acne army

I think it can be pretty unanimously agreed upon that puberty sucks. Childhood just bounces along, minding its own business, when suddenly BAM! Angst and acne in spades. 

I've kind of already covered the angst issue, but I'm still figuring out the acne part. Most frustrating thing ever. 

I mainly just use an acne-fighting facial cleanser and cross my fingers that nothing flares up painfully.

BUT, when it ultimately does, I've compiled an army of spot treatments to send into war across the battlefield that is my face.

 Intimidating, no?

Clinique's spot healing acne solution is probably my favorite. I just ordered another because this baby is almost out... which, after years of use, is pretty darn impressive. This treatment is not for the faint of heart. It's strong, to the extent that it stings if you pick at your skin (...like I do, unfortunately). Because of this strength, it clears acne up quickly and without leaving residue or peeling, unlike some other treatments.

e.l.f has come out with a pen that feels and smells like what it is- a much less expensive version of the above listed Clinique spot treatment. I don't know if I'm just partial to Clinique because I've been conditioned to be so or if it is simply just better, but I can't seem to love this knock off as much as the original. Maybe it's the way it dispenses- sometimes I'll turn it once and It'll gush everywhere and others I'll crank it for a couple of minutes before getting the merest drop. I can't explain it! 

I've mentioned that I love Benefit, right? Yup, thought so. When I saw that they had a spot treatment, especially one that is so cutely packaged, I immediately put it in my basket. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to use, making you tilt your head every which way and hold the tube upside-down over the troubled area to treat it. As a result, I haven't been reaching for it often and I'm unsure of how well it banishes breakouts.

You had to know that my obsession would be making this (and any) list! How could it not with a name like "Grease Lightning"? This Lush spot treatment that actually smells good, sans chemicals! The tea tree gel is also a miracle redness reducer- the first time I tried it, I turned away from my mirror after applying and when I looked back I couldn't find the aggravated areas! Magic! 

Warning, though, you should really only use a small amount. If applied thickly it'll peel and make you look like you've had a horrible sunburn. Yuck!

I'm still on the fence about this Neutrogena On-the-Spot stuff. I can't seem to wear it under make up without strange blending and peeling, but it feels clean and almost like a lotion. I'll keep it on reserve while the others take the front line- it's always good to have substitutes, right?

I am seriously always on the hunt for a new product to try and clear up my skin, so please let me know if you have any suggestions! Do you battle with acne too? Or are you one of those lucky few with naturally clear skin?