In a typical summer, there’s one food that you probably can’t avoid: funnel cake. Whether you’re strolling along the seaside boardwalk, visiting the state fair, or chilling at a music festival, the smell of fried dough is likely wafting through the air.
Funnel cake is also fairly easy to make at home, so we’ll break down how to do so. But first, we explain where this carnival staple came from and how it became the summer recreation snack of choice.
Funnel cake origin
Like a lot of food history, you can trace the origin of funnel cake back for centuries (or even earlier if you consider the fact that people across Asia and Europe have been consuming fried dough since medieval times).
During that dreary period of history, people would make sweet fritter cakes by pouring yeasty batter through bowls with small holes in the bottom and dousing the result in sugary syrup. Medieval cookbooks call the recipe “mincebek,” which is likely a derivation of the French phrase “mise en bec.”
That loosely translates to “put in spout” — a reference to how they poured the batter into the oil.
Modern funnel cake history
The modern incarnation of the funnel cake is a deeply American phenomenon — and we have the Pennsylvania-Dutch to thank.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, primarily German-speaking immigrants made a dessert called “drechter kuche,” a dialect variation of “trichter,” the German word for funnel. The name of these treats is derived from the equipment and technique used to make them.
These fried cakes were immensely popular among the local community and became a hallmark of the region’s cuisine.
But it wasn’t until 1950 that funnel cake became the concession stand mainstay that it’s known as today. It was in that year that a group of professors at Pennsylvania’s Franklin & Marshall College collectively decided to celebrate and promote the state’s cultural heritage.
As a result, they founded the annual Kutztown Folk Festival in an effort to generate interest in the region’s rich history. And of course, that includes funnel cake.
More than 25,000 people attended during the first year alone. This massive spike in attendance is credited with helping to spread the popularity of this simple but ingenious treat. The festival has continued every year since then and regularly attracts hundreds of thousands to the area.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, however, the festival went online, giving you all the more reason to learn to make funnel cake at home.
How to make funnel cake
You might not be able to make it out to the beach or the fair every day, but you can still enjoy the fried goodness of funnel cake in your own home.
What you’ll need
Ingredients
The batter is pretty simple to make and consists of basic baking ingredients. You probably have all of them in your pantry already. All it takes is:
a stand or handheld mixer (with a paddle attachment, if possible)
a funnel (maybe) or a pastry piping bag
a cooling rack
And actually, a funnel isn’t even the best tool for the job. A piping bag gives you better control, but you can try using an old ketchup bottle or another squeeze bottle to do the trick.
Process
Combine butter, water, salt, and sugar in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
Remove from heat and quickly stir in the flour. Return the pan to low heat and cook, stirring frequently, for about 3 minutes. This will cook the flour slightly and rid the mixture of that starchy, floury taste that no one likes.
Remove the pan from the heat and place the dough in the bowl of the mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on medium speed until most of the steam subsides, then add the eggs and egg whites, one at a time, until each incorporates, and a batter forms.
Pour 3-inches of oil into a stockpot and heat to 350ºF (177ºC).
Meanwhile, place the batter in a pastry bag with a round pastry tip that’s no wider than 1/4 inch in diameter.
Holding the pastry bag over the hot oil, push the batter out into the hot oil in a zigzag or spiral shape. Fry no more than one large or two smaller funnel cakes at a time.
Fry the cakes for 3 to 5 minutes until they’re golden, and they’ve puffed up to triple their original size. Flip them every 30 seconds or so.
Drain the cakes on a rack and cool slightly, then sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar and your topping of choice.
The main thing to remember when pouring is to keep moving the funnel in a circular and crisscrossing formation so the batter comes out in a steady stream.
Toppings for funnel cake
In terms of toppings:
You can’t go wrong with classic powdered sugar.
If you’re feeling more decadent, add whipped cream or a drizzle of Nutella.
If you want to go all out, add a scoop of ice cream for a perfect pairing of hot and cold sweetness.
Bring the Renaissance festival to your living room by making your own funnel cakes. With its roots in the Pennsylvania-Dutch food culture, the funnel cake became a mainstay of the Kutztown Folk Festival and pretty much every festival since.
Use an empty condiment bottle or a pastry bag with a nozzle to squeeze out the dough, fry it up, and top it. You can use powdered sugar, berries, ice cream — whatever you feel like.
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Summer is a time for the three B’s: barbecue, beer, and burgers. They’re also great the rest of the year, even if you do take the cooking and eating part inside. But unless they’re truly breathtaking, your standard patty-in-a-bun formula can grow stale. Why not switch it up?
To get you out of your burger rut, we’ve pulled together a list of 17 less traditional burgers that top anything you could buy in the freezer aisle. They may take a little extra time or involve a trip to the grocery store but trust us, they’re worth the extra effort.
Big Macs aren’t the only double-decker burger in town. Try our Double-Decker Marinated Portobello Burger recipe for a healthier twist on the Mickey D’s classic.
Portobello mushrooms are one of the easiest vegetables to use when converting a nonbeliever to a plant-based diet — they taste exactly like steak when you grill them (seriously).
Vegans rejoice! The luck of black-eyed peas is on your side. You can now enjoy a delicious vegan burger that comes neck and neck with its meaty cousins.
Featuring mushrooms, beans, and a bevy of fresh herbs and seasonings, this healthful concoction might just become your go-to alternative summer grilling recipe.
The idea of meatloaf anything may be a scary one, but the dreaded lunchtime classic gets an amazing, modern-day upgrade with this delicious recipe.
The addition of hoisin and sriracha gives the meat a slightly Asian-inspired taste, but don’t skimp on the ketchup. That’s where it gets all the moisture.
Standard cheeseburgers are great. But our Juicy Lucy, where the cheese is inside the burger, is even better.
Adapted from a Minneapolis bar favorite (two bars have competing claims for the invention), the Juicy Lucy is a traditional hamburger stuffed with your choice of cheese. Just be sure to pick a soft, meltable cheese for the right ooze factor.
If you’re used to spending your Labor Day weekend in the Hamptons or on your boss’s yacht (or just wish you were), this might be the recipe for you.
Inspired by the DB burger from French god chef Daniel Boulud (which originally cost $32), the Bull Market burger is a decadent way to impress on a holiday weekend.
Take a deep breath…
You’ll need:
18 paper-thin slices preserved black truffle (about 1/2 ounce)
1/4 cup shredded red wine–braised short rib meat (plus 2 tablespoons braising juices, kept to one side)
With flavors reminiscent of a gyro, our burger is an easy entry point for anyone looking to incorporate lamb into their protein repertoire. Just treat it like ground beef and you’ll be good to go.
If you have trouble finding harissa, feel free to substitute sriracha.
