1. Tower 23 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray with hypochlorous acid, an antibacterial ingredient that can also help reduce inflammation, redness, and irritation. That means when you feel a pool of sweat on your forehead or are dealing with an active breakout, you can give your angry skin some relieving spritzes at home or on the go.
Promising review: "The best hydration mist! I have used this since it first came out. It’s terrific after a hot yoga class, for a refresher during air travel, or on a hot summer day . I always buy two at a time so that I have a backup! I would give this ten stars if I could!!" — nyla24 Promising review: "Waited a few months to write this review.
Usually, during the summer, my face gets really inflamed and red due to allergies. I take a prescription cortisone to calm it down. But THIS PRODUCT really helps with having to use it at all.
Helps with my redness and itchiness. Would continue to buy. It is a new must-have in my skincare.
" — wombutters Get it from Sephora for $28 (available in three sizes). 2. Hero Cosmetics Original Patch pimple patches , mini hydrocolloid stickers that can be SUPER effective in flattening zits.
They'll ~absorb~ gunk from inside a pimple (in six to eight hours) so that painful acne from from a not-so-noncomedogenic sunscreen can't stand a chance. Promising review: " I tend to break out a lot during the summer, and these patches work like a charm. Once I notice any white heads, I place one on either in the am or before bed.
During the 6-8 hour wait, I let the patch do its magic. It is somewhat noticeable, but I’m not really bothered by it. Once the 6-8 hour mark goes off, I get the satisfaction of seeing the white head pull off with the patch! I enjoy picking my face, but hate scarring, so these patches are like my best friend! They’re very gentle, and I’ve noticed that they can also help a bit with inflammation.
Would definitely buy again." — Aleen Get a pack of 36 from Amazon for $11.97 .
3. Anua's Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil to dissolve the layers of sweat, makeup, and SPF that are caked on and could be contributing to summertime breakouts. This is the perfect first step if you want to join the double cleanse bandwagon rocking TikTok.
Reviewers who swear by this say that with consistent use, it can remove stubborn blackheads and help reduce the appearance of pores. Make sure to double-cleanse with a water-based cleanser right after using this to ensure your pores don't get clogged from the oil. Promising review: "So, just FYI, I only used this two times since I just got it! However, I am so freaking shocked!!! 😨😨 Ok, a little back story: I have always had acne-prone skin and had to go on Accutane when I was younger.
I am now an adult and have the usual adult acne. I have been using Korean skincare stuff for about three months now. Within my new skincare routine, I was using a Korean cleansing balm as my two-step routine for washing.
..BUT!!! I did not see what I saw with this cleansing oil (I should have taken pictures! 🤦♀️) .
..now mind you, I have watched like a dozen or so cleansing videos, and I kept seeing all these little things come out of people's skin, like the little sebum looking things.
AND HOLY MOLY, THEY WEREN'T KIDDING!!! The crap that came out of my skin yesterday and today...
😱😱 Lord above! So the texture is not as thick as the balm obviously, but I actually love that! No scent, and lightweight. Skin feels soft after and emulsifies nicely, too. So yes, I would recommend it! " — C.
Julian Get it from Amazon for $17.69 . 4.
And as part two of your double cleanse, a CeraVe hydrating cleanser that'll remove every trace of your cleansing oil or balm from step one, leaving your skin completely clean and prepped for the rest of your skincare routine without stripping or overly drying your skin — like many CeraVe products, it has ceramides to protect your skin's natural barrier! This product is also accepted by the National Eczema Association! Promising review: "I have normal to dry skin (during the summer, I get an oily T-zone), and this is the ONLY stuff that doesn't leave my face feeling kind of tight. I've been using moisturizing face washes before, some far more expensive, and I wanted to like them a lot. But this stuff is the truth.
I was worried about using this due to being prone to acne break-outs and blackheads, but this doesn't bother it at all — there's no clogging pores, and my skincare products sink right in. This has been upgraded to my permanent routine." — Jackal Get it from Amazon for $18.
