Blemishes, a nice way of referring to the unsightly pimples that arise if you suffer from acne, can make your complexion look bumpy and red. Several over-the-counter creams can help you battle blemishes for a clearer, healthier complexion thanks to effective active ingredients that exfoliate the skin or help to kill the underlying bacteria that cause the blemishes.

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Anti-Blemish Clear Skin Cream

Treat wrinkles and blemishes with Neutrogena's 2-in-1 cream. Cosmetics and skincare expert Paula Begoun rated the cream as "very good," liking it for its "antioxidant-rich" formula that helps combat signs of aging and protects against future skin damage. Meanwhile, standard emollients keep your skin firm and hydrated while salicylic acid acts as a pore exfoliator and helps minimize the appearance of new blemishes.

MD Skincare All-Over Blemish Solution

Can Garlic Help Adult Acne?

Learn More

MD Skincare's all-over treatment uses salicylic acid to penetrate your pores and clear out excess oil, according to "Real Simple" magazine's beauty editors who picked it as one of the top acne products available 2. Not only can it help you manage your acne, but it can also help to eliminate blackheads for an overall improved complexion.

Clearasil Ultra Vanishing Acne Treatment Cream

"InStyle" magazine's beauty editors called Clearasil's acne cream a "powerful blemish blaster," thanks to its high concentration of bacteria-killing benzoyl peroxide 3. Its acids also help to exfoliate your skin surface for a potentially smoother, more even complexion and less rough skin.

Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer

About the Red and Blue Light Therapy for Acne Scarring

Learn More

Begoun says Aveeno's blemish-fighting cream will entice "anyone suffering from...breakouts." It contains salicylic acid to help exfoliate your skin surface and clear away problematic acne, plus moisturizing emollients to keep your skin from drying out. Natural extracts like soy may also help correct uneven skin tone, which can be a problem if you have acne scars.