Acne Treatments: Ratings of Sources
Total of 26 Sources
For an explanation of how we rank reviews, see our ratings criteria page.
Blemish/Acne Treatments
by Paula Begoun
Our AssessmentSkin care expert Paula Begoun reviews and rates skin-care products from more than 200 brands. Begoun, who cites medical journals, cosmetic industry reports and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in her opinions, provides helpful information on the common ingredients found in skin-care products and cosmetics. In her reviews, she discusses value and effectiveness, listing the top picks for many categories. In short, this is an excellent, well-researched reference. Some of Begoun's reviews are also summarized on her retail site, CosmeticsCop.com.
Acne Therapy: Unique Combination Gel Scores High
by Ilya Petrou
Our AssessmentThis article describes a study that found a new prescription combination gel to be highly effective at treating moderate acne in teenagers. The gel contains 0.1 percent adapalene (retinoid) and 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide. Noticeable results were seen as early as week one, and a significant reduction of acne lesions was apparent after 12 weeks. (The gel received FDA approval in January 2009 and is being sold by Galderma as Epiduo).
Comparison of Five Antimicrobial Regimens for Treatment of Mild to Moderate inflammatory Facial Acne Vulgaris in the Community
by Hywel C. Williams, et al
Our AssessmentA British study of 649 participants compares the efficacy of five different antimicrobial skin-care regimens for the treatment of acne. These include benzoyl peroxide, oral antibiotics, topical antibiotics and combination treatments. Results show that benzoyl peroxide is the most effective treatment when considering efficacy and cost. No specific brands or products are mentioned in the article.
Acne
by Editors of ConsumerReports.org
Our AssessmentEditors of Consumer Reports' health website explain the causes of acne and dispel some common myths. Several treatments are rated based on the latest available research and on analysis of the benefits and harms for each. The best products have benefits that outweigh any potential harm.
Best of Beauty: Skin Care
by Editors of Allure magazine
Our AssessmentAllure editors, cosmetics chemists, and dermatologists test thousands of products, choosing 189 as the best in their categories. Both old and new products are tested in order to find the best on the market. However, judging criteria are not clear, and non-winning products aren't mentioned. This year's winning acne treatments are DDF Sulfur Therapeutic Mask 10% Acne Treatment, Neutrogena On-the-Spot Acne Treatment and Neutrogena Advanced Solutions Acne Therapy System.
America's Healthiest Beauty Buys 2009
by Elizabeth Woodson
Our AssessmentTop dermatologists rate beauty products for Health magazine's annual Healthy Beauty awards. Products are chosen in skin care, body care, makeup and hair care categories. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Triple-Action Toner and Dermadoctor Ain't Misbehavin' Intensive Skin-Correcting Sulfur Acne Mask both make the list. Only the winners are listed, and judging criteria is unclear.
2009 Beauty Award Winners
by Editors of CEW.org
Our AssessmentCosmetic Executive Women, a beauty industry trade organization of more than 4,000 executives, announces the winners of their 2009 Insider's Choice Beauty awards. Beauty winners are chosen in several categories by CEW members, industry professionals and beauty experts. Two products are chosen for most categories: one higher-priced option and one that's more affordable. Clean & Clear Advantage Blackhead Eraser Exfoliating Cleanser is the only winner in the acne treatment category. There is no information given about the products except for the manufacturers' descriptions.
Best Beauty Buys 2009: Skin
by Editors of InStyle
Our AssessmentInStyle editors list top beauty picks based on the favorites of 162 industry experts. The winners are categorized by skin type, and a brief description is given for each. Acne treatments chosen include products from Neutrogena, Skinceuticals and Proactiv. However, we're not sure why these products are chosen over others, and comments are not very critical.
Top Teen Skin Savers
by Kristyn Pomranz
Our AssessmentSix board-certified dermatologists evaluate five acne-control kits based on ingredients and claims. The Proactiv Solution kit is rated as the winner, and Neutrogena Advanced Solutions Complete Acne Therapy System is chosen as the runner-up. It is not clear which other kits were evaluated.