39 (available in three sizes). 5. PanOxyl's Acne Foaming Wash that's packed with benzoyl peroxide (it's a 10% formulation!), so you can clear out *and* prevent future acne during this hotter-than-hot summer.
And since it's designed to be used not only on your face but also on your chest and back, you can say buh-bye to the body acne that can pop up on the sweatiest days of the year. It can help kill odor-causing bacteria, so reviewers love using it on their armpits too! Promising review: "I’m a 37-year-old male. I’ve never had horrible acne, but I get clogged pores easily and have oily skin.
So summers are rough for my face. I always get the sporadic, red “under-skin pimples.” They’re painful, too.
Diet changes and more water didn’t help. I used every kind of face wash on the market. This face wash is the only thing that kills the red bump acne while keeping my face hydrated.
It doesn’t leave my skin dry, either, which is a huge plus. There’s no real smell to it, so if you’re worried about that, it’s not an issue. It has the texture of a more runny sun tan lotion, making it easy to apply without being too thick.
The product washes off easily and definitely makes my skin feel amazing. If you’ve been having acne issues, definitely give this face wash a try! I absolutely love it. " — D.
Williams Get it from Amazon for $9.77 . 6.
A set of Clean Skin Club disposable towelettes because...
when did you last wash your bath towel? Instead of rubbing your face on a towel that won't even dry between uses in this humidity (ew), stock your bathroom with these soft and gentle single-use cloths so you can pat your skin dry without extra irritation. You can also pack these in your pool bag to avoid drying your face with the beach towel that's been all over that communal lawn chair or dog poop graveyard. Promising review: " I have super sensitive acne-prone skin.
I started using Clean Skin disposable towels to wash and dry my face instead of washcloths and towels, which carry bacteria even after laundering. Within 30 days, my skin drastically cleared up as seen in my before and after photos [above]. " — Jennifer Get a pack of 50 from Amazon for $17.
95 . 7. The Ordinary's viral glycolic acid toner which can helps exfoliate dead skin, unclog pores, and reduce breakouts on your body.
This stuff works on acne all over your back, stomach, and chest, so if there are any red dots from that drippy and sweaty cotton shirt — you can kiss them bye-bye! Promising review: "This is the best product to make your skin texture better. I've used tons of products, but this one just always works and gets rid of all the small pimples or bumps you can have on your body/face. " — nina200001 Get it from Sephora for $13 .
8. Anua's Heartleaf 77 Soothing Toner that can balance your face's pH *and* strengthen your skin's protective barrier right after your double cleanse. Pro-tip: Store this in the fridge so you can get a refreshing (and cooling) splash that isn't a droplet from a rando's AC unit.
PSA: Toner should be applied right after you cleanse and dry your skin (with a Clean Skin Club towelette 😉). Promising review: "This completely changed my skincare in so many amazing ways. It's perfect for anyone with sensitive skin since it has gentle products, it's unscented and has no active ingredients, so there is no risk of chemical burn.
I've been using it consistently for a bit now and now my skin is pretty much immune to any breakout. Like it's actually liquid gold. TRUST ME JUST GET IT🙏.
" — Lexi Get it from Amazon for $19.69 . 9.
Or Mediheal's toner pads with ingredients like madecassoside to reduce dark spots and centella asiatica to moisturize your dry summer skin. You can either swipe the pad on your face *or* wear it as a face mask. Just listen to the three reviewers who said this helped them get "glass" skin.
Promising review: " Love these wipes and noticed that it really did help my skin. Unfortunately, I had to stop using it every day because it dried my skin and made it very sensitive. I have sensitive, oily, acne-prone skin.
So be wary of using it frequently if you have sensitive skin!" — Andrea Get it from Amazon for $23.99 . 10.
