Acne Free: Products to Achieve It, Products to Maintain It
Millions of people of all ages suffer from acne, whether it is a constant daily battle or occasional breakouts. Many acne products claim to give you clean, smooth skin but which ones really work? Is there a way to get rid of acne for good? Is there a miracle acne solution? I am here to give you acne help and get you acne free. I set out to find the answers through research and personal experiences of people across the net who are or were suffering from varying degrees of acne.
For some, prescription acne medication like Accutane is needed. For most, over the counter products work to clear their skin and control breakouts. The problem is finding an acne solution that works but isn't too harsh for your skin. For this reason, I suggest that you try the least harsh treatments first and move up to more intense treatments if your skin doesn't respond.
In order to choose an acne remedy that is best for you, there are a few things to keep in mind.
How severe your acne is.
If you have severe adult acne and need to treat it on a daily basis, you will need a strong product that won't ravage your skin as it heals it. On the other hand, if you suffer from mild acne or occasional breakouts, you won't need as harsh a formula but you will need something fast and effective. Those with oily skin may want a product to keep breakouts at bay - even if they don't currently suffer from acne. That requires a gentle but effective daily product.
Cost
As with everything, acne treatments can come with a high price tag. Most treatments require you to use a system rather than just one product on a daily basis. Consider what you can afford on an ongoing basis before committing to a treatment.
Your level of commitment
Are you willing to commit to multi step acne solution every day? Do you want something fast and easy because you're on the go constantly? Many systems require a commitment to follow their program every day, often twice a day. One step solutions may not be as effective but don't require much time and can be folded right into your usual daily routine.
Based on research as of March 2008, here are what acne prone people across the net - as well as dermatologists and skincare specialists - say are the most effective over the best acne treatments for severe, moderate, and mild/occasional acne. I have also included the most effective natural acne treatments for those who shun chemicals. As always, your results will vary and you may need to try a few products before finding one that you're happy with.
Overall Best Acne Treatment
ClearPores Skin Cleansing System
This acne solution was ranked #1 on three independent acne treatment sites as well as many other ranking sites. According to Webwire.com, the ClearPores system is the best acne system of 2008 after researching dozens of systems. The three step system consists of a deep cleansing wash, 100% natural herbal supplements that work on acne from the inside out, and protection cream that keeps skin clean and clear throughout the day. ClearPores is good for all skin types, including dry and sensitive, and really works to combat acne from the inside out and from the outside in. Users rave about the amazing results they have gotten with this system. The makers are very confident. They give you a full six month satisfaction guarantee! Price: A month's supply is $64.95 and you get a discount for buying two or three month supplies. They also make a three step body acne system. The system is only available on www.ClearPores.com.
Best Acne Treatment for Severe Acne
System - ProActiv Solution
ProaActiv acne treatment is a popular brand and the number one selling acne treatment system. The system consists of cleanser, toner, and repairing lotion. There is also a face mask and a couple of oil free moisturizers that compliment this system but are optional. Developed by dermatologists Dr. Katie P. Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields, ProActiv solution addresses the severest acne. It can be harsh on dry skin, however. Some users have complained that, while their skin did clear up, it was also visibly drier. I suggest using the ProActiv system only if you've tried less harsh treatments and didn't get the results you wanted. Price: An introductory kit is $39.95 and subsequent kits are between $39.95 and $59.95 depending on whether you add an additional product to the three steps. You can buy ProActiv on its official website and it is also available on some skin care websites.
One Step Solution - Bruunhause Acne Gel (H3O+)
Touted as the strongest acne serum in the world, this gel is based on "Hydronium technology" and gets glowing reviews from users who needed serious acne help, thinking their acne would never be controlled. Even users who previously used prescription acne treatments and medications have found that Bruunhause Acne Gel works as well or better than potentially dangerous prescription products. Price: a 2.2 ounce bottle, which lasts six to eight weeks, costs $93.50 on up to $217.00. Ouch! As far as I can tell, this product is only sold on http://www.bruunhause.com/ and now and then at http://shop.netletras.com.
Best Acne Treatment for Moderate Acne
System - Murad Acne Complex Kit
The Murad acne solution is for all skin types and all ages. This system contains no potentially irritating benzoyl peroxide and has an over 90% success rate, according to the Murad website. Murad was developed by dermatologist Dr. Howard Murad and consists of three steps: cleansing, treating, and hydrating. You can also purchase a clarifying mask and a spot treatment to add to the system. Users like that their skin isn't overly dry when using this system and that results are seen after just a week or 10 days of consistent use. Murad claims that the system is "gentle enough to use as everyday skincare, yet powerful enough to fight even the most persistent acne breakouts." Price: $29.95 for a 30 day supply with automatic shipments thereafter. You can also purchase a starter kit for $35.00 and a full sized system for about $60.00 at many skin care and beauty websites and stores.
