LifetimeIf you still haven’t been able to crack the code on solving acne on your dry or oily skin, Sandra Lee, a.k.a, Dr. Pimple Popper is here to help.
The TV personality has years of experience and has even developed her own skincare line, SLMD Skincare.
Before diving into products or routines, she emphasized a mindset shift that often gets overlooked. “My number one tip with acne is to really know that it’s not life-threatening, but it certainly can affect your feelings of who you are.”
- Best moisturizer for dry skin: Hyaluronic Acid Face Moisturizer
- Best face wash for oily skin: Salicylic Acid Cleanser
- Best body acne product: Salicylic Acid Body Spray
Luckily, if you suffer from acne, you can get back to feeling like yourself fast. The doctor came prepared with acne-fighting skincare recs for oily skin and dry skin. We included products Lee had a hand in developing, plus some bestselling options.
The Best Acne Skincare for Oily Skin
If your skin leans oily, the goal isn’t to strip it completely—it’s to balance excess oil while treating breakouts. “First of all, I want to say oily skin is a good thing. It’s not a bad thing. Remember, it’s your built-in moisturizer,” she said.
“I think that things that dry out your skin a little bit are always great, like retinol or Retin-A (tretinoin), and they also have some anti-aging potential.”
“Blotting pads are great because they’re going to help take off that shine a little bit, though a lot of people like that shine these days. There are also great acne medications—salicylic acid is great in a cleanser or as a topical, and benzoyl peroxide as well.”
by Dr. Pimple Popper – Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Salicylic acid cleanser gently exfoliates with its gel-based formula to clear away impurities and excess oil. Helps reduce surface oil and impurities, and maintain a refreshed, balanced complexion without over-drying your skin.
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
With encapsulated retinol, this facial serum helps skin look smoother and more even-toned. Pore minimizer helps refine skin’s texture & helps visibly reduce the appearance of post-acne marks and blemishes.
Dry Skin Skincare Routine for Acne
When acne shows up on dry skin, the approach shifts from oil control to barrier repair and deep hydration.
“Dry skin, the most important thing is moisturizer. I can speak about this because that’s my skin,” she explained. “Using a cream is oftentimes better than a lotion because a cream is oil-based versus a lotion that is water-based, so it’s going to be a little bit more occluding for you.”
by Dr. Pimple Popper Hyaluronic Acid Face Moisturizer
Our Oil-free hyaluronic acid cream for face delivers deep moisture while maintaining a non-greasy feel, ideal for all skin types, including those prone to dryness or oiliness.
“The key is to moisturize right after you wash your face or your body. That’s the time to moisturize because the water is evaporating from your skin, and that’s actually drying you out more,” she shared.
“Serums are great, but sometimes they’re alcohol-based and can be a little more drying. For me, a lot of occlusion is very important for those dry girlies out there.”
Dr. Althea 147 Barrier Cream
Enriched with Ectoin to help comfort dry, sensitive-feeling skin and support the skin moisture barrier against everyday external stressors. Forms a lightweight moisture layer to help reduce moisture loss and keep skin feeling hydrated longer.
How To Heal A Pimple Fast
For those urgent, next-day situations, a targeted approach can make all the difference.
“Using a pimple patch is really good because it’s going to help prevent you from picking at it. If it has some kind of medication in there too, you can help minimize it,” she shared.
by Dr. Pimple Popper Salicylic Acid Pimple Patches
This on-the-spot blemish treatment uses acne-fighting and pus-absorbing ingredients that make active acne, smaller, flatter, and less red in 6-8 hours.
The Best Way to Deal With Body Breakouts
Body breakouts require a slightly different strategy, especially when sweat and friction are involved. “I think a really great salicylic acid body spray is wonderful, especially if you can’t take a shower and you’re sweating and heading into work. It’s something you can spray on your body that can help clear out the pores,” she explained.
by Dr. Pimple Popper Salicylic Acid Body Spray
This spray exfoliates and smoothes skin to help prevent body bumps.
“Salicylic acid is really great for that—it’s a beta hydroxy acid, and it settles down in your pores and helps clear them out. Another thing is trying to wear breathable clothing so you’re not going to sweat and have that sit on your body.”
