Acne Skin Care Products Reviews

We've evaluated a few of the leading acne skin care products and are listing them here so that potential users can get an idea of how certain acne treatments work. By understanding the active ingredients in major treatments, as well as their most common positive and negative aspects for skin care, you may be able to better find a product that works for your specific skin type. Keep in mind that no acne product will work for 100% of the people out there, and it is impossible for topical products to actually prevent acne.

We are not recommending any of these acne skin care products specifically over Clear5 vitamin B5 acne treatment. B5 remains the best overall acne solution and the easiest way to prevent acne outside of prescription drugs. However, those who hate the thought of taking pills, or are among the small percentage that do not respond well to B5, may find this information helpful.

Popular Online Acne Skin Care Products

Proactiv Solution®

Description: Made widely popular by celebrity endorsements, Proactiv Solution uses a 3-step cleansing system to treat acne. Their main acne akin care product line includes a renewing cleanser, revitalizing toner, and a repairing lotion. Proactiv combines benzoyl peroxide (BP) with moisturizers such as aloe in an attempt to give users the benefits of BP without the drying effects. Like most of these companies, there are additional skin care products available, but we'll focus on the core acne treatment system.

Active Ingredient: 2.5% benzoyl peroxide (cleanser, lotion)

Ed Notes: BP can be very effective for a lot of people, and provides a good temporary fix if it doesn't dry you out. BP basically works by killing the acne-causing bacteria (P. acnes) within your skin. While it can often eliminate current acne, it cannot prevent new acne from forming, and is mostly effective only in mild cases of acne. Most user comments indicate that the repairing lotion is the most important product in the Proactiv system.

Most Common Customer Complaints:

- After initial good results, product no longer has any effect.

- Still causes dry, irritated skin, and rashes.

- BP lotion bleaches fabrics that touch your face.

Cost for 1-Month Supply: $40 to $60

ZENMED Derma Cleanse®

Description: ZENMED takes the approach of attacking acne from the inside and out. Their 3-step system of acne skin care products includes an acne gel, a facial cleansing gel, and the Derma Cleanse Capsules. The capsules use a combination of herbs and extracts that apparently work as antioxidants, ridding the skin of acne-causing toxins. The topical treatments combine natural cleansing agents with salicylic acid (SA) to enhance exfoliation.

Active Ingredient: 2% Salicylic Acid (acne gel)

Ed Notes: SA works differently from BP, so it may help those who don't react well to BP products. Unlike targeting the bacterial agents, SA exfoliates the top layer of your skin in order to unclog your pores. For long-term acne relief, the ZENMED capsules are probably the most important element in this system. The capsules include many ingredients, but a fairly even ratio means the pills may lack potency, much like a multivitamin. Strong antioxidants with medical research backing them (such as zinc) are not present. This makes me suspect ZENMED is hit or miss for most people. It may work very well or not at all.

Most Common Customer Complaints:

- Again, results can quickly wear off after a good start.

- No results, sometimes worsening due to initial breakouts.

- Expensive.

Cost for 1-Month Supply: $100

Murad Acne Complex®

Description: Murad acne skin care products also come in a recommended 3-step system utilizing three topical products. The first is a clarifying cleanser, followed by an exfoliating acne treatment gel, and then a skin perfecting lotion. The cleanser and gel use a combination of exfoliating agents to help unclog your pores, while the lotion inhibits oil production (with retinol) and moisturizes your skin.

Active Ingredient: 1.5% Salicylic Acid (cleanser)

Ed Notes: Besides the presence of SA, there are also other exfoliating agents such as glycolic acid found in the Murad system of acne products. These, combined with the retinol, make for a very strong combination that may be too harsh for some skin types. I would recommend adding another light moisturizer into your routine and starting out slow, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Most Common Customer Complaints:

- Harshly dry, irritated skin and redness.

- Initial breakouts seem common.

Cost for 1-Month Supply: $30

Over-The-Counter Acne Skin Care Products

There are dozens of over-the-counter acne products, and rather than try and provide in-depth reviews discussing the positive and negative aspects of each, I thought it would be more reasonable to just mention a few popular acne products that do give good results for most people.

The Clean & Clear® line of cleansers are some of the best acne cleansers available over the counter. I would particularly recommend the Foaming Facial Cleanser for Sensitive Skin, as it is effective at cleaning your pores without being overly harsh on your skin. Cleansers are generally only effective against very mild acne, but if this is you, these can be helpful products.

For spot treatment, Neutrogena On-The-Spot® acne cream is one of the most effective acne skin care products out there. This is due to the presence of benzoyl peroxide (2.5%) that effectively kills most acne forming bacteria fairly quickly. In truth, any BP product will generally work well, but it's usually a good idea to follow it with a moisturizer in order to avoid dry skin. Also, you may find that you need more and more BP as your skin adapts to the treatment. It's simply not a permanent solution for most people.

Final Words

If you feel you need a cleansing system, those based on benzoyl peroxide generally have the highest rate of effectiveness. Exfoliating acid-based acne skin care products may help if BP doesn't work for you, but keep in mind that neither is a permanent acne solution. Whatever system you choose, your chances of seeing good results a are lot better if you don't quit in the first month. Try to stick it out at least 2 months before calling it quits. On the other hand, if you only have mild acne and just want a cleanser or spot treatment, the right over-the-counter acne products will probably work just as well as expensive online treatments. If you really want to prevent acne and quit having to worry about creams and cleansers altogether, there's Vitamin B5, Zinc (Clear5 contains both of these), or prescription drugs (Accutane). For permanent skin care, it's as simple as that.

Good Luck!

Acne-Vitamins.com

10901 Brighton Bay Blvd. 7303

St. Petersburg, FL 33716

A Dietary Supplement
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. B5 acne products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.