Acne treatment information

Acne treatment begins with a good skin-care regimen, the basics of which include a facial cleanser and moisturizer. See the ConsumerSearch reports on facial cleansers and facial moisturizers. Other considerations include toners, masks, serums and scrubs.

We found the following sources particularly helpful when researching acne treatments:

Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me by Paula Begoun proved to be an invaluable source of information. The book not only includes thousands of product reviews, but is also a wealth of information on acne care and contains references to other sources as well. The book is available on Paula Begoun's website, or at bookstores such as Amazon.com.

Paula Begoun's book is supplemented by several articles posted online at her website, including "Battle Plans for Fighting Blemishes."

Acne.org is an informative website created by Daniel Kern. It discusses the effectiveness of benzoyl peroxide in treating blemishes and contains several user-created product reviews. The site also markets Kern's own products, but we found the general information and advice to be solid.

An October 18, 2007 article in The New York Times called "Why Should Kids Have All the Acne?" by Natasha Singer looks at the marketing behind Proactiv Solution and discusses the way the skin business is "starting to promote acne as if it were a menace on par with heart disease." (Note that ConsumerSearch is a part of About.com, which is owned by The New York Times.)

Manufacturers' websites are also helpful sources of information:

Clinique

Clean & Clear

Neutrogena

Proactiv Solution

ThermaClear

Zeno

Accutane

Differin