One Step Solution - MD Skincare All-Over Blemish Solution
This pricey salicylic acid acne treatment gel prevents blemishes under the skin from forming and helps to rid the skin of existing blemishes. It normalizes oil production, soothes and calms skin, and reduces the size of pores all without over drying the skin. Consumers often use it on as an needed basis when they see signs of blemishes forming or when their hormones cause their skin to be "out of whack". It is very concentrated and works fast. Price: $84.00 for a 1.7 ounce tube.
Best Acne Treatment for Mild Acne and Occasional Breakouts
System - Philosophy Acne Kit
Philosophy's benzoyl peroxide-free acne remedy consists of four products to keep skin clear without harsh chemicals. This kit can be used on the back and chest as well as the face. According to Philosophy, "step one is to suppress excessive oil production, step two is to shed the pore wall, step three is to help sanitize the skin to protect against bacteria, and step four is to seal the skin to help keep the good treatments in and the bad elements out." Users are generally adults who suffer from hormonal breakouts or ones who have combination skin that "acts up" every once in a while. They like how gentle the products are and how the system works together. They often replace their usual skin care regiment with Philosophy Acne Kit products until their skin is clear, then resume their prior regiment. Price: $47.00. You can buy all products individually as well.
One Step Solution - Neutrogena Rapid Clear Oil Control Foaming Cleanser
This foaming cleanser controls oil and helps to ward off blemishes. It's effective, non drying, and inexpensive! Users are loyal to this face wash and say it doesn't irritate their skin nor does it cause tightness and flaking. This is a great cleanser for people who break out now and then and need to switch up cleansers to address their skin's issues and for those who have mild acne and want to clear their skin and keep blemishes at bay. Price: A six ounce tube is around $7.00.
Best Natural Acne Treatment
System - Zenmed Derma Cleanse System
According to Zenmed, "The Derma Cleanse system is a powerful, three step program - doctor formulated to control acne from the inside, where acne begins, to the outside, where your symptoms end." This natural system includes Derma Cleanse, a "synergistic blend of botanicals" that works on acne from the inside out, Derma Cleanse Washing Gel with botanicals extracts and anti inflammatory properties, and Derma Cleanse Acne Gel which contains a natural astringent and anti bacterial properties to keep skin clear - naturally! The system, with two additional products, is $99.95. You can order only on the official website, www. zenmed.com.
One Step Solution - LUSH Herbalism Facial Cleanser
LUSH makes all natural skin care and this solid, strange looking cleanser calms problem skin and gets right to the root of blemishes and other skin issues. According to LUSH, the cleanser contains "China clay to remove excess oil, ground almonds and rice bran to exfoliate away dead skin cells, sage, chamomile and marigold to soothe inflammation and rosemary and sage to banish nasty microbes." Because it is handmade and natural, this cleanser has a shelf life of three months. Price: 10.95 for a 3.5 ounce chunk.
Best Acne Spot Treatments to Clear Skin Fast
This all-natural pink acne solution is a favorite among celebrities because it works fast. Simply dab a cotton swab into the solution, apply it on individual blemishes, go to bed and wake up with significantly smaller and drier blemishes. This product contains calamine and salicylic acid to soothe and dry blemishes. A one ounce bottle costs $17.00 and is very concentrated. Users of this drying lotion rave that it's a "miracle" and "works fast every time".
Origins Spot Remover
This is another heavy favorite among those who want to zap zits fast! This salicylic acid based liquid gets to the root of the blemish and dries it quickly. Origins also claims that this formula is very gentle. "Unlike many blemish treatments that aggressively attack acne with overly drying ingredients, Spot Remover won't provoke tender skin or cause additional sensitivity." A .3 ounce bottle is $11.00.Burts Bees Doctor Burt's Herbal Blemish Stick with Tea Tree OilFor those who prefer natural stick spot treatments, this one gets high ratings. The natural ingredients treat and dry blemishes with no drying or harsh chemicals. Users love that this formula is clear and keep this inexpensive stick with them wherever they go in case they see a blemish coming on. Price: About $8.00 for a .3 ounce stick.
Buying Guide
Most of the best acne products listed can be purchased at skin care and beauty stores on and offline - as well as on the companies' websites. A few are available only through their own websites. I have listed those below.
- ClearPores - http://www.clearpores.com/
- Bruunhause Acne Gel (H3O+) - http://www.bruunhause.com/
- Mario Badescu Drying Lotion - http://www.mariobadescu.com/
- Zenmed Derma Cleanse System - http://www.zenmed.com/
- LUSH Herbalism Facial Cleanser - www.lush.com
Acne Help! Additional Resources to help you get Acne Free:
Among the dozens of research websites I visited, the following were the most helpful. Other sources include all the major consumer review sites and several skincare blogs.
