Trying to achieve clear skin is a struggle for those of us who weren’t blessed with clear, blemish-free skin. In fact, “how to get rid of acne” is one one of the top searches on Google. However, it is important to remember that it is normal - almost everyone has had a breakout at some point in their life. Luckily, there are many acne-fighting ingredients out there that can treat and prevent breakouts. Keep in mind that not everything works for everyone, so you should keep trying until you find what works for you. Here are some of the best ingredients proven to help clear your skin.

1. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) and Beta hydroxy acids (BHA)

These ingredients are used to exfoliate and speed cell turnover. This helps slough off dead skin cells to reveal healthier, brighter skin. It also helps to unclog pores and reduce overproduction of oil. The difference between AHAs and BHAs is that AHAs are water soluble and better for chemical exfoliation, while BHAs are oil-soluble and better for breaking down oil. Some of the most common AHAs are glycolic acid, lactic acid, and malic acid. The most common BHA is salicylic acid. AHAs are also great for treating post-acne hyperpigmentation.

2. Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is an ingredient that not only kills acne-causing bacteria, but it also helps prevent new breakouts from forming. It also works fairly quickly if you use it every day. Benzoyl peroxide tends to come in concentrations of 2.5%, 5%, and 10%. The downside of this medication is that it often causes the skin to become dry, red, and/or irritated, especially when you first use it. Make sure to start slow and use a good moisturizer.

3. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is an essential oil with antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Using tea tree oil is a natural way to treat and prevent acne, and it is said to have similar results as using benzoyl peroxide. It is important to be careful when using this ingredient because if improperly used, your skin might have adverse reactions. Never use undiluted tea tree oil all over your face, and make sure to test it on a small area beforehand.

4. African Black Soap

African black soap is made with natural ingredients like aloe, plant ashes, and shea butter. This soap helps eliminate oil and soothes acne-prone skin. Many people find this to more effective than regular cleansers with unnecessary chemicals.

5. Clay

Yes, you’re reading that correctly. Clay masks are a great way to get rid of dirt, excess oil, and impurities. The Aztec Indian Healing clay mask is a cult favorite, and after having tried it I highly recommend it to anyone with normal to oily acne prone skin. Charcoal in masks is a great additive to help clean out pores.

6. Sulfur

Sulfur is a mineral that has antibacterial properties and helps to decrease sebum production in the skin. It also helps slough away dead skin cells. One thing to be mindful of it that if you have dry skin, sulfur might overdry your skin and make things worse. Be sure to use a good moisturizer after using products containing sulfur.

For when topical treatments aren’t working, it may be helpful to look into oral prescription medicine. Antibiotics are a common solution that is often used in conjunction with topical treatments. However, acne bacteria may slowly grow resistant to the medicine, so it should not be considered a permanent solution. For those who are struggling with acne even after trying everything, you many need to look into birth control or isotretinoin. Birth control is a great option for those who are struggling with hormonal acne and find that topical treatments just aren’t working enough. The hormones in the pills help to balance out the hormones in your body, slowly decreasing acne. Isotretinoin, also known as Accutane, is an oral retinoid that is usually used as a last resort. This is because Accutane has many side effects, including ones that may be life-threatening. Side effects include dryness, body pain, dizziness, and increased chance of depression. This medication also requires people to not be or become pregnant, as the medication will result in the child having birth defects.

In the end, skin is just skin, and what’s on the outside doesn’t matter as much as what’s on the inside. You should love yourself, flaws and all :)