic approach to treating acne.
- Diet
- Hygiene
- Sleep
- Mental health
- Digestive issues
- Hormonal issues (if female)
- Reproductive diseases (if female)
READ NEXT: 6-Step Affordable Skin Care Routine for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin
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