Stop Acne Forver

See larger image SkinMedica Acne System 3 piece (Misc.) New From: $59.27 In Stock

The SkinMedica Acne System is but one more three stage acne treatment system to be added to the list that was started by Proactiv a couple of decades ago. However; this time their system is slightly different.

This is because Skinmedica's system uses no benzoil peroxide in the first stage, like you'll find in all the others. Rather, it contains salicylic acid in the initial wash and then benzoil peroxide in the finishing lotion.

So what does this mean to you? What it means is that if you're overly sensitive to benzoil peroxide, this my be a system that you might want to take a look at.

Another item worth noting, is that salicylic acid is also a popular and effective exfoliant.

Even so, it was the harsh side effects of benzoil peroxide that partly led to the development of these three stage systems. Systems that all include a second stage toner that counteracts some of these side effects. (drying and redness)

So then how does salicylic acid stack up in a side by side comparison tests with benzoil peroxide as an acne bacteria killer?

The answer to that is simple and that is that benzoil peroxide is the most powerful over the counter acne medicine currently available.

This means that that you will be making at least one compromise in that area with the SkinMedica Acne System.

As far is price is concerned, I have to say that at up to $100 per kit, I really do think that this kit is far too expensive. Especially considering that there are comparable three part acne treatment kits that are now available for as low as $25.

In defense of this kit though, it must be stated that you can find them listed at a substantially lower price, if you're willing to shop around online.

Read More Reviews on the SkinMedica Acne System

My Wife always had problems with clusters of small breakouts on her forehead,cheeks and chin. During her pregnancy her face was clear and all she had to do was rinse it and apply spf 15 lotion. She started having breakouts again about 3 months after my son was born. She began using Skin Medica acne system and her face is totally clear within 2 months. She uses all 3 products at night and only the cleanser and toner during the day with neutragenas spf 45 sun block lotion during the day. She has very oily skin and this works great for her!
Posted by: Alan C

I have tried using the Proactiv system but i just could't handle the side effect of the benzoil peroxide. I guess I'm just overly sensitive. The system by Skin Medica on the other hand seems to help and it doesn't leave my skin dry and red.

Posted by: Ronnie V Z

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See larger image Murad Acne Exfoliating Acne Treatment Gel, 2: Treat/Repair, 3.4 fl oz (100 ml) (Health and Beauty) List Price: $53.00 USD New From: $33.99 In Stock Release date June 16, 2006.

At first some people and you may be one of them, may wonder why Murad even has this product in their lineup. After all, it's so similar to their Murad T Zone Pore Refining Gel.

Both are basically exfoliants. However; there are some substantial differences as to what the both of them are marketed for. T Zone Pore Refining Gel is for shrinking pores, while Murad Exfoliating Acne Treatment Gel is for acne treatment.

So then, in light of the fact that they both are exfoliants, just what makes this product so different. The simple answer to that lies in its formulation.

You see unlike T Zone Pore Refining Gel, which lists glycolic acid as its main active component, ahead of the more milder salicylic acid. Murad Exfoliating Acne Treatment Gel is formulated opposite of that.

Rather, it lists salicylic acid as its main component. Ahead of the stronger glycolic acid. This you see is why this product is advertized for every day use. It would also be a reasonable option to someone who finds that glycolic acid is too harsh.

Also there is one other active ingredient that's listed in Murad Exfoliating Acne Treatment Gel that you won't find in their T Zone Pore Refining Gel and that is retinol.

Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A, that's included in a lot of skin treatment products for its alleged healing properties. The problem however, is that retinol is an oil and simply can't be absorbed by your skin.

Even so, you don't have to look far to find people that swear by it. Even if all clinical tests that have been done on it have involved oral applications. That is people who have taken retinol in pill form.

So my recommendation is that if you've found other skin exfoliators to be troublesome to your skin, this products my be your solution. Also if you like what you've heard about retinol, consider buying and using a pill form supplement.

Now as far as price is concerned, this product, at around $50 is definitely not one of the cheapest. Of course there are other skin exfoliators that you can buy for less but Murad Exfoliating Acne Treatment Gel does contain Aloe Vera.

