The 17 Best Cystic Acne Products Recommended by Dermatologists

We know from years of experience that cystic breakouts are no fun, but a gentle approach will benefit your skin in the long run since, as we've said, harsh ingredients tend to irritate and aggravate acne. Look for products formulated with active ingredients and skin-soothing ones like bisabolol found in the fan-favorite Paula's Choice Clear Daily Skin Clearing Treatment.

Whether you're dealing with large, inflamed cystic acne, stubborn blackheads, or even a mix of both, CeraVe's Renewing SA Cleanser has you covered. It's spiked with salicylic acid to remove pore-clogging dirt and excess oil from your skin while ceramides replenish moisture and niacinamide calms inflammation.

Excess oil, pore-clogging bacteria, and dead skin cells are no match for PCA Skin's Acne Cream. This spot treatment is infused with a dynamic duo of benzoyl peroxide and polyhydroxy acids, two ingredients known for their exfoliating properties.

As many derms will tell you, retinols (or retinoids, which are available with a prescription) can work wonders against cystic breakouts by ramping up cell turnover, stopping acne in its tracks. An all-over treatment like Differin Gel (previously available only via Rx) is easy to use and can be applied a few times a week, depending on your skin's tolerance. "The active ingredient — adapalene — targets acne by treating existing flare-ups, reducing inflammation and redness, and unclogging pores," says Dr. Engelman. "Start with once a week and increase frequency if no skin issues arise."

Cetaphil's Derma Control Oil Removing Foam Wash is another Dr. Wang-approved face wash that'll address clogged pores without drying out or irritating sensitive skin types. The secret to this impressive formula is zinc, which balances oil production, and glycerin for a soft, plump feel after each wash.

Add Neutrogena's Stubborn Acne A.M. Treatment to your morning skin-care routine for an oil-free treatment that'll address all signs of cystic acne with the help of benzoyl peroxide. This popular ingredient is known for its antibacterial and exfoliating benefits, two major benefits for those dealing with breakouts and blemishes.

If you're dealing with a breakout, resist the urge to use harsh scrubs or exfoliants as they can irritate and cause more harm than good. "Since cystic acne happens underneath the skin's surface, it is likely that you will be drying out the skin, irritating the surrounding area, and exacerbating the infection," Dr. Engelman says. "Instead, apply a serum like iS Clinical Pro-Heal Serum Advance+ then layer a balm over it to 'force' the product in."

ZitSticka's Killa Pimple Patches are an Allure-editor favorite for busting blemishes overnight — and they're expert-approved by Robert Finney, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. "These patches contain salicylic acid to help coax the pimple to the surface and are also a hydrocolloid dressing that absorbs all of the junk that comes out," he says. "They also have niacinamide, which is a good anti-inflammatory ingredient that helps repair the skin barrier." They're a great option because they can help keep people from picking their acne, Dr. Finney points out.

While The Ordinary's Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% isn't technically indicated for acne, board-certified dermatologist Adam Friedman, MD recommends it because its active ingredient — azelaic acid — is known to help fight blemishes and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. "This active ingredient is FDA-approved to treat rosacea at a concentration of 15 percent and acne at 20 percent," he says. Additionally, it contains vitamin E to soothe redness and inflammation associated with acne.

"Spot treatments deliver a powerful dose of active ingredients — typically salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide — to a pesky pimple," Dr. Engelman says, name-checking Proactiv's 5 percent benzoyl peroxide formula. "I recommend using a spot treatment as needed, but always using an ongoing regimen of treatment, cleanser, and moisturizer."

K-beauty brand Acropass shook things up with the launch of Trouble Cure, its microneedling-meets-acne patch love child. The two-step system consists of a salicylic acid- and tea tree oil-laced wipe followed by a tiny dot covered with hydrating hyaluronic acid pinpricks (and before you ask, no, it's not painful) to deliver ingredients deep within the pimple's surface.

In need of a lightweight, fast-absorbing face cream? Then allow us to introduce you to Cetaphil's Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer, which provides a low, gentle dose of 0.5 percent salicylic acid to exfoliate and calming bisabolol to soothe irritation.

As the name suggests, Murad's Outsmart Acne Clarifying Treatment fights smarter, not harder. The gel-serum texture readily absorbs into skin and a 1 percent salicylic acid concentration is enough to help curb excess oil and gently treat breakouts.

As far as blemish-fighting face washes go, Kiehl's Blue Herbal Acne Cleanser Treatment is an excellent option that comes recommended by Michelle Henry, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. "It contains salicylic acid to unclog pores and reduce inflammation, as well as frankincense, which is a natural astringent that helps reduce sebum production," she says. The foaming cleanser also contains moisturizing glycerin and ginger root extract, known for their soothing properties.

As aesthetician Renée Rouleau points out, a cortisone shot can be more invasive — and costly — than some people feel comfortable with. Her Anti Bump Solution (formerly the brand's Anti Cyst Treatment) is among the line's most popular acne products and the results speak for themselves. "It uses a purified form of lactic acid along with an advanced delivery system to get into the cyst to dissolve and digest the infection and encourage a quicker recovery," she says of the clear-gel spot treatment.