Acne Product Reviews

With all of the acne products being marketed today, how does an acne sufferer begin to choose? Doing a little research (such as reading these acne product reviews) and knowing what to look for in the ingredient list will help you get on the road to clear skin.

First, the ingredients:

Benzoyl peroxide. A very common active ingredient in acne products because it kills the bacteria, Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), that cause acne infection. It also helps eliminate excess oil and dead skin cells which lead to clogged pores.

Salicylic acid. Slowing the shedding of cells inside the hair follicles, this ingredient prevents the pores from getting clogged. It also breaks down those unsightly whiteheads and blackheads.

Sulfur and resorcinol. These two acne ingredients are most often found together in the acne product’s active ingredient list. Like benzoyl peroxide, they help keep the skin clear of oil and dead skin cells, and help dispense with whiteheads and blackheads.

Alcohol and acetone. On the list of ingredients in astringents and other cleansers alcohol and acetone remove dirt and oils from the skin, and kill bacteria.

Botanical ingredients. Tea tree oil and other plant extracts have anti-bacterial qualities and some serve to calm and sooth the skin.

Now, some acne product reviews:

Proactiv Solution is one of the most popular acne regimens on the market today. It is a three-step benzoyl peroxide based system. Consisting of Renewing Cleanser, Revitalizing Toner, and Repairing Lotion, a trial kit is just $19.95. Also available from Proactiv is a Daily Oil Control product that works with the acne regimen, as well as an oil-free SPF 15 sunscreen which is important as treating acne may make the skin more sun-sensitive.

Exposed Acne Treatment System uses a combination of natural botanicals and scientific ingredients to combat acne outbreaks. A 60-day supply is $49.95. Exposed Acne Treatment System is a three-step system that, in addition to using benzoyl peroxide, takes advantage of key botanical ingredients such as tea tree oil, olive leaf extract, and licorice root extract.

Murad Acne Complex, in addition to using quality scientific ingredients, has botanical ingredients such as menthol, algae extract, and honey extract in its various acne products. Their three-step system is available in a one-month supply for $29.95. Murad also makes other related acne care products, like vitamins specifically formulated for acne prevention and healing.

The companies that make the acne products reviewed above all have money-back guarantees, so if you find one is not working for you, you can get a refund and give another a try. Every person is different, just as the acne products reviewed here have different formulas and ingredients. You may or may not get the perfect match for your acne the first time around.

Lastly, if your acne is very mild, you can give drug store brands a try. The most common active ingredients will be benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Nationals brand such as Clearasil, Bioré, and Noxema are designed to be compatible with the skin of most people, and therefore are likely not as potent as the formulas of the other acne products reviewed here. Unlike using a three-step system of acne products, which work together to treat and prevent acne, you will have to select products to round out your own regimen: cleanser, toner, and oil-free moisturizer. In the end, you may be more successful if you go with a company that has done the leg work for you.