The Best Treatments for Every Kind of Acne

What You’re Seeing: A sudden sprinkling of zits around your chin and jawline.

What’s Going On: Do you tend to get these at the same time every month—say, just before you get your period? Because these are the work of fluctuating hormones, says Joshua Zeichner,, a dermatologist and the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Hormones can put oil production into overdrive, and having an excess of it means that it’s more likely to settle in your pores and cause zits.

How to Handle It: Pair two of the best-known acne-fighting ingredients, salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, in the week leading up to your period. (If you’re feeling bloated, now’s the time to do it.) The combo can help prevent hormonal acne from happening in the first place. Zeichner suggests following a salicylic acid wash, like cult-favorite Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Facial Cleanser ($8.49, ulta.com), with a benzoyl peroxide spot treatment, such as Murad Acne Spot Fast Fix ($18, sephora.com). If you’re still seeing zits, “visit your dermatologist to discuss prescription options, like birth control pills, oral spironolactone—which blocks oil—or topical Aczone 7.5 percent gel,” says Zeichner. “It’s shown to be particularly effective in adult women without causing irritation.” Oral contraceptives level out those hormone fluctuations, keeping your oil production normal and your skin clear.