Read More Reviews on Murad Exfoliating Acne Treatment Gel

I have been using this product and product line since I was 27 and I am now 38. I will never use anything else - it works SUPER for me. Is it why people think my daughter & I are sisters?? Maybe so..... LOVE LOVE it!!
Posted by: Joanne B

I've been battling acne since my teens, and now I'm in my early 30s. Tried this and didn't notice any difference in my skin. It didn't make it worse, but it didn't make it better either.
Posted by: Esther Z

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See larger image Murad T-Zone Pore Refining Gel 2 oz (Misc.) List Price: $41.00 USD New From: $30.00 In Stock

In a recent side by side comparison test of the top six pore minimizing and refining gels and serums by the Good Housekeeping Research Division, Murad T Zone Pore Refining Gel came out on top. It's not hard to understand why either.

In my opinion its because it lists glycolic acid as one of its primary ingredients. Glycolic acid is a very effective chemical based exfoliant, as is another one of its ingredients salicylic acid.

So what you have here, is basically a qualified exfoliant with a handful of stabilizers, emollients and organic plant extracts thrown in for good measure. However; there is just one important thing to consider.

That is that the more effective an exfliant is, that more apt it is to cause irritation and the fewer times you can use it per week. Keep this in mind because exfoliants basically function to dissolve away skin cells.

Another thing I found when researching this products is that as is the case with so many other skin treatment products of this type, I did run across a fair share of misinformation that ranged from over-hype to out and out untruths.

As an example a few adds that I found online claimed that it contained retinol and that it could stimulate new skin cell production. The fact is that it contains “no” retinol.

Also as far as skin cell production is concerned, it's a common exaggerated claim that you see with all to many skin care products. Your body just doesn't work that way.

As far as price is concerned though, I do think that at around $40 for a 2 oz spray bottle, it is a little steep. But then again it is rated number one by Good Housekeeping. Also all its competitors are very similarly priced.

Read More Reviews on Murad T Zone Pore Refining Gel

This product was definitely not worth the money for me. I started breaking out really bad after I started using this. It seemed to clog my pores, not shrink them. I finally returned it and had to take a store credit instead of a refund, and the credit wasn't even for the full amount!!! Not happy with this purchase experience at all.
Posted by: Lori V

I first read in our newspaper beauty product section that Murad Vitalic T-Zone Pore Refining Gel (2 Treat/Repair) 50ml/2oz is very effective. Though I'm over 50, I still have issues with my nose pores so decided to give it a try. Almost immediately I noticed a difference! The price seems high, but a little bit goes a long way! I decided to use it on other areas of my body with little pimple issues and it works on them, too. Well worth trying.
Posted by: Pami S

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See larger image Effaclar A.I. Targeted Breakout Corrector 15 ml. (Misc.) New From: $16.45 In Stock

I have a big problem with this product. It's basically the same problem that I have had with pretty much all la roche posay effaclar products that I have researched and it has to do with what's contained in them.

I'll tell you this. It's very hard to get accurate information on just how they work, if they even do work and the company itself seems to be content with keeping the mystery going.

This is why you'll find adds for this product listed all over the Internet that for instance, tout it as being one of the few products available that combine salicylic acid and benzoil peroxide. Guess what?

Go check the contents at the companies main site and you will see that it contains “no benzoil peroxide”! So why all the misinformation and skewed claims? Just keep on reading and I'll explain.

For some reason this company insists on using substances in their products that are so obscure that the independent industry panel that researches and grades chemical substances that are used in cosmetic products doesn't even list half of them. That's not good.

You see we're not talking about experimental cancer research here. We're talking about emollients (moisturizers) and stabilizing agents. That's right! Aside from salicylic acid, which is an exfoliant, that's all that this product contains.

So not only are easily half of the agents contained in it, substances that a self regulating cosmetic industry panel recommends that you avoid due to lack of safety testing but they don't even treat acne, per se. It even has perfume in it! So called acne medicine with perfume!

Now get this! It's listed for $29 per .5 oz and it also lists it's main active ingredient as “spring water”! That's right! You read it correctly! They do it on some of their other products as well. Spring water!

That's $60 per ounce for water that is supposed to cure acne because it came out of the ground! Of all the BS that can be slung about! The sad thing is that people are actually buying this stuff and you can find the reviews that attest to this fact.