For the harissa mayonnaise, you’ll need:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup harissa
For the burgers, you’ll need:
1 1/2 pounds ground lamb
3/4 cup yellow onion, finely chopped (from about 1 medium onion)
Pork, apple, and rosemary make a pretty solid combo in the fall, and turning them into burgers takes them seamlessly into summertime.
We recommend serving them as sliders. Any leftovers could make for a mean sausage, egg, and cheese sandwich the next day (especially great if you had a few too many light beers or mojitos the night before).
You’ll need:
1 pound ground pork (from the shoulder or a shoulder-belly mix)
1 1/3 cups grated apple (from 2 medium apples, grated on the large holes of a box grater)
2 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped
Get your Oregon Trail on with our recipe for bison burgers. Bison, a throwback animal from the days of wagon rides, has found a nice resurgence thanks to the health-conscious movement (and all those paleo practitioners).
And that’s not without reason: it’s flavorful, lean, and high in protein.
You’ll need:
6 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons freshly grated horseradish
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 medium spring onions, (dark green ends trimmed off, white and pale green portions sliced into 1/4-inch-thick rounds)
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
8 ounces mixed wild mushrooms, trimmed and quartered if large
1 large egg
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 medium clove garlic, minced
1 pound ground bison meat
3 Kaiser rolls, cut in half horizontally and toasted
Pork can be a little dry and bland on its own, which is why our recipe ups the flavor ante with the addition of Mexican chorizo.
Spicy and salty, the burger pairs with fresh avocado and roasted Anaheim chilies. This is the perfect burger to serve if you need an excuse [editor’s note: you should never need an excuse] to have a cold beer with lunch.
You’ll need:
1 pound ground pork
6 ounces fresh Mexican chorizo (casings removed, if in sausage form)
2 medium cloves garlic, finely chopped
vegetable oil (for coating the grill and the avocado)
4 Anaheim chiles, halved (stems and seeds removed)
Spice things up with fiery kimchi served on a chicken patty doused in spicy mayonnaise. It’s the perfect excuse to crack open another tongue-soothing beer (or pour another slushy cocktail).
Usually, turkey burgers are not a fave. However, they don’t have to suck. For example, our BBQ Bacon Turkey Burger recipe. Covered in BBQ sauce and topped with bacon, it could go 12 rounds with any beef burger in a flavor fight.
Take a Juicy Lucy, but swap the beef for chicken and the cheddar for bold blue cheese, then add in everything you love about BLTs (which is, well, everything: salty, crunchy bacon; crisp, fresh lettuce; and juicy, sweet tomato). Voila! You have a towering pile of awesome flavor.
Here’s a truly original and totally unexpected BBQ option: chicken cordon bleu in the guise of a burger. The juicy chicken patty is made from dark meat so it doesn’t dry out, but even less moist white meat would go down decadently when topped with ham and melty cheese (not to mention the Dijon and mayo slathered on the bun).
Much to everyone’s enormous benefit, banh mi has become easier and easier to find in major American cities. But if you’ve yet to try one, you’re in for a treat. And if you want to incorporate those spicy, savory, tangy, fresh, addictive flavors in burger form, we’re here to help.
How to cook steak depends on what cut you’re dealing with. And when it comes to picking a choice piece of steak, you’ve got plenty of options — and just as many questions to answer.
Which is the most tender piece of meat? How marbled should it be? Which is the leanest cut? What if I don’t have a grill?
Here’s a handy guide of what you need to know if you want to carnivore like a pro, covering 10 of the best steak cuts from an affordable flat iron to a splurge-worthy filet.
Jeff Wasserman/Stocksy United
1. Filet mignon
Also known as tenderloin, filet mignon is the most tender cut you can find (and the most expensive!). Not attached to a bone, this lean and tender steak offers a mild and almost buttery flavor. Although smaller than most other cuts of steak, tenderloins are cut thicker than most (2 to 3 inches).
Our recommendation
The key to sealing in all the flavor and juicy goodness is to cook this cut quickly. We recommend:
searing the outside until browned (2 to 4 minutes each side)
finishing it in the oven (5 to 10 minutes, depending on your preference)
Their fine texture means they’re not particularly suited for marinades, but you can always add a bold sauce like a port wine reduction.
Cut and sold bone-in, the T-bone (porterhouse) is named for the distinctive T-shaped bone separating two halves of meat. Cut from the front end of the steer’s back, the T-bone is half tenderloin and half New York strip (surrounding vertebrae that separate them).
It offers the best of both worlds: the juicy beefiness of a strip steak paired with the succulence of tenderloin. (Porterhouses are similar, but cut from further back).
Point of fact: In order to be classified as a porterhouse, per USDA regulations, the tenderloin portion must be 1.25 inches wide. That’s more than double the tenderloin you’ll find in a T-bone (only half an inch wide).
Our recommendation
For this cut, we recommend searing each side quickly in a cast-iron skillet with a generous amount of olive oil and finishing it on the grill.
Remember to keep the tenderloin side further from the heat source, as it will cook more quickly than the strip side. You’ll know you’ve nailed it when you take a bite of this mouth-wateringly marbled, medium-rare masterpiece.
The measure of any good steakhouse can be taken by how well they prepare a New York strip steak. Also known as Kansas City strip, Manhattan, shell steak, strip loin, and club steak, the New York strip is characterized by the perfectly-balanced marbling that gives it its beefy full-flavor.
Our recommendations
This cut is often enjoyed rare or blue to showcase its natural tender texture, and it’s a great candidate for broiling, although you can certainly grill or pan-fry it, too.
Tender and moist, the rib-eye has long been a steak lover’s favorite.
Also known as the Delmonico, the scotch fillet, and the Spencer (to name a few), the rib-eye has heaps of fat marbling throughout. The central eye of the meat has a finer grain, with a looser and fattier outer layer. All that generous, fatty marbling gives the rib-eye a particularly gamey flavor that serious meat eaters enjoy.
While a rib-eye cut is boneless, its close cousin, the rib steak, is cut with the bone attached.
Our recommendations
It’s best to cook rib-eye steak to a minimum or medium-rare. It’s not a lean steak, which means that it should see enough heat to render the fat and introduce its flavor. You can baste the rib-eye in butter, garlic, and thyme (or butter and other herbs) for extra flavor.
Also, let your steak sit for about 5 minutes after cooking, which lets the meat reabsorb the fluid.
Cut from the bottom sirloin, sitting adjacent to the flap (aka, the sirloin tip), tri-tip steak sometimes goes under the names Newport steak, Santa Maria steak, triangle roast, or bottom sirloin. But you can always spot it by its uneven triangular shape (proportioned sort of like an elf hat), and size. Sirloins are generally 1.5 to 2.5 pounds.
