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1. A 2% BHA liquid exfoliant that is a skincare cult-favorite, and for good reason, too. This chemical exfoliator contains salicylic acid that works to whisk away dead skin cells from the surface, revealing a texture-free glow underneath.
2. A blemish balm containing salicylic acid to clear pores of excess sebum, niacinamide to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin, and an amino acid complex to help rebuild healthy skin. So, in short, it's basically like your entire skincare regimen in one exfoliating balm cleanser.
3. A 0.1% adapalene gel to clear up acne and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and even smooth out the appearance of fine lines. I've used this gel in the past, and my skin was baby-smooth after getting over the inevitable first few weeks of dryness.
4. An acne spot treatment, because although we can't zap our zits away, we can at least use amazing spot treatments like this one by Derma-E. Here is why this product works so effectively — it contains salicylic acid to exfoliate the blemish, tea tree oil to dry it out, and aloe vera to hydrate the skin and diminish redness in the site. Basically, it works hard so you don't have to.
5. A tub of Aztec Secret clay mask that's another industry favorite, and for great reasons. This mask works amazingly to soak up excess pore-clogging sebum, effectively reducing the appearance of acne. Pro tip: mix in ACV and honey into your mask to add in some anti-microbial effects to this at-home spa day.
6. An African black soap to renew your skin as easy as 1, 2, 3. I have been using this cleanser for years, and I can firmly say that it is the only cleanser that keeps my skin clear and glowing all at once.
7. A rescue balm that I use on my post-adult-acne dark spots that seem like they'll never go away. This formula has panthenol that will hydrate the area while beta glucan works overtime to diminish the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
8. A propolis cream to help soothe away any redness or inflammation you may be experiencing.
9. A Pixi glow tonic that is a cult-favorite, and for good reason, too. This chemical exfoliator contains 5% glycolic acid that works to whisk away dead skin cells from the surface, revealing a texture-free glow underneath.
10. A niacinamide serum to have your skin looking as bright as ever. Niacinamide is your go-to ingredient for an even, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation-free texture.
11. A gentle exfoliating cleanser that will slough off dead skin cells that can become trapped in pores without doing damage to your skin's lipid barrier. Opt for using this exfoliator one to two times per week to avoid damaging your delicate skin with over-exfoliation.
12. A vitamin C and ferulic acid serum, because antioxidants are so important when trying to fight off free radicals. Vitamin C and ferulic acid work to protect your skin against environmental stressors, while at the same time brightening the complexion.
13. An acne treatment serum that is full of salicylic acid to clear out pores, niacinamide to clear hyperpigmentation in the skin, and centella asiatica to reduce redness and inflammation in active breakouts. This serum is basically your one-stop-shop for clearer days ahead.
14. A Cetaphil purifying clay mask to reduce the appearance of acne and keep excess sebum at bay.
15. A squalane and tea tree balancing oil, because although you may be experiencing acne, you still need to moisturize! Dry skin can lead to more breakouts, so make sure to slather a few drops of this squalane-rich oil onto your skin that will diminish breakouts with tea tree oil added in.
16. A pumpkin enzyme resurfacing mask to try if your skin is just a smidge too sensitive for AHAs and BHAs. Pumpkin enzymes gently eat away at dead skin cells while brightening the skin. Oh, and this mask smells like pumpkins, #win.
17. A marine mineral essence, because essence is a K-Beauty secret to glowing, glass-like skin. Incorporate this essence into your routine after your toner and before your serums to deliver a surge of water to your skin.
18. A spotless skin kit that has pimple patches for individual breakouts, large pimple patches for breakout zones on your face, and even a recovery cream to help speed up the reduction of hyperpigmentation.
19. An egg white pore mask that will remove blackheads from the nose like nothing else. Consider this mask if you find yourself pining over the satisfying goodness that is the end of a Dr. Pimple Popper video.
20. A set of muslin washcloths, because there is no better physical exfoliation than that of a muslin washcloth. These cloths gently slough dead skin cells from the skin, while doing as little damage as possible to your skin's barrier. I use a muslin washcloth every night, and I *promise* I attribute my glow to this simple little piece of cloth.
21. A set of acne-healing dots that work while you snooze away by extracting gunk from pimple sitting under the skin.
22. A SkinMedica SPF 35 sunscreen, because your acne's biggest opponent is actually the sun! Sun damage can exacerbate breakouts, meaning that even if you use all the serums and lotions available for clearing your skin, without proper sun protection, your acne spots will stick around for a while. Consider this mineral formula that will work great for your sensitive skin.
23. A chemical exfoliator pad with bark water and BHAs that will gently slough off dead skin cells, minimize pore size, and prevent new breakouts from forming.
24. A salicylic acid pore cleanser, because blackheads are the bane of any acne-sufferer's existence. This cleanser will give your pores a deep cleaning without ever making the skin feel too tight or dry.
25. A multi-purpose cream that works to minimize inflammation and redness in the skin. This formula contains panthenol, or provitamin B5, which is essential for balancing inflammation in acne-prone skin, and protecting it from future dehydration that can lead to breakouts.
26. A silicone cleansing brush, becuase although traditional cleansing brushes can make the face feel squeaky clean, that "tight" clean feeling actually means that your lipid barrier is damaged. Protect your skin's moisture levels, and opt for this battery-powered silicone face brush that will clean your pores deeply while still being gentle on your skin.
27. And a pore extractor tool, because, sometimes, you just don't have the time to head to your esthetician's office for extractions. Use this tool to get rid of comedones (those pesky little blackheads and whiteheads) that are scattered along your T-zone.
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