Reddit reviews Stridex Spot & T-Zone AcneClear Gel, 1.0 Oz

Here are the alcohol-free BHA products that I know of:

• Paula's Choice 2% BHA body lotion - cheaper than the liquid AND you get a ton more product
  
• Stridex T-zone gel the pH might be a little high on this one (up to 4.5 if I recall right) but could be worth a try and the gel texture is intriguing. I'm putting it on here because I never see it mentioned.
  
• The Ordinary 2% BHA - not a great deal when you look at the price per ounce, but still a good option
  
• Silk Naturals 2% BHA toner - reformulated recently but still not mentioned very often around here
  
• Garden of Wisdom 2% salicylic acid serum (alcohol free)
  
  Not alcohol-free:
  
  
• other GoW BHA products
  
• MUAC 3% BHA or 8% BHA - I'd recommend these for very stubborn skin

There are a variety of ingredients, methods, and products that could potentially help you. The problem is everyone is different, so it will have to be a careful trial and error (and patience over a period of time) before you can pinpoint the right solution for you and what the original cause was.

If you're going to try products, I highly recommend you buy small sample sizes if possible and try them out one or two at a time. Be careful and start small, especially with active ingredients. They're quite potent, which means they give powerful positive results, but you can also risk overusing them or using them in a dangerous combination. So do your research about correct application and be careful.

• BHA (salicylic acid), such as Paula's Choice or Stridex. A very popular ingredient with a great track record in preventing/clearing acne, clearing acne scars, and generally improving texture, tone, and color. I would recommend getting sample sizes of these to start.
  
• Azelaic acid is another great way to tackle both acne and scars. Paula's Choice has a great azelaic acid + salicylic acid combo that I highly recommend.
  
• Vitamin C. Can help greatly with acne scars. Paula's Choice, The Ordinary.
  
• Sulphur is known to be antibacterial and a mask containing sulphur can help suppress breakouts. But most likely will not help with scarring. Sunday Riley Saturn mask helped a few people I know with cystic breakouts.
  
• Differin. Contains adapalene which is known to clear and prevent acne. Be really careful and don't use with exfoliants.
  
• Benzoyl peroxide. Pretty commonly used to clear and prevent acne, but it has the unfortunate affect of bleaching clothes/pillows/etc and can be pretty strong. Paula's Choice.
  
• Aquaphor/vaseline/hyaluronic acid. It's possible your moisture barrier is not doing so well right now. Counterintuitively, being too dry can exacerbate acne. Also, if you're using exfoliants or other active ingredients, you'll want to make sure to stay hydrated and moisturized. Aquaphor, HA. Also recommend this Hado Labo HA cleanser and oil cleanser for a very hydrating double cleanse.
  
• Sunscreen. You don't mention it but you should be wearing a daily sunscreen that's non-comedogenic, especially if you are trying any of the products above. La-Roche Posay, Elta MD, Neutrogena.
  
  The list goes on and on but you can start your research here.
  
  To eliminate causes, pay attention to when you have breakouts. Make sure the products you're currently using are a good pH and aren't breaking you out to begin with. Don't eat dairy for a long while until you know it doesn't cause the breakouts.
  
  Hormonal acne is most often clustered on chin and jawline, is often cystic, and often flares up once a month (aka period). If that describes you, you might want to talk to a doctor or dermatologist about whether it's hormonal or not, because there are treatments for that, such as birth control or spearmint tea.