Read More Reviews on La Roche Posay Effaclar AI

It makes my skin look and feel better but does not help much to fight break outs, probably, just not strong enough for my skin. I use it as a moisturizer.
Posted by: Paul M

Though I am now in my 20s I am still breaking out, as I have been doing for nearly a decade. After using the toleriane moisturizing lotion and the effaclar K (which I love!) I tried this, and it has since become my favored spot treatment (and I have tried them all). For me this can be drying- not like benzoyl peroxide- but it will cause a little flaking in the immediate area if I apply it on a pimple for several days in a row. Personally, if I used it as a moisturizer I expect my face would be raw and bleeding in a few days time..and I would definitely not recommend this use to anyone else. It is sold as a spot treatment, and in my opinion it is an excellent one, as it decreases healing time with minimal peeling.
Posted by: Melissa D

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See larger image Neutrogena On-the-Spot Acne Treatment, Vanishing Formula, 0.75-Ounce Tubes (Pack of 3) (Health and Beauty) List Price: $23.97 USD New From: $17.04 In Stock

Heaven knows that there sure are are a heck of a lot of skin care products out there that promise to do everything. They fight acne, clean skin, exfoliate, brighten and moisturize. All in one container!

However; as the old saying goes, it's better to do one thing “right” than to do several things only halfway! So it sure is nice to finally see a product like this. A basic 2.5% benzoil peroxide acne treatment.

Of course everyone by now knows that benzoil peroxide can dry your skin out. That's what they make moisturizers for. Also the fact is that the toner in three stage benzoil peroxide kits can easily be replaced by witch-hazel.

Another thing I like about Neutrogena on the Spot Acne Treatment, is its price. In an age when so many acne treatment product manufacturers are seeing how high they can go with their prices, this stuff sells for only around $20 or so.

Now understand that the more delicate your skin is, the more apt you are to experience some type of itching and drying from benzoil peroxide. Also don't kid yourself. Even at a 2.5% concentration, this stuff can cause you problems in that regard.

I do believe that Neutrogena on the Spot Acne Treatment is being a bit over hyped in their promotional material though. Hey! It's no new discovery! In fact benzoil peroxide has been around and getting used for decades.

All the same though, it's cheap to try, which is a lot more than I can say about so many other products out there and benzoil peroxide is clinically proven to kill acne causing bacteria. So what have you got to lose but your zits?!

Read More Reviews on Neutrogena on the Spot Acne Treatment

I am in my mid 40's, so my acne is a spot here and there. I've tried other products, but Neutrogena's On-the-Spot Acne Treatment, Vanishing Formula, has worked the best for me. It didn't dry out my skin and since it was a vanishing cream, no one knew I was using an acne product. I would recommend this product, since it worked for me!
Posted by: Nancy W

This is the most gentle brand available. It contains 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide. All other brands are extra strength and have 10%, which eats away at my face and burns. This takes a few applications to fully rid my face of break outs, but it is worth the wait to avoid any burning or injury. I have really sensitive skin and roseacea. My dermatologist recommended this for me. I am glad that I took his advice.
Posted by: Dave R

See larger image Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, For all skin types, 16-Ounce Bottles (Pack of 2) (Health and Beauty) List Price: $21.98 USD New From: $21.98 In Stock

I really like this line of soaps and moisturizers. They're affordable, come in a wide range of sizes and although Cetaphil does lack diversity in that they are strictly limited to soaps and cleanser, what they do, they do well.

Now when I say affordable I don't feel that I'm throwing the word around loosely at all. In fact I was even able to find a small container of Cetaphil face cleanser for sale online for just $5!

Also Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleansers are billed as being mild, which they are. You see the fact is that your face doesn't need an “industrial strength” cleanser to do the job. Mild will do.

So it's an affordable line with a nice selection of sizes and they all do what they say. Then what about the cons? Well believe it or not, there are a couple of them and they are as follows.

The first con is that the manufactures website describes its products as not stripping your skin of any of its natural oils and moisture. Well this is false! All soaps, no matter how mild, will take at least “some moisture” and natural oils from your skin!

This is why there are emollients included in each type of moisturizing soap that they make. So when your skin feels soft and smooth afterward, it's because of the emollients (moisturizers) that are in the mix.