Our recommendations
Most commonly cooked in the style of Santa Maria barbecue (dry-rubbed and grilled over oak chips on the central coast of California), tri-tip also takes well to most marinades and can be roasted or braised if you don’t want to grill.
Flank steaks, from the hardworking abdominal area, need high heat and a thin slice to stay tender.
Our recommendations
By butterflying flank steaks, you cut them across the grain, solving the need to slice in one fell swoop. The resultant curtain of meat is perfect for stuffing and rolling up.
Cheap steak doesn’t have to mean bad steak, as long as you cook it properly. This cut is one of the most affordable, and not too tricky to prepare. Also known as a top blade steak, a flat iron, as its name implies, is a uniformly thick, rectangular cut taken from the shoulder.
Our recommendations
Cook it too long or over too low heat, and this cut can be hard to chew. But put it over a high flame for a quick sear on the grill, and you’ll wind up with a beefy, tender delight. It also takes well to marinades. (Sensing a theme?)
Another affordable cut of beef, thin, long, and ropy hanger steak comes from a part of a cow’s belly that literally hangs low, hence the name.
Our recommendations
It’s similar to flank steak in texture and stays tender (as long as you don’t overcook it). Go fast and high, either on the grill or in a skillet, and marinate the meat for extra flavor.
Skirt steak, a long cut from the diaphragm, has a big beefy flavor and a very loose grain (even looser than the flank) that sucks marinades right up.
Our recommendations
It can be on the tough side, so you’ll need to slice it thin or otherwise risk gnawing your way through it. Hot and fast does it for skirt steak, too — and you might want to try drying the surface before searing, as it’ll make for a firmer crust.
The sirloin is the name for the general lower back area of a steer. There are a few different cuts that come from here, although most steak sold under the sirloin banner is taken from the bottom area, which is a bit on the tough side and moderately flavored.
Our recommendations
They’re fine as whole steaks. But sirloin can be better when you cut it into smaller pieces and marinate it for use in kebabs and the like.
Yep, what’s for dinner might actually impact whether you rest and breathe easy tonight. Here’s what you need to know about the best and worst foods for asthma.
Can foods really trigger asthma?
While there’s no standard diet for folks with chronic lung diseases, it’s possible some food choices can help or harm your ability to breathe.
There are three major ways that food could impact asthma.
Systemic inflammation. A 2017 research report suggested asthma’s association with chronic inflammation could mean that foods full of antioxidants and unsaturated fatty acids dials down symptoms. On the flip side, sugar and saturated fat could make inflammation worse. TBH, chronic inflammation takes time. But if your diet is riddled with inflammatory foods, switching to anti-inflammatory eats could potentially help your asthma.
Metabolism needs. Some foods require more oxygen to get broken down and absorbed (aka metabolized). In general, carbs need more oxygen — and create more carbon dioxide — while healthy fats lead to less carbon dioxide. More research is needed to understand the link between asthma and metabolism needs, but it’s an interesting take.
Before diving into the best and worst foods for asthma below, remember that food issues vary from person to person. Talk with your doctor and a registered dietician before going scorched-earth on your daily diet.
tl;dr on asthma and food choices
Asthma attacks aren’t triggered by food alone. But we know that swapping processed, fatty foods for fresh, whole foods can soothe chronic inflammation and improve your overall health.
For some folks, a nutritious diet might translate to fewer asthma attacks.
9+ worst foods for asthma
The major food types that might make asthma worse include:
First, shellfish (especially shrimp) often contain sulfites. Second, it’s a common food allergy.
While the exact relationship remains a mystery, scientists have pinpointed an undeniable link between asthma and allergies. If you have asthma, you might also be allergic to shellfish.
Booze
Sulfites crop up wherever there’s fermentation. So you’ll frequently find these bad boys in wine and beer.
Still wanna enjoy booze on a low-sulfite diet? Reach for the gin or vodka. 🍸
Heads up: Some apple cider vinegar brands make claims about having no added sulfites. The keyword is added. Most vinegar contains natural sulfites. If you love a little tang on your salad, try a splash of lemon juice instead.
Fruit leather practically oozes healthy antioxidants and vitamin C. But if you don’t dry your own fruit at home, guess what kind of preservative manufacturers use to keep it colorful and chewy? Sulfites.
So, peeps living with asthma might benefit from eating fresh plums instead of prunes.
Beans
It’s no secret that beans can cause major bloating. But when gas builds up in your torso, it can also put pressure on your diaphragm and make you feel short of breath.
That combo of bloating, chest tightness from pressure, and even the stress of feeling icky can trigger an asthma attack.
So really, anything that makes you gassy spells bad news for asthma. A few more other culprits include:
Oh, dairy. It’s one of the most common food groups your body loves to hate.
If you’re sensitive to lactose, ditching dairy might keep asthma-triggering bloat away. And if dairy makes you feel congested or phlegmy, it’s probably not helping your airways.
Limited research on asthma and dairy has still found no evidence that cheese or milk causes asthma attacks. Your best bet is to pass on dairy for a few weeks, then reintroduce it to see if you notice a difference in your breathing.
Salicylates-stuffed foods
According to the ALA, some folks with asthma are sensitive to salicylates, a natural chemical compound found in the following foods:
If your body doesn’t love salicylates, you might also notice congestion or a runny nose after eating or drinking.
7 best foods for asthma
Let’s get to the good stuff, shall we?
The ALA says foods full of vitamin D and vitamin E can lower your risk of coughing, wheezing, and respiratory infection. A 2018 study also found that vitamin A boosts lung function.
Here are some specific vitamin-rich foods to keep your lungs in tip-top shape.
Egg yolks
An egg-cellent source of vitamin D, egg yolks help your body keep inflammation in check.
Just know that some eggs contain more vitamin D than others. If it’s in your budget, opt for free-range, organic eggs. Some farmers also feed their hens vitamin D-enriched nibbles.
Salmon
First, seafood offers the most vitamin D per portion. Second, salmon offers plenty of antioxidants and healthy fats. And finally? Salmon contains magnesium, which has been shown to improve lung function in kids.
Basically, it’s a stellar protein source for folks with asthma.
Apples
A 2004 review linked apples to a lower risk of asthma. In the fast-paced world of science, that’s pretty retro research — but it’s not like fruit has changed much.
One theory is that selenium, an anti-inflammatory mineral in apples, could help soothe swollen airways.
Cantaloupe
Because cantaloupe is full of vitamin A, eating it regularly might be your ticket to easy breathing.
This sweet melon also offers oodles of vitamin C — a powerful antioxidant that support your immune system and healthy lung function.
Carrots
Fun fact: Your body magically converts the beta-carotene in carrots into vitamin A. That makes carrots a hearty source of asthma-quelling nutrients.
Since people living with asthma tend to feel better on plant-heavy diets, you can’t go wrong by adding these orange sticks to your plate.
Sweet red pepper
Red pepper’s vitamin C content won’t cure your asthma. But it will help keep your heart and immune system functioning properly. Those are major factors in how well your body fights inflammation and stays well-oxygenated.
Guava
Meet the *most* vitamin C-rich fruit. According to the National Institutes of Health, a single guava offers 140 percent of your daily value of vitamin C. This large dose of vitamin C may translate to immune system support and healthy lung function. #winning
Got any other tips to manage asthma?
Aside from using your prescribed asthma meds, here are some tips to prevent or reduce asthma attacks:
Know your triggers. Track your activities and symptoms until you have a clear picture of your asthma triggers. Then do your best to avoid them!
Avoid smoke. Steer clear of areas full of secondhand smoke, and if you’re a smoker, try to quit. Air pollutants like smoke are major asthma triggers.
Wash your hands. A 2019 research review found that viral infections can make your asthma worse. Wash your hands often — and for 20 seconds! — to get rid of germs.
Move your body. Regular exercise helps with heart health and weight maintenance. These are both important for asthma management.
Learn breathing techniques.Mindful breathing helps you efficiently push air in and out of your lungs. *Ahhhh…*
Takeaway
While you should never swap out your inhaler for a snack, food can impact asthma symptoms.
Certain nibbles like processed meats, wine, and sugar might increase inflammation. That’s bad news for constricted airways.
On the other hand, the nutrients in fresh fruits and veggies + eggs and seafood can relieve irritated airways and help prevent respiratory infections.
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Psoriasis has no cure (yet!), but people with this condition often find relief from a combo of medications and home remedies. One treatment option? Red light therapy.
If basking in the glow of red lights sounds like a hokey way to treat a very real, very challenging condition, we get it. That’s why we dug into the research to illuminate the science behind red light therapy and how it’s used for psoriasis.
Does red light therapy work for psoriasis?
Short answer: Yes, but results may vary.
Red light therapy 101
While the mechanism is still a bit mysterious, red light therapy (RLT) is thought to work like this:
Skin is exposed to red-light-emitting diodes (LEDs) said to be 10 times brighter than sun rays.
Skin cells’ mitochondria — the microorganisms that help transform nutrients into energy — absorb the light.
Energized by the light, skin cells replenish and heal.
Researchers have given a tentative recommendation for LED-red light as an “emerging” treatment for psoriasis. That’s because results are promising, but more studies are needed.
A 2017 research review suggested that certain wavelengths of red light work against plaque psoriasis. People with plaque psoriasis were able to clear 60 to 100 percent of their skin with 2 red light sessions a week for 4 to 5 weeks.
One small 2011 study pitted RLT and blue light therapy (BLT) against each other. Folks with psoriasis received high doses of light therapy three times a week for 4 weeks. They also applied 10-percent salicylic acid to their plaques during that time.
The conclusion? Both RLT and BLT improved scaly, thickened skin. But the blue light also relieved redness.
tl;dr
RLT performed in a medical setting has been known to clear up psoriasis flares. But more research is needed to confirm it as a reliable remedy for all types of psoriasis.
David Prado/Stocksy United
How to try red light therapy for yourself
You can totally test-drive RLT with or without a trip to the doctor.
Red light devices are available for purchase online or for a fee at your neighborhood tanning salon or day spa. But remember, these products and services exist for cosmetic purposes. They might not be strong enough or targeted enough to relieve psoriasis symptoms.
The limited studies involving RLT for psoriasis include:
specific wavelengths
several sessions
in some cases, a combo of meds + RLT
Bottom line: You’re more likely to see results with targeted, high dose RLT in a medical setting.
But is it safe?
RLT = a noninvasive, drug-free skin treatment. It’s also UV-free. Basically, it doesn’t seem to have any side effects.
Still, here are some tips to dial down the chances of a bad RLT experience:
Protect your eyes. Yep, these lights are bright. Shield your peepers from any lasers or lights.
Share your med list. Some prescription medications make your skin more sensitive to light. Tell your healthcare professional if you’re taking any of these meds.
Call a medical professional. RLT from a dermatologist or other medical practitioner improves your odds of safe, effective treatment. Your doctor can also help you pinpoint the best light therapy for you (it might not be red!).
Prepare to see it through. RLT costs a pretty penny. You’ll need several sessions to see a difference, so make sure you have the time and money to achieve results.
What about blue light therapy for psoriasis?
Remember that 2011 study? It found that BLT reduced psoriasis-related:
scaly skin
thickened skin
redness
A wearable blue light device has even been approved for use at home by some folks with mild to moderate plaque psoriasis.
RLT, BLT, and some other light therapies have all been used for psoriasis. Only a doctor can help you figure out which one is best for you.
Other uses for red light therapy
Folks turn to RLT for many reasons, mostly skin-related. Researchers report promising results for RLT’s effects on…
Wound healing. Research involving animals revealed that red light lasers could shrink wound sites by a whopping 36 percent. Of course, we need more studies involving humans to confirm.
Inflammation. Yep, RLT can help soothe redness and swelling from inflammation.
Hair loss. RLT + infrared laser treatment = hair growth in folks with alopecia, a condition characterized by baldness and patchy hair.
Body contouring. Some pretty inconsistent research suggests that RLT can blast away fat, promoting weight loss.
Chemo-related mouth sores.Research suggests that even one dose of RLT can help prevent mouth lesions from chemotherapy.
tl;dr
Red light therapy (RLT) is a noninvasive treatment used for skin health concerns ranging from acne to surgical wounds. Research suggests that it can also help reduce the spread and severity of plaque psoriasis.
RLT alone is unlikely to eradicate plaques, but it’s a useful tool in your arsenal against flare-ups.
Since RLT is considered safe, there’s not much risk in giving it a try. But you’re much more likely to see results from a medical facility instead of from a wellness spa. That’s because evidence-backed RLT uses super high, targeted doses of light.
If you’re looking into RLT because psoriasis is interfering with your daily life, take heart. There are effective treatments and treatment combinations out there. Talk with your doctor to figure out which methods are best for you.
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Anyone who has experienced a breakout knows that everyone, from well-meaning aunts to citizens of the internet, has a different opinion on the best treatments they “swear by.” It’s no wonder wading through the deluge of options feels exhausting — and dabbed with skepticism.
So we’re here to help armor your skin with expert-informed advice on the best acne treatments. We’ll even make braving the skin care aisle easier with tips and product recs from dermatologists. Let’s journey through all the pimple possibilities together.
We know it’s easy to get lost in the sauce with all the billions of acne treatments available. We needed some type of strategy to show you the best ones, here’s how we did that.
We considered stuff like:
Active ingredients. We played favorites with formulas that use well-established, helpful, safe ingredients for addressing acne. (We consulted the derms on these.)
Skin and acne type. What works for us may not work for you. That’s why taking skin type into account was hella important to us with this roundup. We chatted with the derms about how to let your skin type (and acne type) guide you to the right treatments.
Reviews. Reviews are king, so we take them seriously. We combed through them carefully, making sure they are legit, and that buyers are truly impressed and not just yanking our chain.
Price. We give you options. You can choose your acne treatment based on your current budget, or wait and save up for something a little extra next time.
Vetted products. We put all of our products through a thorough vetting process that checks for unsupported health claims and shady business practices. We also make sure the ingredients in each product actually do what the brand says they do. Only brands that passed that process made our list.
Dr. Angelo Landriscina, board certified dermatologist, says, “A retinoid is a must in every skin care regimen for acne. And we now have prescription-strength adapalene over the counter from brands like Differin and La Roche-Posay.” That’s right, this fan favorite — also recommended by Chimento — used to be prescription only. WOOT.
It was a pretty big deal when the famous retinoid went over-the-counter (OTC). Especially considering the acne-fighting ingredient is FDA-approved for the treatment of acne. Besides being effective, we also like that it’s easy to find at any drugstore in the US of A and cheap AF.
Considerations: This stuff is STRONG, so it can be too harsh for sensitive skin types.
Writer’s review
Reviewers say that it takes some time to see results, but that patience pays off big time.
I can also confirm this since this was my go-to during some early acne days. Once my skin adjusted to the formula and did some “purging” (aka when things get worse before they get better), it worked wonders for erasing existing blemishes, preventing new ones, and improving the look of my skin’s texture too.
There are a couple of name brands for this type of topical for treating acne (Fabior, Arazlo, Tazorac, to name a few.) but you should also be able to find it in a generic form. Basically, that active ingredient — tazarotene — is in the retinoid fam, which means it’s the prescription (read: strong) version of retinol (aka, vitamin A).
In fact, this retinoid is THE strongest prescription-strength topical vitamin A derivative. This guy is usually considered by derms for treating moderate and severe acne.
The nice thing about the gel version of this prescription is that it may also help out with acne scarring. According to a small 2019 study, Tazorac brand gel was just as helpful at easing the look of pitted acne scars as microneedling.
Again, only your derm knows which meds are right for you and your acne. Plus, you’ll need to go over possible side effects (this one is usually layered with moisturizer since some side effects are dry skin, burning, itching, and redness).
Considerations: Because this is the strongest retinoid you can get your hands on, the side effects (skin irritation, peeling, scaling) can be pretty gruesome. It can also cause severe birth deformities, so it’s not a good option to use during pregnancy.
Writer’s review
I originally started with Differin gel, but “graduated” after my skin adjusted to retinoids, leaving me curious about stronger options.
Now that I switched to Tazarotene, I found my forever treatment. Overall, I think this pick is the best prescription option and I’m practically in love with it. I wasn’t surprised to learn that it’s so effective at treating acne scars, either — I’ve been using it for years and have really noticed a difference.
I tolerate this gel very well when I layer it with my simple facial moisturizer (Vanicream Lotion). Without lotion, it would be too intense and drying, causing redness.
Clindamycin is a treatment that you need a prescription for. Why? Because it’s an antibiotic that works to bring acne-causing (P. acnes) bacteria to a halt.
Although researchers aren’t 100 percent clear on the details, a 2019 review says that P. acnes brings on the zits for some (but not others), which is why clindamycin is prescribed for some people with acne — it kills off that bacteria.
It’s considered super effective, but like any other prescription, there are some things to consider — like side effects or how it interacts with any other topicals or meds you may be taking. So, you’ll need to chat with your derm about that ish first.
If your derm gives you the green light on this one, you can pick this up (with your prescription and whatever costs that come along with it) at most pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens, as well as other prescription platforms like Nurx.
Considerations: There’s a possibility that using this kind of gel regularly will lead to bacterial resistance. Most derms recommend using benzoyl peroxide alongside topical antibiotics to avoid this.
Best for: comedonal, mild to moderate inflammatory acne
Chimento recommends this noncomedogenic, fast-absorbing cream. The formula is supposed to be nondrying and safe for sensitive skin. We appreciate that it’s also made without fragrance, oil, or parabens.
Remember when we mentioned how benzoyl peroxide is generally safe for most skin types? This lotion has it babes, and it’s formulated to penetrate your pores to blast blemishes.
It also contains lipo-hydroxy acid, a derivative of salicylic acid that has all the same benefits but with less potential for irritation. Plus, it works over time to smooth skin’s texture. Glycerin is also added to moisturize and silica swoops in to absorb excess oil.
Reviews are overall glowing — especially from oily skin reviewers. A few point out that it burned their skin type though, which is something to keep in mind if you have sensitive skin.
Considerations: The combo of benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid might cause irritation for sensitive skin.
Best for: comedonal, mild to moderate inflammatory acne
This spot treatment promises to calm acne ASAP without bringing a strong odor or leaving dryness behind. The brand says this pick is good for all skin types, including oily and sensitive.
Your all-star fighter here is sulfur, which can help reduce inflammatory lesions, comedones, and oil production. It also contains bisabolol and allantoin, two soothing ingredients that help prevent the sulfur from drying you out.
Here’s what you’ll do: Use it by applying a thin layer to inflamed or hella oily areas. The brand says you can also mix it with your fave SPF or face moisturizer for an all-over treatment.
Considerations: Research on how sulfur can help acne isn’t as robust as other acne ingredients. This product also isn’t widely available.
This one uses 5 percent benzoyl peroxide to target blemishes head-on, making for a pretty strong spot treatment. But for oily and combo-skinned peeps, this can be applied all over to help reduce oil production and prevent new breakouts from forming.
Reviewers say this is suuuper fast-acting, flattening pimples STAT. People with normal skin types say using it daily can lead to dryness — so they use it strictly as a spot treatment — but oily-skinned folks say it helps keep breakouts at bay.
Considerations: This product contains alcohol, which can be drying for some.
Best for: comedonal, mild to moderate inflammatory acne
Bonus: cruelty-free
This BHA liquid by Paula’s Choice can be used as a toner treatment. It’s a leave-on exfoliant with salicylic acid — a mighty little ingredient known for taking on blackheads and whiteheads. Because it’s an exfoliant, it also works fast to unclog pores, reduce fine lines, brighten, and even out your skin tone.
Because it’s a liquid, it’s also super lightweight and fast-absorbing too. Reviewers are in agreement overall, saying it’s effective AF. A smaller number of reviewers disagree about the hype though, finding that it didn’t work for their skin type.
Considerations: Daily use of this guy might cause peeling or irritation, so start slow (using 1–2x a week) at first.
Editor’s review
Until I found this product, I had basically accepted that I would always have breakouts. I’ve always had oily skin, so I figured I would have to deal with acne until my body decided to quit producing so much oil.
I tried EVERYTHING to get rid of them — cleansers, spot treatments, masks, mattifying lotions — but nothing did the trick until I started a regular salicylic acid routine.
I put this stuff on with a little reusable cotton round every morning (and use Paula’s Choice Pore Refining Toner every night before bed) and have been breakout-free for almost a year.
My skin has been completely pimple-free *and* I’ve noticed my blackheads fade away, too. I am a true stan of this stuff and think everyone with oily skin should give it a shot.
Best for: comedonal, mild to moderate inflammatory acne
Bonus: cruelty-free
Research shows that mandelic acid (an alpha-hydroxy acid, or AHA) is just as effective at treating acne as salicylic acid — but that mandelic acid is better at treating inflammatory lesions. It also causes fewer adverse effects.
Basically, this pick is a deep-cleaning exfoliant that targets acne, reduces the appearance of your pores, and boosts the texture of your skin while it’s at it.
The formula also includes green tea extract and aloe leaf extract, which are two soothing, inflammation-reducing antioxidants. This toner is an excellent way to not break the bank, BTW.
Considerations: This toner isn’t widely available, and it often sells out on Amazon.
Lactic acid is a gentler and more hydrating flavor of the AHA family, and the addition of hyaluronic acid provides extra hydration to balance things out as you remove dead skin cells and zap zits.
These ingredients — plus hydrating superstar glycerin — can also help address other skin concerns like dullness, fine lines and wrinkles, and uneven texture.
It’s made without alcohol, and it’s free of silicones, which we love. Reviewers adore this serum, saying it’s as effective (if not more!) as more expensive serums. One even calls it ~liquid gold~.
Considerations: This might cause irritation, so start slowly at first (1–2x per week) or use with a heavier moisturizer.
Best for: blackheads, whiteheads, mild inflammatory acne
Bonus: cruelty-free
Landriscina likes to have salicylic acid in wash-off formulations like CeraVe’s SA Cleanser. It’s formulated to be used on the face and body and is supposed to be a pretty sweet pick for people with acne-prone skin.
This nondrying, non-irritating formula provides gentle cleansing and exfoliation while soothing and moisturizing the skin with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides. Quadruple threat much??
Oh, and it’s noncomedogenic and free of fragrance (!!!).
Considerations: Because it’s a rinse-off product, this cleanser might not get the job done on its own. Consider pairing it with a serum or spot treatment for best results.
Acne-fighting ingredients: salicylic acid, vitamin C
Product type: spot treatment
Prescription: no
Best for: acne scarring
We’re all well aware of salicylic acid’s acne-fighting powers, but it’s also a #1 pick for reducing post-acne hyperpigmentation.
The addition of vitamin C — an antioxidant that reduces hyperpigmentation and dark spots — makes this scar treatment an absolute powerhouse. We also love that it has dimethicone, an emollient that makes your skin feel super silky smooth.
Reviewers say it really works, even on their oldest acne scars. And because it has salicylic acid in it, many reviewers find it helps reduce active breakouts too.
Considerations: This spot treatment contains essential oils for fragrance, which can cause irritation for some.
Best for: comedonal, mild to moderate inflammatory acne
Bonus: cruelty-free
Retinol and niacinamide work together to fight long-term acne in this gentle formula from CeraVe. It’s a top choice if you’re new to retinol because of its encapsulated formula. Encapsulated retinol is especially good for people with sensitive skin due to its improved ingredient stability and delivery.
We love that this formula is also noncomedogenic and that the majority of reviewers love it. They mention it working for their sensitive skin types and one pointed out how it worked for their breakouts as well as hyperpigmentation.
Considerations: Retinol isn’t as strong as retinoids, so this serum might not be effective for more severe acne types. It also contains alcohol, which can be too drying for some people.
Price: $5/month for the first 2 months when you start a subscription, or one-time purchase of $19
Acne-fighting ingredients: custom
Product type: customized based on skin and acne type
Prescription: yes
Best for: all acne types
OFC, acne is pretty much a rite of passage for teenagers. If you prefer to get something custom for your skin and acne types, you can check out Hers — a telehealth company selling OTC meds, prescriptions, and other products.
Here is how it works: People under 18 get consent from a guardian to chat with one of Hers experts, addressing their specific skin concerns and goals.
Based on those convos, you’ll receive a custom formula (right at your doorstep) made just for you. It could include tretinoin, clindamycin, azelaic acid, niacinamide — you name it.
Considerations: This is a subscription service, which can be costly. You might be able to find the same ingredients in more affordable options elsewhere.
People LOVE their acne patches. And the ingredient most people go bananas for is hydrocolloid, which helps speed up wound healing.
These patches can help protect your acne spots from additional irritation (aka NO picking!) while speeding up the healing process. The only ingredient in these adorable patches is hydrocolloid — which only really works on open lesions like whiteheads, so they’re not a good pick for deeper blemishes like you see in cystic acne.
Most reviewers say these stickers are cute *and* effective. Of course, some disagree, saying they didn’t notice these working for their skin.
Considerations: These don’t contain any additional acne-fighting ingredients, so their best use case is for healing open acne lesions and whiteheads and preventing picking.
This hot product lives up to the hype: Research suggests azelaic acid is effective at fighting acne and inflammation, and The Ordinary’s affordable product is a suitable option for all skin types. It has a lightweight texture and is fragrance-free. Those dealing with rosacea and acne at the same time might particularly benefit from it.
This pick is also supposed to have serious brightening powers, working to improve the look of dull, uneven tone and texture. We went digging through reviews and it was tough to find a negative one. Once we finally spotted one, it pointed out that this formula was too drying — making the reviewer’s face feel too tight.
Also, have you seen its teeny price tag?
Considerations: Some reviewers say this pills under makeup and recommend applying a moisturizer immediately after applying the serum — before it dries.
This serum has one of the baddest boys of skin care: niacinamide. This ingredient can do all kinds of stuff — including reducing acne lesions, curbing oil reduction, reducing inflammation, and hydrating and strengthening your skin’s barrier. It’s also great at smoothing out wrinkles. Hellll yes.
It also has skin soothers like panthenol (aka vitamin B) and licorice root extract, which makes this a great pick for sensitive skin. But because niacinamide is such a powerhouse, it’s really good for any skin type.
Considerations: Niacinamide doesn’t fight acne by exfoliating like AHAs and BHAs — it’s a bit gentler. That means it might take a little time to see results.
