Skin SOS: Anti-blemish serums if your skin is acting up from wearing masks for too long

Salicylic acid is a common ingredient in anti-blemish skincare, and the Caudalie Vinopure Skin Perfecting Serum contains a high concentration of it to clarify pores. The serum is also formulated to reduce sebum production and gentle enough for use on sensitive skin.

The Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Clinical Clearing Gel can be applied on areas prone to pimples or as a spot treatment to soothe and speed up the healing process. Salicylic acid cleans out the pores and gently exfoliates away surface skin which clogs pores.

Formulated to target spots, the EVE LOM Dynaspot contains salicylic acid to clear pores, tea tree oil, which has great antiseptic properties, along with zinc oxide and yarrow to reduce sebum production and camomile to soothe redness. The product itself applies as a universal skin tone tint to even out redness, suitable for use both under or over makeup.

This clear solution is a blend of anti-blemish ingredients like Witch Hazel, Zinc Sulfate and Salicylic and Glycolic Acids, which simultaneously reduces the inflammation, and speed up pimple healing. Although it comes with its own applicator wand, we highly recommend using a fresh Q-tip to dot on the product, instead of reusing the wand to avoid cross-contamination.

Unlike most products in this article, the Kiehl’s Breakout Control Targeted Acne Spot Treatment does not rely on salicylic acid to treat pimples. Instead, mineral sulphur helps to reduce the amount of breakouts without drying skin out, while vitamin B3 helps to reduce post-acne scarring.

The Spot Remover Acne Treatment Gel contains 1.5 percent salicylic acid to clear pores, while ingredients like caffeine and red algae help to calm inflammation. Simply dot over existing pimples to speed up its healing.

While salicylic acid is effective at clearing out pores and reducing sebum production, it can also cause dryness and flaking of skin. The RE:ERTH Blemish Control uses Lysozyme and Colostrum to eliminate acne-causing bacteria underneath the skin, reducing the occurance of pimples. Water-Soluble Vitamin A also improves skin texture, leaving skin smooth and bouncy.

Containing two percent salicylic acid and tamanu oil, which contains anti-inflammatory properties, this oil helps skin bounce back from blemishes quickly. Pores are cleared out to prevent further congestion, and skin redness is reduced.

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This article was first published in Harper’s Bazaar Singapore.