Acne Treatments: Reviews

Updated June 2010

While it may take some experimentation to find the right treatment and results are not immediate, if you have acne it is best to use some sort of acne treatment. Experts consulted by ConsumerSearch agree that most with mild to moderate acne can use over the counter treatments that contain benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Those with severe blemishes may need prescription-strength medication which are also reviewed below.

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Best for blackheads and mild acne

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control 3-in-1 Hydrating Acne Treatment

*Est. $7 for 2 oz. Compare Prices

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control 3-in-1 Hydrating Acne Treatment contains 2 percent salicylic acid, an exfoliant that helps treat acne before it emerges by unclogging pores and sloughing off dead skin cells.… expandExperts say salicylic acid is the best treatment for blackheads, although it is equally effective on all mild acne. Neutrogena has a light, non-greasy formula that helps moisturize skin, and it contains antioxidants and anti-irritants in the form of aloe, cucumber and green tea that help control redness. A few users complain that the product aggravates breakouts instead of healing them, but this may be due to a silicone or salicylic acid allergy. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Beautipedia.com: Skin-care expert Paula Begoun says Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control 3-in-1 Hydrating Acne Treatment is one of only three well-formulated salicylic acid treatments that are widely available at the drugstore.

Allure: Allure editors -- along with cosmetics, chemists and dermatologists -- choose Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control 3-in-1 Hydrating Acne Treatment as the best acne treatment after comparing it with several competitors.

Shape magazine: Editors discuss some of the latest acne remedies, recommending Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control 3-in-1 Hydrating Acne Treatment for normal skin.

Marie Claire: Products are not rated or compared for this article, but instead are recommended for the specific ailments discussed.

MakeupAlley.com: A few consumers at MakeupAlley.com say Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control 3-in-1 Hydrating Acne Treatment does not work for them, but the majority say it clears up blemishes without drying out the skin.

Drugstore.com: The majority of consumers posting to Drugstore.com say that Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control 3-in-1 Hydrating Acne Treatment clears up their acne, controls redness and smells great.

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Best spot treatment

Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10

*Est. $6 for 1 oz. Compare Prices

Experts say that Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10 may be too strong for use on a regular basis, except for those with more stubborn acne. It contains 10 percent benzoyl peroxide, the strongest dosage available over the counter.… expandThe potent formula can leave skin dry and flaky, but reviewers say it improves the appearance of blemishes overnight and wipes them out in just two to three days. Experts suggest, however, using Persa-Gel only if gentler formulas prove ineffective. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Beautipedia.com: Paula Begoun gives Persa-Gel 10 her highest rating, saying that while it can be drying, it is an excellent option for stubborn cases of acne that won't respond to less potent formulas.

MakeupAlley.com: Hundreds of reviewers at MakeupAlley.com give Persa-Gel 10 a high rating.

Acne.org: Reviewers at Acne.org praise Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10 for quickly making a dramatic difference in the appearance of their skin.

Drugstore.com: Users at Drugstore.com praise Persa-Gel 10 for its affordable price tag and quick results.

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Top-rated acne-treatment kit

Proactiv Solution 3-Step System

*Est. $20 Compare Prices

Proactiv Solution 3-Step System contains cleanser, toner and lotion. The system uses benzoyl peroxide, a proven topical disinfectant that kills acne-causing bacteria. Both the cleanser and the lotion contain a 2.5 percent… expandsolution of benzoyl peroxide, which several experts prefer because it is less drying than higher concentrations but is just as effective. The toner uses glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin. While many users swear by Proactiv, we also read some reports that while it's effective at first, its effectiveness can weaken for some users over time. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Beautipedia.com: Paula Begoun gives each of the products included in Proactiv Solution 3-Step System a reasonable rating based on the solid scientific evidence behind their ingredients.

InStyle: Editors of InStyle magazine test hundreds of products for their annual beauty awards.

Good Housekeeping: Dermatologists evaluate five acne-control kits based on ingredients and claims.

About.com: Julyne Derrick, About.com's guide to beauty, lists seven facts about adult acne and recommends several products.

MakeupAlley.com: Consumers at MakeupAlley.com give Proactiv Solution 3-Step System an average rating based on thousands of reviews.

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Prescription-strength treatment for severe acne

Differin Cream or Gel

Prescription only Learn More

Adapalene is the active ingredient in Differin, a retinoid that is available in a cream or gel. Studies show that retinoids are effective in treating mild to severe cases of acne, especially when combined with other… expandtopical treatments. Experts say Differin is more tolerable than other retinoid forms and causes fewer side effects, although some mild discomfort may occur when starting use. Those with mild cases of acne may see similar results from an over-the-counter treatment like Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control 3-in-1 Hydrating Acne Treatment or the Proactiv Solution 3-Step System. A prescription is needed to purchase Differin. It is not available in a generic form. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Dermatology Times: This article cites a study that shows that topical retinoid adapalene gel 0.1 percent (Differin, Galderma) hastens the clearing of acne lesions when used in combination with one or more topical and/or oral treatments.

Dermatology Times: This article documents the results of a study that compared adapalene 0.1 percent, tazarotene 0.1 percent and a combination of the two retinoid treatments.

CosmeticsCop.com: Paula Begoun cites scientific studies that prove the effectiveness of retinoids in the treatment of acne.

Good Housekeeping: The editors of Good Housekeeping recommend prescription-strength retinoids for the treatment of adult acne, but they suggest that Retin-A may be too harsh for adult skin.

Acne.org: Consumers posting to Acne.org claim that Differin is very effective at treating acne.

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Neutrogena Advanced Solutions Complete Acne Therapy System *Est. $22 for three-bottle kit

3 picks by top review sites.

Neutrogena On-the-Spot Acne Treatment *Est. $7 for 0.75 oz.

2 picks by top review sites.

Proactiv Solution Repairing Lotion *Est. $22 for 2 oz.

2 picks by top review sites.


	Proactiv Solution Original Repairing Lotion 2 oz In Stock. Average Customer Review: