It's always the worst feeling when you wake up with a brand-new pimple on your face—especially if you've been extra diligent with your skincare routine. *sobs* But before you go ahead and pop that zit (which is a big no-no, btdubs!), take a deep breath and assess the situation. Your pimple most likely has pus and a raised "head," typically seen in whiteheads and pustules.
A common fix for this would be slapping a pimple patch on it and hoping for the best, but if you want a solution that isn't just surface-level, we recommend using an acne drying lotion. Keep on reading to learn more about this underrated skincare product, including what it actually is, what ingredients it usually contains, and how to properly incorporate it into your routine. P.S. Scroll towards the end for a quick shopping list! ;)
What are acne drying lotions?
Acne drying lotions are medicated liquid solutions that usually contain both anti-inflammatory and anti-acne ingredients that work to target blemishes and decrease their size, redness, and overall visibility. They are often used as the last step of your nighttime skincare routine, so that you can wake up with a visibly flatter pimple!
What are the common ingredients in acne drying lotions?
- Salicylic acid. This is a popular type of BHA that deeply penetrates the skin, making it great for unclogging pores. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe aggravated skin.
- Benzoyl peroxide. It's a well-known anti-septic that works to kill acne-causing bacteria and an exfoliant that can dislodge gunk and sebum from the pores.
- Sulfur. A gentler alternative to salicylic acid, sulfur gets rid of excess sebum and sloughs away dead skin cells.
- Tea tree oil. One of the most popular anti-acne ingredients, tea tree oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that soothe irritated skin while targeting pimples.
- Witch hazel. Aside from clearing out clogged pores, witch hazel also relieves inflammation and redness.
How to use acne drying lotion
After cleansing your face at night, go through your usual routine—toner, serums, moisturizer—and apply the acne drying lotion as the last step of your regimen. Unless specified in the instructions, we recommend using a clean cotton bud and dipping it in the solution, carefully applying it to all your breakouts. P.S. Most acne drying lotions are two-part solutions, with a clear liquid on top and a pink powder on the bottom—make sure not to shake the bottle before use as it won't be as effective!
This product works best with pimples that have already erupted (a.k.a. the ones with raised "heads"). If your zit is still underneath your skin, it's most probably cystic acne—read our guide for tips on how to deal with this specific problem!
SHOP: Best acne drying lotions to try
Ready to start incoporating acne drying lotions to your skincare routine? Ahead, we rounded up the best ones you can try. As always, we recommend consulting your derma before adding anything new to your regimen, especially if you have sensitive skin!
1. barenbliss BNB Pimple Warrior! Salicylic Acid Acne Drying Lotion
This lotion from Korean beauty brand barenbliss contains all the good acne-busting ingredients—2% salicylic acid, niacinamide, and calamine—that work together to calm down redness and clear acne. Its acne drying lotion actually has two parts: a clear solution that contains salicylic acid and niacinamide, and a pink powder that has zinc oxide and calamine.
barenbliss BNB Pimple Warrior! Salicylic Acid Acne Drying Lotion, P299, Shopee and Lazada
2. Oxecure 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Clear Potion
As its name applies, acne drying lotions can be, well...drying for the skin. However, this one from Oxecure contains natural extracts like aloe vera, shea butter, and chamomile to soothe and moisturize the skin. As for its anti-acne ingredients, it has a powerful combination of salicylic acid and niacinamide.
Oxecure 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Clear Potion, P329, Shopee and Lazada
3. Human Nature Acne Defense Solution Gel
For those looking for a more affordable option that works just as well, try out the Human Nature Acne Defense Solution Gel. Its formula contains a potent blend of tea tree oil and other pimple-clearing actives that help dry out blemishes and clear your skin of breakouts.
Human Nature Acne Defense Solution Gel, P200, Shopee and Lazada
4. Kiehl's Truly Targeted Blemish Clearing Solution
Most acne drying lotions have calamine, which lends it its familiar pink hue, but if you want something more low-key that you can also use during the day, try this one from Kiehl's. Touted as an "invisible pimple patch," it contains 2% salicylic acid (clears pimple and whiteheads), 4% niacinamide (fades post-acne marks), and 0.2% licorice root extract (calms down redness and irritation).
Kiehl's Truly Targeted Blemish Clearing Solution, P2,550, Shopee and Lazada
5. DermAid Acne Drying Lotion
Here's another affordable option that's also easily accessible. DermAid's Acne Drying Lotion contains both soothing ingredients (Rosa centifolia plant extract and aloe vera extract) and anti-acne ones (zinc oxide and salicylic acid).
DermAid Acne Drying Lotion, P209, Shopee and Lazada
6. Mario Badescu Drying Lotion
A certified OG, the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion has been loved by the Internet for its fast-acting ingredients that help dry pimples and shrink their size with just a few uses. Its ingredient list is absolutely packed with heavy-hitting anti-acne and soothing ingredients: calamine, camphor, sulfur, salicylic acid, zinc oxide, and glycerin.
Mario Badescu Drying Lotion, P1,275, Sephora.ph
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