New Style Idea

I've spent over a decade battling hormonal breakouts. After what seems like a lifetime, I've finally got my routine down to a science. That doesn't stop a few breakouts from popping up during my period, though. I don't mean a whitehead or blackhead that's easily pop-able - I'm talking deep, under-the-skin cysts that hurt; I can feel them coming on before they even appear. Sometimes even stress can cause these for me.

This is just a part of my life, and I've accepted it, but honestly, it really stresses me out . . . which causes even more breakouts and picking. It's a vicious cycle that I struggle to escape from. Over time, I've found solace in working with the right products. I mostly turn to spot treatments, and I've tested what seems like hundreds. They all promise the same results: "Make your pimple disappear in hours!" but I know that's nearly impossible. Still, through all the trials, I have found a few that actually help me cut my breakout time in half, and in some cases, can vanish a zit in a day or two.

If you're someone who also suffers from stressful breakouts, then you're not alone. To help find what works best for you and your skin, I curated a list of my favorite spot treatments and how I use them. Maybe they will work for you or just get you inspired to find the right matches for your skin type. Keep reading to shop my top picks.