Acne Treatments Reviews

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Acne Treatments Reviews Reviewed
Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Acne Treatments Ratings Comments on Reviews
1. Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me >> Details/Subscribe	BHA Treatments / Topical Disinfectants Paula Begoun Not Dated		In this book, author Paula Begoun reviews and rates skin-care products from more than 200 brands. Begoun, who cites medical journals, cosmetic industry reports and the FDA to back 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 top picks for many categories. In short, this is an excellent, well-researched reference. All of Begoun's reviews can also be found on her subscription website, Beautypedia.com, and some are summarized on her other site, CosmeticsCop.com.
2. CosmeticsCop.com	Best of 2007 Paula Begoun Jan. 2008		CosmeticsCop.com is an informative website created by Paula Begoun, author of the book Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me. The website includes product reviews as well as skin care facts and tips. Begoun's article, "Battles Plan for Fighting Blemishes," gives very informative information and a step-by-step plan to attack acne. In her beauty report, "Best of 2007," Begoun lists the top products reviewed for the year. While she insists that acne products have not improved much, she does list Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control 3-in-1 Hydrating Acne Treatment as a winner and states that it is one of only three effective salicylic acid products available at the drugstore.

Acne Treatments Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Acne Treatments Ratings Comments on Reviews

3. The Lancet	Comparison of Five Antimicrobial Regimens Prof. Hywel C. Williams PhD and team Dec. 18, 2004		A 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

Acne Treatments Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Acne Treatments Ratings Comments on Reviews