"Real-World" Acne Study Documents Benefit of Retinoid-Based Combo TX
by Cheryl Guttman
Our AssessmentThe results of a trial show that topical retinoid adapalene gel 0.1 percent (Differin, Galderma) hastens the clearing of acne when used in combination with other topical and/or oral treatments. Nearly 2,000 patients were involved with the study, and all of them used the adapalene gel in combination with other treatments, but it is unclear which other treatments were used.
Reaching for a Retinoid? Less May be More
by Karen Donley-Hayes
Our AssessmentThis article documents the results of a study that compared adapalene 0.1 percent treatment with tazarotene 0.1 percent, as well as with a combination of the two. The results of the study show no difference in effectiveness between the three treatments, although tazarotene is reported to be more irritating than adapalene. Researchers conclude that it is more beneficial for patients to continue with the same retinoid for a period of at least 12 weeks before making any changes.
Kiss of Approval Beauty Awards 2008
by Editors of Cosmo Girl magazine
Our AssessmentEditors of Cosmo Girl magazine, along with readers and celebrities, choose their favorite beauty products. Favorites are chosen in several categories, including eyes, face and body. There are no comparisons or descriptions of the beauty products listed. The Proactiv Solution 3-Step System is chosen as the best "pimple fighter."
The Clear-Skin Makeover
by Jenny Bailly
Our AssessmentGood Housekeeping discusses the methods for treating adult acne. Writer Jenny Bailly explains that adult skin is more sensitive and less resilient than teenage skin and needs to be treated more gently. Tips here include cleansing no more than twice a day, avoiding drying masks and using lower dosages of potent ingredients. Several products are recommended, but they aren't rated and it isn't clear if any of them are tested.
Beat Your Breakouts Forever
by Elizabeth Flahive
Our AssessmentThis article addresses adult acne issues and discusses treatments that fight acne and signs of aging simultaneously. Elizabeth Flahive points out that adult skin is less elastic than that of teenagers and thus needs fewer drying products. Exfoliating, hydrating and anti-inflammatory products are recommended. Flahive also discusses pigmentation issues and possible solutions. Products are not rated or compared.
2009 Healthy Beauty Awards
by Eleanor Langston
Our AssessmentEleanor Langston lists the best beauty products of 2009. Top products are listed under face, body, makeup, hair and sun categories. Kate Somerville Anti Bac Clearing Lotion is chosen as the best acne treatment, though no information is given as to why. No comparison information is given, and the process in which products are chosen is unclear.
New Warnings, Risks or Restrictions for Three Skin Drugs
by Editors of ConsumerReports.org
Our AssessmentConsumerReports.org discusses the risks involved with antibiotic acne medications as well as those associated with Accutane. Research suggests that acne patients participating in an antibiotic treatment plan are twice as likely to suffer from upper-respiratory tract infections and may be at risk of creating drug-resistant bacteria as well. The article also discusses an FDA-sponsored program, iPLEDGE, designed to ensure that Accutane (isotretinoin) users are aware of the risks and side effects associated with the drug. The program sets forth stringent requirements to prevent pregnancy during treatment.
Adult Acne Facts, Plus How to Get Rid of Acne
by Julyne Derrick
Our AssessmentJulyne Derrick, About.com's guide to beauty, discusses seven facts about adult acne. She states that one in five women between the ages of 25 and 40 suffer from acne but that treatments differ from those that are effective on teens. Several products are recommended, including the Zeno Acne Clearing Device, but none are rated or compared. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
MakeupAlley Product Reviews -- Treatments
by Contributors to MakeupAlley.com
Our AssessmentMore than 1,000 facial treatments, including acne products, are reviewed by members of this website. Product reviews can be sorted in a multitude of ways, making it easy for users to find the highest consumer-rated products as well as those that are reviewed most often. Some products receive hundreds of reviews while others receive only a few. Among those with many reviews, Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10, Paula's Choice 2% BHA Lotion, Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control 3-in-1 Hydrating Acne Treatment, Acne.org Treatment, and Desert Essence Tea Tree Oil receive the highest ratings. You must register (for free) to use this website.
