Unexpected Pimple Preventers for a Flawless Face

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Whether you're 8 or 80, nothing can plummet your self-esteem faster than the sudden appearance of acne. Even celebrities like Katy Perry, Kelly Clarkson, Jessica Simpson, Mandy Moore, and Justin Beiber have lent their faces to Proactiv's skincare line, helping teens (and often adults) embrace breakouts.

Treating these eruptions can be difficult -- the market is crowded with products that make big claims. Is there one absolute way to treat acne? No, of course not. Are there a lot of experts who have differing opinions on the best course of treatment? Absolutely!

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Deciding which products to use can be daunting, but it's best to create a regimen that seamlessly integrates into your lifestyle.

Here, some unexpected products that may help!

Foundation primer

With so many cleansing/toning/moisturizing acne-focused products on the market, it makes sense that the next logical step would be to create foundation primers that also treat breakouts. Fusion Beauty (notorious for their plumping lip glosses) have created an Acne Control Primer ($42) that uses Salicylic Acid to reduce bacteria, all while creating a smoother surface for foundation. CoverFX offers a similar product, the Clearprep FX Matte Foundation Primer and Anti-Acne Treatment ($39), that uses Willowbark and African Bark extracts for similar results.

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Serum

We all know the importance of using a night cream, but have you considered using a nighttime serum to banish breakouts? Clearasil Ultra's Overnight Serum ($9.99) uses 2.0 percent Salicylic Acid to treat acne while you sleep. SPF products don't mix well with acne treatments in product formulas, so treating your skin at night is a nice balance to protecting your skin with SPF in the daytime. DERMAdoctor's Ain't Misbehaving Medicated Acne Control Serum ($45) uses tea tree oil and white tea extract in addition to Salicylic Acid, but it isn't specifically marketed for nighttime use.

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Silver powder

This next product might be the most ... unusual. Considered by some to be one of the most effective products to remove blackheads and clogged pores, Mario Badescu's Silver Powder ($12) is an acquired concept. The formula, a simple white powder, contains Calcium Carbonate, Titanium Dioxide, and Zinc Oxide. When activated with water and applied in a thin layer, this curious ingredient trio helps unclog pores within one application.




What is the strangest way that you've tried to treat breakouts? Have you tried any of these products? Share in the comments below!

Written by Sarah Conley for CafeMom's blog, The Stir.

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Images via CandidTam/Flickr, Fusion Beauty, Clearasil and Mario Badescu