Editor’s review
Me again! Shortly after starting my Paula’s Choice BHA liquid exfoliant, I added this Niacinamide Booster to my routine. In just a few weeks, my skin felt and looked *so* much healthier.
Niacinamide’s anti-inflammatory, hydrating, and skin barrier-strengthening properties were immediately obvious. Even though the salicylic acid toner works wonders for clearing and preventing breakouts, adding this booster gave me a second line of defense. It was also a huge help when I was still trying to heal my skin.
I am a big fan of this product. It’s now a permanent staple in my skin care routine.
A pilot study found that people who used clay masks in conjunction with jojoba oil saw improvement in acne after 6 weeks. This particular bestseller features lactic acid, vitamin C, and pink clay to cleanse pores and promote cell turnover, plus jojoba and argan oils to hydrate.
Using it is easy peasy. Just apply a thin layer and leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing.
Reviewers are impressed, saying it’s moisturizing and not drying — like some clay masks are known for. We also appreciate that it’s cruelty-free and also free of parabens, silicones, PEGs, SLS, SLES, and mineral oils.
Considerations: This mask isn’t widely available — most peeps will have to buy it directly from Face Theory’s website.
Best for: comedonal, mild to moderate inflammatory acne
This cleanser combines AHAs and BHAs to unclog pores, but its formulation is designed to prevent your skin from drying out. You can thank soothing green tea extract and hydrating glycerin for that.
We know, we know, we’ve been tooting lactic acid’s horn so much by now. But here, we love that it not only exfoliates but it also offers aging support like boosting natural ceramides production to keep moisture locked in. Plus, the brand says it can help lighten up hyperpigmentation issues we tend to see after acne has cleared.
Considerations: This cleanser isn’t widely available. It also contains essential oils for fragrance, which can cause irritation for some people.
Best for: comedonal, mild to moderate inflammatory acne
This gel serum loves to eat up oil without stripping or drying the sh*t out of your skin (oily friends, take note).
It contains AHAs (hi, lactic acid), BHAs (salicylic acid), *and* vitamin B5 (aka panthenol), which is known for helping prevent skin irritation — a MUST when you’re slathering acne-fighting acids all over your face. This combo is ideal for curbing oil production, clearing away dead skin cells, and soothing inflammation.
Your skin may take a bit of time to adjust, but reviewers say they see clearer, smoother, and more balanced skin after two or three uses.
Considerations: This serum is pretty dang expensive and not widely available.
Figuring out which type of acne you’re dealing with will help you pick your fighter.
Dr. Stacy Chimento, a board certified dermatologist in Miami, says acne can range from mild whiteheads to severe cystic acne. She generously built us this crash course in zit-ology:
Comedonal acne
Also called mild noninflammatory acne, comedonal acne consists of:
Whiteheads. These are minor blemishes with white “heads” that pop up on the skin’s surface. Sometimes these guys are called comedones, and they can happen when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. Whiteheads, Chimento says, also cause pores to stay closed at the surface of the skin, which is another reason it appears to have a white head.
Blackheads. They’re blemishes that look like tiny black dots. They can also be considered comedones but are open at the surface of the skin.
Mild inflammatory acne
A step above comedonal acne, mild inflammatory acne includes whiteheads, blackheads, plus a small amount of the following:
Papules. These are a step above whiteheads. Chimento says these become inflamed and infected, are usually very sensitive to touch, and are basically just hard, clogged pores. Papules will annoyingly leave your skin with a pink or red look.
Pustules. A step above whiteheads, but these ones have yellow or white pus that can be seen on the skin’s surface — which is why Chimento says they’re often mistaken for whiteheads. One way to tell them apart is by looking for red surrounding the white or yellow head on the skin’s surface. Pustules are also very tender to the touch and painful (owie).
Moderate inflammatory acne
This kind of acne includes everything we’ve already covered — except you’ll usually have a higher number of papules and pustules. You’ll also see a few of these guys:
Nodules. The large and inflamed bumps are firm to the touch, deep within the skin, and very painful, Chimento says. Moderate inflammatory acne usually only includes a few of these — you’ll typically see more of these with severe acne.
Severe inflammatory acne
Severe acne can last for months and usually loves to spread quickly. Severe acne includes everything we’ve already covered — with each type of lesion arriving in multiples — plus a few additions:
Cysts.They’re one of the most famous types of acne and are pus-filled lesions that look similar to boils. Chimento explains these usually happen after infections and are more likely than any other acne toscar.
Acne conglobata. This is a highly inflammatory condition, mostly affecting men associated with steroids or testosterone. “It involves several inflamed nodules that are connected underneath the skin. Most patients develop symptoms between 18 to 30 years of age, appearing on the neck, chest, back, and arms,” Chimento says.
Find the best ingredients for your acne type
When it comes to OTC products — plus a couple of prescription options we snuck in here — these are the ingredients that are most effective for acne:
Results
Acne type
alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs — like glycolic and lactic acid)
These guys may prevent acne, unclog pores, and reduce hyperpigmentation by removing dead skin cells and reducing inflammation.
comedonal
azelaic acid
This ingredient helps reduce acne *and* post-acne hyperpigmentation. It’s also a good pick for people with rosacea.
mild to moderate inflammatory acne
beta hydroxy acid (BHA — like salicylic acid)
A bad B that can reduce acne by reducing oil and inflammation.
comedonal, mild and moderate inflammatory acne
benzoyl peroxide
A reliable (but strong AF) active ingredient that kills the bacteria that causes acne.
An ingredient commonly found in lotions and serums, it can help regulate oil production, reduce inflammation and redness associated with acne, and reduce the appearance of pores.
comedonal, mild and moderate inflammatory acne
retinoids (tretinoin and adapalene)
Available in OTC and prescription strengths, the FDA has approved certain retinoids (like adapalene) for the treatment of acne.
comedonal, mild, moderate, and severe inflammatory acne
An anti-inflammatory that reduces the bacteria that cause acne and suppresses sebum production.
comedonal, mild, and moderate inflammatory
tl;dr: Most ingredients aim to kill bacteria and clear up pesky dead skin cells, but your mileage may vary depending on the ingredient. Plus, your skin type will dictate which to choose to help you avoid harsh side effects like dryness or excess oil.
Consider your skin type, too
We know — taking your acne *and* skin type into consideration can be a drag. But if you want to avoid side effects like irritation and peeling, you’re gonna want to pay attention to this.
Most skin types. Chimento says Benzoyl peroxide is well-tolerated by most skin types. She does warn to be careful with the amount of this active ingredient, saying less is more. “You only need about 2.5% for it to work. Results may take a few days to begin showing.”