4. Allure >> Details/Subscribe	Best of Beauty Awards 2007 Allure Editors Oct. 2007		Allure editors along with cosmetics chemists and dermatologists test nearly 2,000 products and choose 187 as the best in their categories. Both old and new products are tested in order to find the best on the market. However, products are merely listed with no description or critique. This year's winning acne treatments are Sonya Dakar Drying Potion and Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control 3-in-1 Hydrating Acne Treatment.
5. Health >> Details/Subscribe	The Best Beauty Buys 2007 Jolene Edgar Nov. 2007		Top dermatologists rate beauty products for Health magazine's annual Healthy Beauty Awards. Products are chosen for skin care, body care, makeup and hair care categories. Clean & Clear Advantage Invisible Acne Patch, which uses salicylic acid, is chosen as the best blemish treatment. Only the winners are listed and judging criteria is unclear.
6. CEW.org	2007 Insider's Choice Beauty Winners CEW Associates Not Dated		Cosmetic Executive Women, a beauty industry trade organization of more than 4,000 executives, announces the winners for their 2007 Insider's Choice Beauty Awards. Beauty winners are chosen for several categories by CEW members, industry professionals and beauty experts. Two products are chosen in each category, one higher-priced option and one low-priced. MD Skincare All-Over Blemish Solution and Neutrogena Rapid Clear Pads (with 2% salicylic acid) are both rated as winners in the acne treatment category. There is no information given about the products except for the manufacturers' descriptions.
7. InStyle >> Details/Subscribe	Best Beauty Buys 2007: Skin Editors of InStyle Apr. 2007		InStyle editors list top beauty picks based on the favorites of 180 industry experts. The winners are categorized by skin type and a brief description is given for each. Acne treatments chosen include products from Neutrogena, Olay and Clean & Clear. However, we're not sure why these products are chosen over others, and comments are not very critical.
8. InStyle >> Details/Subscribe	Best Beauty Buys 2008: Face Editors of InStyle Apr. 2008		InStyle editors list more than 140 top beauty picks based on the favorites of industry experts for their 13th annual poll. The winners are listed in the categories of makeup, face, hair and body, and a brief description is given for each. Top-rated acne treatments are Clearasil Ultra Vanishing Acne Treatment Cream (with 10 percent benzoyl peroxide) for Best Acne Spot Treatment, and Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Control Kit (which uses benzoyl peroxide in the cleanser and salicylic acid in the moisturizer and spot treatment) for Best Acne Regimen.
9. Brides	Brides Beauty Awards 2007 Editors of Brides magazine May/June 2007		Editors of Brides magazine test beauty products for face, body, hair and makeup. A number of favorites are chosen and briefly described for each category. Murad Acne Spot Treatment is chosen as the "clear favorite for battling breakouts." There are no rankings and it is unclear how the products were tested or which others they were compared to.
10. Good Housekeeping.com >> Details/Subscribe	Top Teen Skin Savers Kristyn Pomranz Nov. 2007		Six 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.
11. Dermatology Times >> Details/Subscribe	"Real-World" Acne Study Documents Benefit of Retinoid-Based Combo TX Cheryl Guttman June 2006		The results of a Measuring Outcomes in a Real World Experience (MORE) 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.
12. Dermatology Times >> Details/Subscribe	Reaching for a Retinoid? Less May be More Karen Donley-Hayes Apr. 2007		This article documents the results of a study that compared adapalene 0.1%, tazarotene 0.1% and a combination of the two retinoid treatments. The results of the study show no difference in efficacy between the three treatments. Differences in irritation, however, are reported. Tazarotene is reported to be more irritating than adapalene and there is a double peak of irritation when switching between the two. 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.
13. Cosmo Girl	Kiss of Approval: 2007 Beauty Awards Cosmo Girl Editors Sept. 2007		Editors 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. Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment is chosen as the best "pimple fighter."
14. Shape magazine >> Details/Subscribe	Get Clear Skin Fast Editors of Shape Magazine Aug. 2007		Editors of Shape magazine discuss some of the latest acne remedies on the market. Each is tested but results are not given. Neutrogena Acne Stress Control 3-in-1 Hydrating Acne Treatment is recommended for normal skin while Clarins Truly Matte Blemish Control is recommended for sensitive skin. For targeted blemish treatment, editors recommend ThermaClear.
15. Marie Claire	Beat Breakouts Forever Elizabeth Flahive Oct. 2007		This 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 that that of teenagers and thus needs less drying products. Exfoliating, hydrating and anti-inflammatory products are recommended. Flahive also discusses pigmentation issues and possible solutions. Products are not rated or compared.
16. Self Magazine >> Details/Subscribe	2007 Healthy Beauty Awards Editors of Self Magazine May 2007		Editors of Self magazine list the best beauty products of 2007. Top products are listed under face, body, makeup, hair and sun categories. Sephora Face Concealing Blemish Pen is chosen as the best acne treatment, though no information is given as to why it is chosen. No comparison information is given and the process in which products are chosen is unclear.
17. Good Housekeeping.com >> Details/Subscribe	Beautiful Skin at Any Age Editors of Good Housekeeping Not Dated		Skin care problems for each decade from the 30s to the 50s are listed. According to the author, women in their 30s suffer from hormonal breakouts but are less tolerant of harsh treatments. Differin cream is suggested as an alternative to Retin-A and Accutane. The SmoothBeam laser is also recommended for diminishing cystic acne. No products are rated or reviewed.
18. Redbook >> Details/Subscribe	Beauty News and Q's: Gotta Get It: Pimple-Free Skin Editors of Redbook Magazine May 2007		Redbook editors list some of the latest acne-fighting products on the market and give a brief description of each. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control 3-in-1 Hydrating Acne Treatment is called "the cheap fix" and ThermaClear, a heat therapy treatment, is called "the fast solution." For "luxe treatment," editors recommend Decleor Aromassage Purify Massage Treatment. Products are not rated and it is unclear whether or not they were tested or compared to others.
19. Consumer Reports >> Details/Subscribe	New Warnings, Risks, or Restrictions for Three Skin Drugs Editors of Consumer Reports Mar. 2006		Consumer Reports 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 risks and side effects associated with the drug. The program sets forth stringent requirements to help avoid pregnancy while undergoing treatment.