User Submitted Acne Treatment & Skin Care Product Reviews
by Contributors to Acne.org
Our AssessmentThis informative site was founded by Daniel Kern, a longtime acne sufferer. He endorses a regimen of gentle cleansing followed by dousing the skin with a 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide product. Kern uses the site to provide information and tips to those with acne-prone skin as well as to sell his own line of Acne.org products. He also posts user reviews and rankings for various acne products from other brands. Acne treatments with high ratings include (not surprisingly) Acne.org Treatment, Carley's Clear & Smooth Skin Treatment, Queen Helene Masque -- Mint Julep and Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10.
Acne Care
by Contributors to Drugstore.com
Our AssessmentConsumers can read and post reviews for products sold at Drugstore.com, which include several personal care items. Most of the acne care products listed are reviewed at least once, but a few of them are reviewed hundreds of times. Of those that are reviewed the most, Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask, Bye Bye Blemish Drying Lotion, Nature's Cure Two-Part Acne Treatment System for Females, Burt's Bees Doctor Burt's Herbal Blemish Stick with Tea Tree Oil, Neutrogena On-the-Spot Acne Treatment and Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10 rate the highest.
Acne
by Contributors to Amazon.com
Our AssessmentMost acne treatments listed for sale at Amazon.com are only reviewed a handful of times. Those with more than 100 reviews get average ratings at best. Neutrogena Advanced Solutions Complete Acne Therapy System, Skin Laboratory Glycolic Acid 35% Gel Peel, and AcneFree Severe Acne Treatment System are among the highest rated acne treatments with the most reviews.
Guide Picks -- Top 10 Best Overall Acne Fighting Products
by Mike Hardcastle
Our AssessmentIn this article, Mike Hardcastle, About.com's former guide to teen advice, lists top acne treatments for teens. The list includes a variety of products, including cleansers, gels and masks among others. Each product includes a brief description explaining its benefits. Products are not ranked or compared with others, it's unclear how or if these treatments were tested, and the write-ups sound like they could have been taken from manufacturer literature. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
The Heat Is On
by by Ashley Bleimes
Our AssessmentAshley Bleimes reports on two acne-fighting devices that use high heat to zap breakouts. Zeno, made by Tyrell Inc., heats to a temperature of 118.5 degrees Fahrenheit and is applied to a blemish for 2-1/2É minutes. ThermaClear, from Therative, heats to 212 degrees Fahrenheit and is applied for about two seconds. Darrell Rigel, a dermatologist and professor at New York University comments that there are not a lot of studies on this treatment, "But it may be something to try." A spokesperson for Zeno adds that once you develop a whitehead, heat would do nothing to speed the process along.
What is Acne?
by Angela Palmer
Our AssessmentThis informative article discusses the causes of acne as well as various treatment plans. Angela Palmer, an aesthetician and About.com's acne guide, calls acne "the most common skin disorder in the United States" and insists that there is no cure. She does, however, state that most cases can be controlled with an effective treatment plan. Palmer does not make any specific product recommendations but does provide information on a variety of issues, including cystic acne and acne in skin of color. This site is helpful as an information source. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
Fight Acne with a One-Two Punch
by Dana Hudepohl
Our AssessmentDana Hudepohl recommends combination treatments for people suffering from acne. Retinoids, for example, can be effective for all types of acne, but they are even more so when used in combination with hormonal, antibiotic or benzoyl peroxide treatments. Hudepohl suggests a combination of benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid for those with mild cases of acne but suggests that those with severe cases might need prescription-strength medications. No specific products are reviewed, but a list of alternative, natural remedies is included.
Simple Tips to Cure Your Acne Naturally
by Jennifer Thoden
Our AssessmentJennifer Thoden, About.com's guide to holistic healing, says natural remedies can be just as effective as medications in combating acne. She lists simple tips such as washing the face twice daily and taking a multivitamin. It is suggested that it may take up to four weeks to notice results. No particular products are rated or recommended here. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)