9 of the best blemish fighters

You’ve got a fantastic frock. You’ve got a deliciously cute boy as your date. You’ve even sorted out your hair and make-up looks. So, nothing could possibly ruin your school formal, right? Well, maybe…

A bad skin day alone can be self-esteem crushing, but having pimples on your formal night? It can shake your confidence to the core. That’s precisely why it’s wise to stock your bathroom with these skin care goodies now, so you can make sure your complexion is clear, clean and well-behaved come formal time...

3 of the best… pimple-fighting cleansers

Good skin starts with a great cleansing routine. If you’re not removing all the dirt, pollution and make-up that accumulates during the day, this grime will clog your pores, leading to more pimples. Teenagers also suffer from oily skin (thanks, crazy hormones!) so be sure to wash your face in the morning, too, as this will help sweep away any excess oil you’ve produced overnight, and allow you to start the day afresh.

#1. Papulex Moussant Soap Free Cleansing Gel: a soap-free cleanser that helps reduce pimples while gently cleansing and moisturising the skin. When used morning and night, it helps clear current blemishes and prevent new ones from forming. It also contains moisturising agents to hydrate and soothe the skin.

#2. Clearasil Ultra Deep Pore Gel Wash: a cleanser that removes pimple-causing bacteria and controls oil to promote visibly clearer skin. Its fast-acting formula gives you visibly clearer skin in just three days.

#3. ASAP Daily Facial Cleanser: a cleanser that contains AHAs to loosen and remove dead skin cells, effectively unclogging pores and sweeping away bacteria. It’s oil-free, won’t clog the pores, and washes away impurities without drying or irritating the skin.

3 of the best… skin-clearing lotions

It’s a complete and utter myth that moisturisers make skin oily. In fact, just because your skin is oily, it doesn’t mean it’s not dehydrated and crying out for a solid drink. Kill two birds with one stone by applying nourishing moisturisers that are oil-free, lightweight and contain blemish-fighting or skin-clearing ingredients.

#1. SkinB5 Acne Control Moisturiser: a moisturiser that helps repair the skin while controlling acne breakouts at the same time. It’s lightweight, non-greasy and antioxidant-rich, making it perfect for oily or acne-prone skin.

#2. BIODERMA Sébium AKN: a smoothing and purifying cream that moisturises the skin while helping to eliminate blemishes and blackheads. Its formula targets excess sebum production helping to regulate oil flow and minimise the risk of pore clogging.

#3. Danné Montague-King ACU-MOIST: a moisturiser that aims to balance the moisture levels of skin that’s both overly dry and overly oily, promoting clearer, softer, healthier skin as a result.

3 of the best… fast-acting spot treatments

When pimples pop up unannounced, the worst thing you can do is pick them. Yes, we know it’s ridiculously tempting to do so, but you’ll only spread the infection and create a sore, causing it to stick around for a whole lot longer. Spot treatments are the best way to target individual pimples, as they reduce inflammation and banish bacteria. Apply them to clean skin after cleansing for the most effective results.

#1. Natio Acne Clear Spot Natio Antibacterial Spot Treatment: a clear spot cream that contains natural antibacterial plant extracts to help eliminate blemishes. Aloe and green tea in the product also calms and soothes the skin, reducing signs of redness.

#2. Ella Bache Crème Intex No.2: a fix-it cream for oily skin and breakouts, this antibacterial treatment cream helps clear up problem areas without drying out the skin. The results mean excess oil is absorbed, redness is reduced, and the skin is soothed.

#3. Clean & Clear® Advantage Fast Clearing Spot Gel: a fast-acting micro-gel formula that clears pimples in around four hours. Its formula contains salicylic acid and active botanicals to cleanse the pores and efficiently reduce pimple size. 

Do you suffer from breakouts? What are your tips for maintaining clear skin? And what are your top blemish-fighting products?