Cosrx's Snail Mucin Essence with hydrating and soothing properties that reviewers say help moisturize dry, patchy summer skin without feeling heavy or clogging pores. One reviewer even said, "my acne has vanished. It's like magic.
" Important note (!): It's more effective after you cleanse and tone your face. Promising review: "From my wife: I use this as my full-time moisturizer in the summer and my AM moisturizer in the winter. This stuff is AMAZING!!! I look younger than when I started using it, mostly because my oily skin is finally getting the moisture it needed all along ( for YEARS, I scrupulously avoided moisture at all costs, thinking that it was contributing to my acne.
SO WRONG ). This is wonderfully light and spreads so easily on your skin without feeling weighty. I use about 1-2 pumps per day, usually right after the shower.
" — Benjamin Get it from Amazon for $13.50 . 11.
Mario Badescu's drying lotion for the whitehead that's center-stage but deserves to be booted by this cute and pink spot treatment. The salicylic acid and sulfur work together to reduce swelling, redness, and oil while you catch some zzz's on a warm summer night. Promising review: " Best product ever.
I use it every night on my problem areas. Really worth it for those with hormonal acne. Which was my case.
I use this product every night when pimples are coming out. It really helps with the pain and appearance . I saw great improvements from this product.
" — Luara Rosa Get it from Amazon for $18 . 12. Peter Thomas Roth's Goodbye Acne Treatment Gel that'll target and help prevent acne that's sprouting up or lingering on your face thanks to its salicylic acid, retinol, and vitamin C formula.
Your inflamed, textured skin from humid heatwaves can take a sigh of relief when it's spot-treated by this aloe-infused formula. Make sure to apply a strong SPF during these summer days since retinol can make skin more sun-sensitive! Promising review: " This product really helped my acne. I had reoccurring acne that I couldn't get rid of, and this was a miracle product.
After six weeks, my main acne was gone and now I use only a spot treatment. I also have sensitive skin and this was really helped. I will say if you have fungal acne, this might not be the best product.
" — Rachel3847 Get it from Sephora for $44 . 13. Paula's Choice Clear Back and Body Exfoliating Spray for the times we rip off clothing that's so sweaty we just know some acne is bound to show face.
The benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid formulation is gentle enough for all skin types but still strong enough to target those bumpy body zits. Promising review: "If you’ve landed on this review, I’m going to save you some time. Buy it.
Buy it now. I have [had] body acne off and on for years. No matter how quickly I shower after workouts or exfoliate or use different soaps, nothing seemed to put a dent in it.
Until I found this body spray. I have seen change immediately — the acne is receding, and no new zits have appeared. I finally feel like I have control over my skin, just in time for summer.
" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $29 . 14. Luv Scrub's Mesh Body Exfoliator that can reach *everywhere* and scrub the dead skin, dirt, and excess oil off your body from a ~long~ sweaty day.
These dry faster than loofahs, so not only do you need to replace it less BUT there also can be less bacterial growth (and therefore potentially less of a chance of breaking out). Luv Scrub is a small Black-owned business based in Brooklyn, NY that sells African net sponges — which are a West African beauty ritual. Promising review: "In "Luv" Love.
I love this mesh body exfoliator. It's the best one that I've used. It can last up to a year with proper care.
It can be washed on delicate in the washing machine. My skin is so soft, and it provides the right exfoliation for everyday use that won't disrupt your skin barrier. I won't shower without it! " — SCade Get it from Nordstrom for $18 (available in four colors) or directly from Luv Scrub for $18 (available in eight colors).
15. A butt acne-clearing lotion capable of transforming your itchy red bottom into a smooth and shiny behind. This acne treatment is formulated with tea tree oil (which works for all skin types) can help soothe skin and regulate sebum — you’ll be saying ooh and aah as you rub it in.
This will have you dying to show off (or possibly shake) your derriere for the rest of summer! Apply this gentle treatment 3–4 times a day or up to 4–6 times for more serious breakouts. Promising review: "Magic in a bottle. I saw results the first time I used this.
