Taking aim at breakouts can be particularly tricky. There’s no magic bullet—or flash of light—that will clear everyone’s complexion in the same way.

So what treatments still reign supreme and are worth investing in? Most experts agree that a multi-pronged approach—that tackles acne from many different angles—delivers long-term results.

Think of it as cross-training for your skin; in other words, the answer is built on a thoughtful combination of three major principles, overseen by a skilled dermatologist.