Oily skin. Salicylic acid helps prevent pores from getting clogged. “Salicylic acid is usually used to aid oily skin, control oil production, and reduce acne breakouts,” Chimento says. Sulfur is another helpful ingredient for oily skin. Chimento points out that it helps to remove dead skin cells that clog pores and removes excess oil. Another tip for oily babes: avoid alcohol-based products. “These can increase oil production and affect your skin barrier. Make sure to reach for products that read ‘oil-free’ and ‘noncomedogenic,'” Chimento says.
Dry skin. Basically, your job is to steer clear of ingredients that are too drying for already dry skin — like salicylic acid. Dry skin types tend to tolerate sulfur-based products best because they’re slightly less drying. In general, you should START SLOW to help your skin build up a tolerance to your treatments. That means only using them a couple of times a week at first.
Combination skin. Chimento suggests combo skin peeps look for products with hyaluronic acid. “It both hydrates the skin and smooths the appearance of fine lines without layering on too greasy.”
Textured, mature skin. As Chimento points out, AHAs (namely glycolic acid and lactic acid) reduce acne by removing dead skin cells and reducing inflammation. They’re also pretty bomb at smoothing out textured skin.
How to use acne treatments
When it comes to your skin care routine, Chimento says you don’t need to make it too complicated to see results. She gave us the when, the what, and the how for applying your acne treatment and other lotions and potions too.
When to apply
According to Chimento, you can apply your acne treatment after your initial cleansing but before moisturizing. This can be about twice a day — once when you wake up and again before bed. (But read your product’s label carefully for specifics.)
How to apply
Getting acne under control requires an entire skin care routine — not just acne treatments. Here’s what yours should look like (for the most part):
It’s best to start with your cleanser so that your skin is primed and ready to absorb the products you put on it, Chimento explains.
Then, you can use your toner — Chimento suggests one that’s filled with either BHAs or AHAs so you can unclog those pores, prevent breakouts, and blast blackheads over time.
Then she says you can apply serums (which is essentially just applying highly concentrated nutrients and antioxidants to hydrate your skin and amplify its health) and eye creams.
PSST. There is no “one-size” anything, including skin care. But a good routine is crucial and we have more tea on how to build your routine right here in this guide.
Tips and tricks for treating your acne
Try to be patient
Landriscina warns that you may have a long wait to see results from acne products. “I always tell my patients that you need to give a regimen 6 weeks to START to see results,” he says, noting that some products can take up to 12 weeks.
Keep it simple
Don’t try everything at once. Keep your acne-fighting regimen to one or two products rather than a whole line — especially with products that contain AHAs and BHAs.
The same goes for face-washing. “Another common mistake is feeling like your skin care needs to be extra harsh or that you have to scrub your face — overcleansing and harsh scrubs can actually make acne worse,” says Landriscina. “You are not dirty.”
Don’t pop ’em
We know it’s so tempting, but you’ll thank yourself later. You can bet squeezing and popping will only make things worse and ultimately lead to scarring.
Patch test
Always use caution when adding new actives and proven ingredients to your routine. The best practice is to perform a little patch test on yourself before using your new acne treatment. This will help you avoid an allergic reaction and to make sure your pick isn’t too intense for your skin type. Ultimately, if you treat your skin kindly, you’ll be glowing sooner than you think.
Other ways to treat acne
If topical OTC and prescription treatments aren’t working, you still have other options:
Oral antibiotics. Your derm can prescribe a round of oral antibiotics to help clear severe acne. This can cause bacterial resistance though, which can be troublesome if you ever need antibiotics for more serious infections in the future.
Isotretinoin (Accutane). Currently considered the closest thing to a “cure” for acne, isotretinoin is a vitamin A derivative used to treat severe acne. While the risk of bacterial resistance goes away with this one, the side effects (extreme dryness and birth defects) are *not* fun.
Both of these options are prescription, so you’ll need to work with a dermatologist to decide if they’re right for you.
When to see a derm
Remember that at-home treatments are not a replacement for expert care. Landriscina stresses that people with acne should see a dermatologist for their acne at least once. “Many conditions like rosacea, perioral dermatitis, and malassezia folliculitis can look like acne to the untrained eye. Without the correct diagnosis, it will be hard to find relief.”
Plus, a dermatologist can help you figure out your skin type and then recommend the right ingredient. You don’t want your skin to be a testing ground! Leave that to the clinical trials.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the #1 best acne treatment?
TBH, it depends on the type of acne you have and what your skin type is.
If you have whiteheads and blackheads (aka comedonal acne), look into products with these ingredients:
AHAs like glycolic and lactic acid
BHAs like salicylic acid
niacinamide
retinoids
sulfur
zinc
If you have mild to moderate inflammatory acne (aka acne with nodules, papules, and pustules), look for products with these:
azelaic acid
BHAs like salicylic acid
benzoyl peroxide
clindamycin (prescription only)
niacinamide
retinoids (prescription and OTC)
sulfur
zinc
If you have severe inflammatory acne (aka cystic acne), look for:
retinoids (prescription and OTC)
topical and oral antibiotics like clindamycin (prescription only)
benzoyl peroxide
Which acne product clears acne the fastest?
Prescription retinoids and topical antibiotics usually clear acne the fastest, so if you’re looking for a quick fix for mild, moderate, or severe inflammatory acne, consider making an appointment with a dermatologist.
If you don’t have access to a derm, try Differin Adapalene Gel — it’s the strongest retinoid available OTC and it’s pretty cheap.
What do dermatologists recommend for acne?
Dermatologists can prescribe you stronger acne treatments like prescription retinoids and antibiotics. But depending on the type and severity of your acne, they might have you start with OTC benzoyl peroxide or adapalene treatments first.
How can I permanently cure acne?
The only “cure” for acne at this point in time is a drug called isotretinoin (aka Accutane). It’s a retinoid (kind of like the kind we recommend above), but you take it orally in pill form every day for 4 to 6 months.
But while it’s super effective, it’s not a one-and-done “cure” — some people need multiple courses of treatment and still need to use topical products to manage their acne.
Accutane has some pretty gnarly side effects (like extreme dryness and severe depression) and it can also cause serious birth deformities if taken before or during pregnancy, so your derm will only recommend it if the treatments we discussed above don’t work at all.
Our process and why you should trust us
We consulted with two dermatologists to get tips for choosing the best acne treatments for different skin types and concerns. We used those tips to pick the products above.
Before writing about those products, we put them all through a thorough vetting process that checks for unsupported health claims (like “This acne treatment gets rid of breakouts in one use!”), shady business practices, and lawsuits concerning a company’s products. We also checked that the main ingredients in each product are evidence-based and actually do what the company says they do.
After wrapping up our recommendations and tips, we sent this entire article to a third medical professional specializing in dermatology (in this case, Reema Patel, MPA, PA-C) for review.
So basically, you can feel good knowing that we put in WORK to get you these recommendations.
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