No one likes their skin to breakout, but it’s life. It just happens, and usually due to unhygienic skin (you’re not cleaning your skin the way it needs to be), pollution in the air, hormones or stress. But there are ways to tackle the problem of blemishes. These are tried-and-tested products that work for us and believe it or not, everyone else we recommend them to.

MARIO BADESCU DRYING PATCH

These little circular stickers are the best we’ve found for tackling spots. Don’t get them confused with your usual hydrocolloid pimple stickers (eg. the kind you find at Watsons and Guardian), these aren’t hydrocolloid at all; they are made with Salicylic Acid, which will dissolve the acne-causing blockages (like dead skin cells, oil and other dirt). Stick them on emerging pimples and watch them disappear overnight.

Also, these are by far the thinnest and most transparent face stickers we’ve ever come across, so you can effectively wear them during the day, and no one will notice (unless they come really close to you and stare at your face).

One box contains 60 patches, and while that sounds like a lot, we go through them pretty quickly — because they really work. We’ve probably bought around seven of these boxes in the past year! Thankfully, they are affordable.

Mario Badescu Drying Patch, $33 for a box of 60, available at Sephora.

WELLY BANDAGES — FACE SAVERS HYDROCOLLOID ADHESIVE

If you have an open wound like a burst pimple, you’ll want to cover that up with a hydrocolloid bandage. These provide a sterile environment for the wound to heal, while absorbing (ie. sucking out) the pus. Don’t look anywhere else but Welly Bandages; their Face Savers are extremely effective! They are thinner than most other brands, very comfortable to wear, and stick on well. Really the best hydrocolloid adhesives we’ve ever tried.

Welly Bandages — Face Savers hydrocolloid adhesive, $16.65 for a tin of 36. Refills are $22.94 for a box of 60. Buy online at AMAZON.SG.

IT COSMETICS BYE BYE BREAKOUT SALICYLIC ACID CONCENTRATED DERMA SERUM

This unassuming bottle is your key to maintaining a blemish-free complexion. It has a good concentration of salicylic acid, lactic acid and postbiotic ferment, all good ingredients that gently exfoliate and remove acne-causing dead skin debris. If you’re prone to breakouts, add this to your daily skincare regime.

IT COSMETICS BYE BYE BREAKOUT SALICYLIC ACID CONCENTRATED DERMA SERUM, $50 for 30ml, available from SEPHORA.

KIEHL’S ULTRA FACIAL CREAM

If you can’t explain your breakout, it could be the daily moisturiser you’re using. A simple change to something gentle yet effective will make a world of difference to your skin. We’ve passed on this Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream to a friend, who told us that he completely stopped producing more pimples once he switched to this moisturiser. It may not work like a miracle for everyone, but it’s certainly worth a try.

KIEHL’S ULTRA FACIAL CREAM, $63 for 50ml, from KIEHLS.COM.SG.

PAULA’S CHOICE 2% BHA LIQUID EXFOLIANT

This skincare is similar to the one above by IT Cosmetics, but it’s less than half the price (it’s $21 for 30ml). It’s a liquid that also contains salicylic acid, but with a BHA (beta hydroxy acid) that sheds built-up layers of skin. BHA also reduces oil production.

If you have dry or sensitive skin, the serum from IT Cosmetics will work better for you because it contains lactic acid instead of a BHA. So it’s important to figure out your skin type and concern, then choose the right exfoliant for your skin.

PAULA’S CHOICE 2% BHA LIQUID EXFOLIANT, $52 for 118ml, from PAULASCHOICE.SG.

PIMPLE JAB

If you have a large or ingrown pimple, the quickest way to get rid of it is by visiting a dermatologist and getting a pimple jab. It sounds painful — and it is (like an ant bite) — but if you have an important event to attend, it’s so worth it.

Cortisone is injected directly into the offending pimple, and almost immediately, the area will become less inflamed. It’ll take between 4 to 48 hours for the blemish to go away on its own. But more importantly, get this procedure done at a reputable clinic. If too much cortisone is injected, you might end up with a depressed scar at that spot.

We recommend TLC Lifestyle Practice at Pacific Plaza #11-04/05 and Mizu Clinic at ION Orchard level 5.