Tips and products for ance??

[MaddiMakup]

Does anyone have any tips for getting rid of acne without having to buy very expensive products in the $10-$25 range?

[jadexoxos]

I used to have really severe cystic acne on my cheeks and jaw  and I went on nurx and got spironolactone along with azelic acid and it completely cleared my skin within a few months. Also wash my face with panoxyl + Murad Clarifying Cleanser with Salicylic Acid 6.75 oz/ 200 mL 

[WinglessOne]

@MaddiMakup  Depends on which type of acne you have. If you have cystic acne, I recommend seeing a dermatologist if you can. Cystic acne doesn't respond well to the usual over-the-counter acne ingredients/products. A derm can diagnose your skin and provide better treatment options. 

Otherwise, the usual OTC acne treatments are: 

• Salicylic acid (BHA) - gets down into pores to remove gunk (bacteria, excess sebum, dead skin cells). Leave-on products include The INKEY List Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) Blemish + Blackhead Serum 1 oz/ 30 mL and Paula's Choice Mini Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant for Clear Skin 1 oz/ 30 mL . Rinse-off options (great if you have sensitive skin) include CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser, The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser 5 oz / 150 ml , and The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque . For Paula's Choice products, check their site; they frequently run sales, so consider joining their rewards program. 
  
  
• Benzoyl peroxide - seeks and destroys acne-causing bacteria. Visit your local drugstore (or Target if you're in the US) and look for PanOxyl 4% Face Wash (it comes in a couple strengths; 4% is plenty strong enough for many folks). Also consider Cetaphil Gentle Clear Complexion-Clearing BPO Acne Cleanser which is better for sensitive skin, as benzoyl peroxide can be irritating. Visit Cetaphil's site and see if you get a popup offering a coupon for $4 off your purchase. 
  
  
• Azelaic acid - attacks acne-causing bacteria and treats post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (e.g., dark marks left by acne). My favorite ( Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster for Redness Relief 1 oz/ 30 mL ) is out of your price range, but check Paula's Choice's site for sales and offers. Another good option is Peach Slices Redness Relief Azelaic Acid Serum (available at Ulta). You can also try The Ordinary Azelaic Acid 10% Suspension Brightening Cream or The INKEY List SuperSolutions 10% Azelaic Serum 1 oz / 30 mL ; I've used both of those and wasn't fond of their textures, but that doesn't make them bad products since texture preference is very subjective. 
  
  
• Adapalene - a retinoid available OTC in the US. (There's also prescription strength adapalene; talk with a doctor about that.) The 2 most popular options are Differin Gel and La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel. If you've never used a retinoid before, be sure to read and follow the product instructions. You'll want to start using adapalene just once or twice a week because it can be very drying/irritating. It can also cause "purging," a sudden appearance of new acne; think of this as the retinoid evicting crud from your skin. Purging should calm down within a month of product use. 

There are other ingredients and products out there, but those are the first that come to mind. You can also talk with a dermatologist or your primary care doctor about more treatment options. 

Couple more tips: 

• Don't sleep on the same pillowcase (or the same side of a pillowcase) too frequently; change/rotate and wash your pillowcases often. 
• Wear broad spectrum sunscreen (at least SPF 30) each day your skin's exposed to sunlight, all year long, regardless of weather or season; UV rays can worsen acne.