I had a mild breakout of small red bumps that I, of course, picked at and made 100 times worse...
nothing I was using made a difference, and the bumps kept coming back. Suffice it to say, I searched Amazon for butt acne solutions, and this was one I came across. Because of the reviews, I figured I had nothing to lose.
I'm so glad I did because, as I said, the first night made a huge difference, and since I’ve done am and night after I shower. No new breakouts and completely cleared skin. I can’t thank the makers enough for this product.
This will be a part of my daily skin routine going forward." — Michelle Borges Get it from Amazon for $24.99 .
16. The Ordinary's 10% niacinamide serum which can reduce the appearance of acne and signs of clogged pores while brightening your skin tone. The zinc in this serum will also control excess sebum, so you will not only be fighting your breakouts but also preventing future ones (can someone say slay?).
This is a huge win-win for oily-skinned peeps who want their red and irritated skin kicked to the curb this summer. Promising review: "The added zinc has helped calm any inflammation and redness, leaving my complexion looking more even and smooth. This serum has become a staple in controlling my acne and improving the overall appearance of my skin.
I would highly recommend it to anyone struggling with similar skin concerns." — bellacharm Get it from Sephora for $6 (available in two sizes). 17.
A SolaWave 4-in-1 skincare wand because, if you didn't know, red light therapy can help get rid of blemishes and dark spots. This FDA-backed technology can soothe skin while promoting the absorption of serums through its ~galvanic currents~ — which means your summer acne products could be *that* more effective. Visible LED devices can treat pimples, and results vary depending on the person: read more about how to use them at the American Academy of Dermatology .
Promising review: "I love using my Solawave as a part of my nightly routine. It’s very relaxing and calming, not to mention EFFECTIVE! I’ve noticed that my skin is dewier and has a lovely glow to it. It has also helped with my dark spots and cut my pimple healing time in half.
Definitely recommend this product to anyone wanting to freshen up their skincare routine." — Christina Yermanov Get it from Amazon for $169 . 18.
A Korean skincare dark-spot correcting serum , which can fade dark spots with its 5% niacinamide formulation, perfect if summer breakouts have left you with lingering hyperpigmentation. Plus the squalane and hyaluronic acid provide moisture — one reviewer said their skin feels "consistently hydrated and refreshed." Promising review: " I have acne-prone skin, and for years, I have been battling how to deal with it.
My skin has scars and is dull and dry. I saw this product on a girl’s TikTok and decided to try it. I’m so glad I did! My skin has never looked this good in years!!!! I’m 34 years old and am just now happy with my skin, I love this product so much that I don’t even use primer anymore before my makeup! This is my second bottle, and will continue to purchase in the future!" — Johnna Get it from Amazon for $13.
28 . 19. Differin Retinoid gel to fight, treat, and prevent future breakouts.
It can normalize skin cell turnover, restore skin texture, and get rid of those inflamed, clogged pores that sweat, pool water, and summer travel may have worsened — which are anything *but* a vacation. Make sure to put on sunscreen after applying this because retinoids make your skin more sun-sensitive! Promising review: " Has completely transformed my skin. I used to get hormonal acne every single month; I still get it now, but far less often and severely.
Differin has really made a big difference on my quality of life. I have sensitive skin, so I only use it a couple of times a week and always over a light layer of lotion. When I first started using it, my acne did get worse for about a month, and then magically, one day, my skin looked amazing.
It's worth a try for sure!" — Britt Promising review: "I have literally [had] acne since I was in fourth grade. Often, I'd get really deep, painful cystic acne, which left scars, but other times, I'd get tons of smaller pimples that left their mark long after the pimple was gone. It was nonstop, and I tried nearly everything.
I’ve had one blemish appear in the five months since I started Differin, and amazingly, it was gone in a day and didn’t leave a scar!! FYI, I have sensitive, combination skin that likes to alternate between being brittle dry and baby oil slick." — Angelique Get it from Amazon for $14.49 .
