15 Best Serums to Treat Acne, According to a Dermatologist
There's a serum for every kind of breakout you could possibly imagine.
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There's no telling when a breakout will strike or how severe it will be. For some besties, all it takes is a spot treatment or a pimple patch to zap a zit before it breaks through the skin and leaves behind pesky dark marks. Others need stronger pore-clearing cleansers and masks to remove the buildup, like blackheads and whiteheads that lead to breakouts. Acne serums are a skincare essential that help combat active blemishes and prevent future breakouts. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Shari Sperling, they also help reduce leftover marks from hyperpigmentation and scarring. The best serums for acne-prone skin work so well because they "generally have higher concentrations of active ingredients," she explains to Seventeen.
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When it comes to acne-prone skin, Dr. Sperling recommends serums that are formulated to target the different concerns you're experiencing. Acne scarring and hyperpigmentation often appear after breakouts. The New Jersey-based derm suggests retinol-enriched acne serums to remove the buildup that leads to acne and stimulate collagen and elastin production to keep skin firm and reduce the appearance of pesky marks. If you're experiencing dryness and peeling, serums with hydrating niacinamide decrease oil production and reduce inflammation and redness, she says. For active breakouts, Dr. Sperling recommends serums laced with exfoliating benzoyl peroxide to clear oil and dead skin cells out of pores to prevent future breakouts and increase skin cell turnover, which helps with hyperpigmentation and scarring.
Since acne serums are packed with a higher concentration of breakout-fighting ingredients, Dr. Sperling warns of possible irritation depending on how sensitive your skin is. Instead of applying a new serum to your breakout as soon as it appears, start by spot testing with a small amount of product to the inner upper arm to see if you have a reaction. "Always review the ingredients" and "make sure the product is non-comedogenic" to prevent clogged pores, she warns.
No matter if you're experiencing active breakouts or want to get rid of leftover marks from acne scars, there are serums to help improve your skin's condition. Read ahead for the best serums for acne-prone skin, according to experts.
Jasmine Washington is an Assistant Editor at Seventeen, where she covers celebrity news, beauty, lifestyle, and more. For the past decade, she has worked for media outlets, including BET, MadameNoire, VH1, and many others, where she used her voice to tell stories across various verticals. Follow her on Instagram.
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