How To Clear Up Your Skin Before Prom Night

As much as you want to look perfect on your big day, it's important to face the facts: flawless skin doesn't happen overnight! But not to worry — to help you prepare, I've spent time investigating different products and talking to skincare professionals about how to clear up your skin before prom night. Don't worry, there's still plenty of time!

But before we get any further, according to OXY Director of Marketing Erick Estrada, it takes about 28 days to completely clear up acne (and other skin conditions). This is why it's important that you find the right products and start ASAP.

What you might not realize is that acne is not just a reflection of the products you're using on your skin, but also a reflection of your internal health. That being said, in addition to whichever skincare regimen you choose, you'll see the best results in the least amount of time if you steer clear of processed and fast foods and opt for more foods that promote healthy skin. According to Women's Health Magazine , almonds, carrots, spinach and sweet potatoes are a few examples of foods included in the "perfect skin diet".

Of course, choosing products that will help you clear up pimples and prevent future breakouts is the second part of the equation. According to WebMD, acne products containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid are usually"very effective" in treating breakouts and preventing future acne problems.

After reading extensive reviews and even trying a few of these products myself, here are a few products and skincare lines that will help you achieve that flawless complexion before prom:

1. OXY 28 Day Challenge App & Skincare Products

Click Here To Download The OXY 28 Day Challenge App

Trying to make skincare fun? There's an app for that. "With the 28 Day Challenge app, we are helping our customers in a whole new way," OXY Director of Marketing Erick Estrada tells me. "We have taken a new approach not only with the app itself but with the 28 day tracking and customized recommendations available right on your smartphone since we know teens are always connected and on the go." OXY offers everything from face wash to acne clearing pads, which are available at stores like Target, Walmart, and on Amazon.

2. Proactiv + Skincare

Proactiv + Complete Acne Solution, $40, Proactiv

Proactiv + is the newest line by Proactiv which not only helps clear up acne, but also helps minimize evidence of past breakouts, like acne scars.

3. Rodan + Fields Unblemish Regimen

Rodan and Fields Unblemish Regimen, $180, Rodan and Fields

Created by the same doctors as Proactiv, Rodan and Fields offers a variety of different regimens addressing everything from rosacea to acne to preventative aging. And while this line is a little bit pricey, I have tried a few of their products and can tell you first hand — within 3 weeks, you will be able to see a difference! Plus, the price reflects a two month's supply, so if you do the math, it's actually less per day than your morning coffee.

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4. Dermalogica Clear Start Products

Dermalogica Breakout Clearing Kit, $42, Dermalogica

If you have sensitive skin, Dermalogica might be the line for you. Aside from the beautiful scents used in their products, all of the ingredients in their products are free of irritants that commonly cause breakouts and other skin issues like eczema.

5. Virginn Pure Minerals Purify Products

Virginn Pure Minerals Purify Cleanser, $22-$35, Virginn Mineral Makeup

"The Purify trio of cleanser, toner, and serum are great for acne prone teens because the acids that it uses have been corrected to only include the active molecules, making a really nice product free of irritants," says VirginN Pure Minerals Founder and CEO Tonja Lee Valdez. "The acids also help loosen up dead skin cells, unclog the pores and then help knock out bacteria that causes acne, helping prevent future breakouts without drying out the skin."

6. Clean & Clear Persa Gel

Clean & Clear Persa-Gel Maximum Strength, $7, Ulta

If you do end up with a pimple on prom day, the good news is you're not doomed! Products like this one are great spot treatments, using benzoyl peroxide to dry out the pimple and reduce inflammation.

Start now and trust me, you'll be thankful when the cameras start snapping!