Acne Treatments Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Acne Treatments Ratings Comments on Reviews

20. About.com	Adult Acne Facts & How to Get Rid of It Julyne Derrick Not Dated		Julyne Derrick, About.com's Beauty Guide, lists seven facts about adult acne, discussing each briefly. 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 for teens. Several products are recommended, including the Zeno Acne Clearing Device, but none are rated or compared. (Note that ConsumerSearch and About.com are owned by the same parent company, but are not affiliated editorially.)
21. Real Simple >> Details/Subscribe	The ABC's of Acne Stacey Colino Oct. 2007		Stacey Colino defines acne and discusses some of the factors that contribute to it. She states that salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are effective treatments that work even better when used together. Recommended products include Sonya Dakar Drying Potion and Clean & Clear Advantage Invisible Acne Patch, among others.
22. MakeupAlley.com	Skincare – Face – Treatments Contributors to MakeupAlley.com As of Apr. 2008		Over 1,700 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, Dan Kern's Regimen Gel, Jan Marini Bioclear and Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid receive the highest ratings. You must register (for free) to use this website.
23. Acne.org	User Submitted Acne Treatment Reviews Contributors to acne.org As of Apr. 2008		This informative site was founded by Daniel Kern, a long time acne sufferer. He endorses a regimen of gentle cleansing followed by dousing the skin with a 2.5% 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 product line – Daniel Kern's Regimen. He also posts user reviews and rankings for various acne products from other brands. Acne treatments with high ratings include (not surprisingly) Daniel Kern's Regimen Gel and Neutrogena On-the-Spot Acne Treatment.
24. Drugstore.com	Acne Care Reviews Contributors to Drugstore.com As of Apr. 2008		Consumers 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 upwards of 1,000 times. Of those that are reviewed the most, Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask, Klear Action Acne Treatment System and Burt's Bees Doctor Burt's Herbal Blemish Stick with Tea Tree Oil rate the highest.
25. Beauty and Fashion Tech.com	Review: ThermaClear Acne Treatment Device Author Unknown Not Dated		This undated blog discusses the ThermaClear Acne Treatment Device in comparison to the Zeno Acne Clearing Device. Both products zap blemishes with heat in order to clear the skin quickly. The author prefers ThermaClear over Zeno because it requires less time and is slightly more affordable. The writer warns that neither device is designed for use on cystic acne or blackheads.
26. USA Today Magazine	The Heat Is On Ashley Bleimes Feb. 12, 2007		Ashley 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 2-1/2 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.
27. About.com	Guide Picks-Top 10 Best Overall Acne Fighting Products Mike Hardcastle Not Dated		In this article, Mike Hardcastle, About.com's 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 to 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 that ConsumerSearch and About.com are owned by the same company, but are not affiliated editorially.)

Acne Treatments Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Acne Treatments Ratings Comments on Reviews

28. Choice.com.au	Acne Editors of Choice.com.au Aug. 2004		Choice is the largest consumer organization in Australia and publishes a magazine that is similar to Consumer Reports. This article contains useful information about the causes of acne as well as different treatment options. Benzoyl peroxide is believed to be the most effective ingredient for eliminating blemishes. Authors state that it should be applied over the entire effected area and should be used even when skin is clear. Other effective treatments are discussed, including sulfur, salicylic acid, retinoids and prescription medications. No specific brands are recommended or rated.
29. About.com	What is Acne? Angela Palmer Dec. 13, 2007		This informative article discusses the causes of acne as well as various treatment plans. Angela Palmer, an esthetician 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 that ConsumerSearch and About.com are owned by the same company, but are not affiliated editorially.)
30. Prevention.com >> Details/Subscribe	Fight Acne with a One-Two Punch Dana Hudepohl Sept. 8, 2006		Dana 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.
31. Cosmo Girl >> Details/Subscribe	Hit the Spot! Jennifer Goldstein Sept. 2006		In this article, Jennifer Goldstein shares five secrets for battling acne. She states that products need to be used continuously for six weeks before improvement is seen and that generic treatments often work as well as brand-name products. No particular brands are mentioned.
32. About.com	Simple Tips to Cure Your Acne Naturally Phylameana lila Desy Not Dated		Phylameana lila Desy, About.com's Guide to Holistic Healing, states that natural remedies can be just as effective as medications in combating acne. She lists simple tips such as washing the face twice daily, taking a multivitamin and drinking eight glasses of water daily. It is suggested that it may take up to four weeks to notice results. No particular products are rated or recommended here. (Note that ConsumerSearch and About.com are owned by the same company, but are not affiliated editorially.)