Acne, regardless of its type or severity, has one thing in common: It can be relentless. As many acne sufferers know, treating acne often requires trial and error—and the products, treatments, and routines that worked for one person may not work for you. However, there are common practices and ingredients that have proven to be successful.

The best acne skin care kit will contain products with ingredients that are clean and nourishing. Keep in mind that they don’t always have to be natural in order to be good for you. Clean ingredients are those that do not cause damage to your skin or system when applied as recommended, and those are often synthesized in a lab.

Acne-fighting ingredients should be able to protect your skin against bacteria, oil and dust while at the same time removing dead skin cells and not harming your skin. It's also important to find products that offer balanced ingredients to make sure that you are not stripping away too much of your natural oils. The last thing you want is to dry out your skin, causing it to produce excess oil as a result. 

Here are three of our highly recommended ingredients to look for in your acne skincare kit:

Ingredient #1: Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid has a strong history of topical use to treat acne outbreaks, earning it a place in the acne-fighting hall of fame. This ingredient, found in the Dp Dermaceuticals CLR Lotion, contributes to clearing and reduces the potential for future breakouts, while other synergistic ingredients help hydrate and balance oil production.

Salicylic acid is a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)" and AHAs (aka alpha-hydroxy acids) work towards the same goal of exfoliating the skin. However, because of its chemical composition, it is considerably more beneficial for curing acne. Geeta Yadav, a board-certified dermatologist, says: "Salicylic acid can penetrate the skin at a deeper level and unclog pores of all the dirt, debris, and irritants that can cause acne—particularly blackheads and whiteheads," since it is oil-soluble.

Ingredient #2: Niacinamide

Niacinamide is a wonder ingredient known for its brightening, pore-minimizing, elasticity-boosting, and soothing properties. 

"Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide, is a type of vitamin B-3 that has long been a popular substance in dermatology offices," according to Geeta Yadav. "It has anti-inflammatory effects and reduces oil production in a non-irritating, mild manner, making it perfect for acne and sensitive skin."

This is the main ingredient along with the Salicylic Acid and the 3rd ingredient that we will discuss next—Manuka Honey—in the Dp Dermaceuticals CLR Foam Cleanser. 

Ingredient #3: Manuka Honey

Manuka honey has long been touted as a super-honey, and for good reason. It can help to improve the appearance of your skin. It can help keep your skin clean by balancing the pH level of your skin and sloughing away dead cell debris. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help to reduce acne-related local irritation. Manuka honey's antibacterial properties make it less likely for microorganisms to infect pores and cause acne. This honey can also be used to treat existing pimples. Acne heals faster when the pH is low.

Manuka honey is effective in destroying infections, even antibiotic-resistant bacteria since it includes hydrogen peroxide and chemicals like methylglyoxal. The healing process is accelerated when the skin is clear of microorganisms.

Now that you know three of the main ingredients to look out for in the best acne skincare kit, it’s time to start your journey to clear skin. 

Ready to say “goodbye” to acne? The Dp Dermaceuticals Acne Skin Care Starter Kit contains the full acne-fighting routine for you to try for 14 days! Use code NEW15 to save 15% on your first purchase.