Fashion
The Best Acne Treatment Kits To Banish Your Breakouts Once And For All
Acne is basically the worst. We know this. But part of what makes it suck so much is that there are too many treatments and no cure. There are plenty of acne treatment kits and systems out there, so how do you go about finding something that works for you? And I mean actually works? First of all, it helps if you know what type of ingredients work best for your skin. Does it respond well to salicylic acid? How about benzoyl peroxide or sulfur? It's also important to find a combination of products — a system that works well for your skin without drying it out or causing too much irritation. And finally, whatever regimen you choose, it's important to stick to it in order to see results. At least two weeks is preferable, but if you stick to it for four-six weeks, you'll have a better idea of what works and how well.
That's where these sets come in. Acne starter kits take all the guesswork out of properly combining products, and there is always at least enough for a 30-day trial. So if you're ready to get your skincare routine in check to really tackle your acne, here are 15 of the best to consider.
Image: Eugenio Marongiu/Fotolia
Clinique 3 Step
Clinique Acne Solutions Clear Skin System Starter Kit, $39, S ephora
Clinique offers their classic three-step system in a version to target breakouts. The cleanser, toner, and moisturizer combat acne using a combination of salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide.
Murad 5 Step
Murad Acne Complete Acne Control Set, $65, Sephora
If your acne is caused by excess oil production, this regimen may be for you. This set contains a cleanser, toner, spot treatment, mask, and mattifier. It treats with a combination of salicylic acid, witch hazel, tea tree oil, retinol, and sulfur.
Clearogen 3 Step
Clearogen Three Step Acne Treatment Set, $40, Sephora
This three step system includes a cleanser, toner, and lotion. It treats with slightly higher concentrations of salicylic acid than you might normally find and benzoyl peroxide.
Peter Thomas Roth 6 Step
Peter Thomas Roth Acne Kit, $35, S ephora
This six-piece set helps fight acne while also working to reduce shine and scarring. It includes a cleanser, scrub, clearing gel, mask, spot treatment, and mattifier. These products treat with salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and sulfur.
Kate Somerville 4 Step
Kate Somerville Blemish Banisher Kit, $55, Sephora
This four-piece kit that works to promote cell turnover includes a cleanser, scrub, moisturizer, and spot treatment. It utilizes salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, and sulfur.
Murad 4 Step
Murad Acne & Aging Skin Solution Set, $40, S ephora
If you’re concerned with aging in addition to breakouts, this kit covers both. It includes a cleanser, acne & wrinkle reducer, anti-aging moisturizer, and eye cream. These products treat with salicylic acid, homosalate, octisalate, and avobenzone.
Dr. Dennis Gross 4 Step
Dr. Dennis Gross Clear Skin Solutions 30 Day Supply, $45, DR Dennis Gross
Developed by a dermatologist to provide overall balance to the skin in addition to clearing breakouts, this kit includes a cleanser, treatment pads, mask, and moisturizer. It treats with salicylic acid, colloidal sulfur, azelaic amino acid, and L-carnitine.
Clean & Clear 3 Step
Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Control Kit, $14, Amazon
Although this three-step kit also treats with salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, it takes a slightly different approach. The benzoyl peroxide is in the cleanser while the salicylic acid is in the moisturizer and spot treatment.
University Medical 4 Step
University Medical Severe Acne Treatment, $31, Amazon
For some extra strength, try a line that is based in benzoyl peroxide and retinol. This kit includes a cleanser, toner, moisturizer, and renewal complex.
La Roche-Posay 3 Step
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Dermatological Acne System, $30, Amazon
This set specifically targets three major causes of acne: excess oil, clogged pores, and acne bacteria. It includes a cleanser, toner, and spot treatment that utilize salicylic acid, glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and micro-exfoliating LHA.
Dermalogica 5 Step
Dermalogica MediBac Clearing Adult Acne Kit, $40, Amazon
Help curb adult acne with this six-piece kit that includes a cleanser, mask, clearing gel, spot treatment, mattifier, and moisturizer sample. Together, these products utilize salicylic acid, sulfur, and triclosan.
Burt's Bees 3 Step
Burt’s Bees Natural Acne Solutions Kit, $30, Amazon
For an all-natural approach to banishing breakouts, this is your answer. This kit features a cleanser, moisturizer, and spot treatment. All feature salicylic acid from willowbark extract to treat acne.
Philosophy 4 Step
Philosophy Clear Days Ahead 30 Day Acne Trial Kit, $39, Sephora
This four-piece set includes a cleanser, treatment pads, spot treatment, and moisturizer. All products feature salicylic acid to fight acne without aggravating the skin.
Mario Badescu 4 Step
Mario Badescu Acne Starter Kit, $30, Nordstrom
This five-piece set features a cleanser, toner, mask, moisturizer, and drying cream sample. If the classic ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide don’t usually work for you, these products feature alternative ingredients like zinc oxide and kaolin.
Neutrogena 3 Step
Neutrogena Complete Acne Therapy System, $11, Amazon
This three-piece set takes into account how your skin’s needs change from day to night by including a cleanser, a day moisturizer, and a night moisturizer. This treats with both salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide.
