#TBT: Clearasil Zit Cream

Teenagers have a whole slew of woes, from curfews and homework to bullies and detention. Chief among them is acne. Zits always seemed to pop up at the most inopportune times, such as before prom or a date with our lacrosse team crush (yes, we were a little preppy… don’t judge!). First invented in 1940 and later promoted on American Bandstand, Clearasil was like the ultimate pimple antidote. We adored this formula as teenagers, and since our acne troubles have hardly disappeared just because we’ve finished puberty, we still love a good spot treatment. Clearasil relies on 10% benzoyl peroxide to treat zits, and while still an effective option, there are plenty of alternative products available with more gentle and advanced formulations. Hey, it’s not 1940 anymore, our zit cream should reflect the times!

M-61 PowerSpot ($16) is like a secret weapon…well, not so secret anymore. This overnight spot lotion dries up troublesome zits while you sleep. It’s as though the zits disappear right before your very eyes… except, you’re sleeping, you know?

Kiehl’s Since 1851 Blue Herbal Spot Treatment ($18) is inspired by their legendary Blue Astringent Herbal Lotion. The gel formula works on both blackheads and whiteheads. Better yet, it dries completely clear so you can easily use it in the AM underneath your makeup.

Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask ($55) is meant to be worn as a mask, but it works wonders when dabbed on a problem area and left overnight. Not for the undergrounders, but this mask will definitely get rid of any surface pimple.

Eco-lovers, look no further than Desert Essence Blemish Touch Stick ($7). It’s chock-full of calming and antiseptic tea tree oil. PROS: does double duty on bug bites as well! CONS: Very strong smell.

Who doesn’t love a good double-duty product? Jane Iredale Zap and Hide Blemish Concealer ($26) has a blemish balm to sooth and comfort skin on one end, and a concealer to sooth and comfort your ego on the other. One day we will all be Beyonce-level flawless… one day, but until then, there’s Zap and Hide.

We’d be remiss not to mention the cult-classic Mario Badescu Drying Lotion ($17), quite possibly one of the most effective zit zappers on the market. You’ll want to wear it at night, and let the sulfur do its thing while you’re sleeping, as the chalky pink formula does dry rather noticeable. But that’s not to say that a certain someone may have worn this stuff out and about during daylight hour… on multiple occasions. Hey, it’s more subtle than the blinding red of a blistering pimple!

Casey Sharbaugh currently resides in New York City and works in the fashion industry. In her spare time, you can find Casey spinning, trying new beauty products, or browsing the city for the best ice cream cone. Find her on Twitter at @caseyhshar