Ask any dermatologist what to do about spots and mild acne and they’ll rattle off a few secret ingredients to clear your skin right up. One of their favourite ingredients? Salicylic acid. This form of Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) is super effective at clearing up breakouts and is often used in anti-ageing formulas as well, as it’s said to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. But there are other wonder ingredients that also help reduce excess oil, balance your complexion and leave you looking flawless, like Ashley Greene here. We discover five of the best options for you.
- Maybelline New York Dream Pure BB Cream, $15.95, 1300 369 327
Our love of BB Creams continues with this instalment from Maybelline that promises to deliver on 8 (yes, 8) skin benefits. The difference with this option is that it’s catered specifically to oily skin types, and uses 2% salicylic acid to help combat blemishes. The formula is a water-based gel, rather than anything too heavy like some other BBs tend to be, and also harnesses the benefits of vitamins A, B and E to help smooth and hydrate your skin without adding excess oil. So, what are some of the other benefits? Well, this BB rather miraculously adjusts to your skintone, minimises the appearance of enlarged pores, calms redness and irritation, protects your skin from UV rays and, of course, offers lasting coverage.
- Ahava Time to Clear Purifying Mud Mask, $40, 1800 824 282
Suffering a blackhead breakout? Try this mud mask that helps purge the skin of excess oils and prevent future breakouts. You can thank the addition of horsetail extract that soothes the skin and offers anti-inflammatory benefits for its stellar results. Use it twice a week or as your skin screams for it.
- Eminence Organic Skincare Clear Skin Probiotic Moisturiser, $102, from health food stores
A probiotic moisturiser has got to be the most genius thing since creme blush. While the probiotics help exfoliate the skin and bathe it in good bacteria, the light formulation of the moisturiser is ideal for oily skin types that are prone to breakouts and irritation. The addition of cucumber and tea tree also help to prevent acne and reduce inflammation.
- 4. Smashbox Halo Highlighting Wand, $42.95, from Mecca Cosmetica
While it’s the not the ingredients as much as the application and formula of this click-through pen, we couldn’t help include it for its ability to make your skin super-glowy and flawless. It has a slight shimmer in the formula to help reflect light and illuminate your complexion, while the easy-to-apply brush makes it an everyday staple. Using the applicator brush, simply dab a small amount of product onto your cheekbones, bridge of nose, cupid’s bow, chin and above the brow bones, and blend with your fingertips.
- SK-II Whitening Source Clear Lotion, $100, from department stores
On the more luxe end of the spectrum this oil-free toning gel is a standout for oily skin types as it gently removes dead skin cells that cause blockages, breakouts and dullness without causing any imbalance to your delicate skin barrier. The result? Radiant, glowing skin that’s clear and spot free.
Tell me Primpers…
Do you have oily skin?
What are your clear skin essentials?
Any of these take your eye?