20. Or CeraVe's Retinol Serum with ~encapsulated~ retinol that'll reach all layers of your skin so you can finally fight those annoying under-the-surface zits. This gentle yet effective treatment can help resuface your skin, but (!) always make sure to apply sunscreen after putting this on because retinol makes your skin more sun sensitive! Remember that with any retinol, you do *not* use it every day.
Slowly work it into your everyday routine and see how it affects your skin. Promising review: "I absolutely love this stuff! I saw a dermatologist on TikTok who raved about this product and tried it out, and it's been the most amazing stuff! It's helped my face to clear up very quickly removing all of the blemish spots and dark spots around my face. It's been one of the best products I've added to my face routine.
This would be great for all ages/stages and for any weather type. It doesn't moisturize much, but that's not its intention, and there is no scent, so I'd imagine it's great for all skin types and hypoallergenic." — Successful Solo Promising review: "I bought this for my teenager to use for his acne scars, but he ended up not using it.
I ran out of my Murad retinol serum, so I gave this a try. I actually like it better than the Murad! It absorbs quickly, with zero smell or irritation. As with any retinol product, be sure to wear sunscreen when you're going to be outside.
" — C. Munsterman Get it from Amazon for $18.68 .
21. Caudalie's oil control and non-comedogenic moisturizer for hydrated skin without the party-crashing whiteheads you might get from other moisturizers. Plus the mattifying and sebum-controlling ingredients, silica powder and java tea extract, can help any sweat-induced oil lose its shine.
Promising review: "I’ve been using this moisturizer during the hot months for over a year, and it’s wonderful. If you have oily or moderately oily skin, this is a must-have for your makeup bag. Helps with oil control and feels great under makeup.
" — Jen K Promising review: "I have spent so much time and money trying to find a product that would help keep my T zone from being so oily before the end of my work day, and this product has just went to the top spot! It just pushed the Ilmakiage primer to 2nd place." — Yolanda Get it from Amazon for $38 . 22.
A drying Peter Thomas Roth therapeutic sulfur mask that's good for sensitive skin in need of a mild acne treatment. The bentonite clays can help unclog that whitehead or soak up the extra oil on your face from that tanning sesh. Promising review: " Honestly the best thing I’ve ever used for my acne.
I have very acne-prone skin and have used SA, tretinoin, azelaic acid, you name it. I use it on my acne-prone and oily areas every few days for maintenance, and my skin is so clear. I only need to use a little, so you get a LOT of product for the price.
10/10 product!" — reennn Get it from Sephora for $52 . 23. Origins Clear Improvement mask to deep clean and visibly reduce pores with activated charcoal — which helps flush out dirt and debris that clogs pores and makes skin look dull (and your face is anything but that!).
Promising review: " Significantly improved my uneven skin tone and helped reduce my acne scars and acne. Bought full size, I use this product once a week on oily/acne prone areas or as a spot treatment." — Rachelisaname Get it from Sephora for $20 (available in two sizes).
24. Or, a Mediheal tea tree blemish control mask capable of helping soothe your itchy, red, and bumpy skin. The calming and moisturizing mask can help purify pores and improve oily skin that the summertime is only making a bajillion times worse — one reviewer even said it's the "best sheet mask to use if you struggle with acne.
" Promising review: " Best acne face masks! I love using these on the daily when my skin is facing a really tough time with blemishes! Nothing helps my skin more than these face masks when I've tried everything else. I usually only have to use three days in a row for really bad breakouts and then my skin is more calm. Usually, you don't need to use face masks often, but desperate times call for desperate measures.
I have tried these and the newer version, but I think they are about the same. I have also tried their tea tree ampoule , but I honestly don't notice as much of a difference." — Melissa Get a pack of 10 from Amazon for $19.
90 . No more scrubbing your face like this when you have these products on standby!! Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity..