Lastly, these products have no fragrance. While this might not matter to a lot of people, there are definitely some who do like their face cleanser to have a fragrance. Personally, I think that they could have at least added a mild fragrance.

Read More Reviews on Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

I have been using this cleanser and the mosturizer for bout 2wks and so far I love it. The mosturizer looks like its greasy but its not and it really has helped with my super dry skin that was flaking. I love how gentle it is and thats the very reason I bought it. I used proactive for only 2 days and I suffered. It burned my skin where it would hurt to touch it and made my acne worse. My skin was so sensitive to the touch but cetaphill didn't hurt it and helped it feel better after 2days.
Posted by: Rob S

A few months ago I decided to give this product a try after seeing so many positive reviews. My skin is sensitive, and usually pretty dry in most places, but also very prone to break outs. This cleanser leaves my face feeling moisturized, and has helped keep breakouts to a minimum.
Everyone's skin is different, so what works for me may not work for you- but I would definitely recommend anyone to give this a try!
Posted By: Clarita S

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See larger image AcneFree Severe Acne Treatment System (Health and Beauty) List Price: $29.99 USD New From: $22.49 In Stock Release date November 12, 2006.

This product, in my opinion, is unquestionably the best multi-stage treatment for severe acne currently on the market. However; before I go into the reasons why, I would like to elaborate on a few things.

The first thing I would like to make clear, is that if you suffer from sever acne, you should in no way be deluded into thinking that a simple kit will cure it.

There “is a root cause” for your acne and your true cure lies in determining and treating that root cause. For starters, I would suggest for instance exploring the concept that food allergies may be at the very least, a contributing factor.

Even so, this kit can be the final nail in your acne's coffin if you are truly serious about attacking it from more than one direction. This is because it's main active ingredient is benzoil peroxide. The strongest over the counter acne medicine you can buy.

Now the fourth stage is tube of cream that contains retinol. It's basically a night time treatment course for addressing the scarring caused by acne.

However; be aware of this. Retinol is not water soluble and any part that it plays in scar prevention is questionable. However; none the less, it is proven to be important for healthy skin.

The deal is though, that because it's not water soluble most of the studies that have involved retinol's effects on the skins healing process, have involved retinol that's ingested orally.

So all things considered, if you want to use retinol as part of your regimen, you would be much better off buying and using a retinol suppliment that's in pill form.

Ok back to the other three stages of this four stage kit. The first stage is a powerful cleanser that also contains benzoil peroxide. Be careful when you use it because benzoil peroxide is a powerful bleach.

Anything that it gets on will be left with a bleach stain. This includes towels, your clothing and even your hair if it dangles down in the way. So rinse well before moving on to the the second stage.

This would be the toner. Its function is to sooth the skin and counteract some of the negative effects of the benzoil peroxide. Make sure that you do a thorough job and don't worry of you run out.

This is because if you find yourself running short of toner, you can use witch-hazel in it's place. Use a cotton ball or a piece of cotton gauze to apply the toner. The toner also functions to close pores.

The third stage is a specially formulated lotion. It's blended specifically to be used by people with sever acne. Don't try to supplement it with a standard lotion or you could be in for serious trouble.

The lotion also contains a high concentration of benzoil peroxide, so be careful with it because it too will bleach your clothes and hair. Also make sure that you only apply a very thin layer.

Never use the retinol cream and the lotion together. They will simply counteract each other if you do and all you'll be left with is the negative side effects. The lotion is for the daytime and the retinol cream is a night-time treatment.

At $25 per kit, the Acnefree Severe Acne Treatment System is not one of the best deals in the acne treatment market. Rather it is the #1 “best deal”. It comes out to be roughly $6 per container.

Find a better deal than that and I'll eat your hat! Also consider finding and using a good chemical exfoliant in conjunction with this product. A moisturizer might help too, if you're experiencing dryness.

Read More Reviews on AcneFree Severe Acne Treatment System

This has worked really well for me. I can't use it every day because it makes my skin a bit dry - but it's very effective at clearing up breakouts. I didn't have severe acne to begin with, but enough that I'd tried a couple different prescriptions from a dermatologist. This worked just as well, if not better.
Posted by: Bob A

AcneFree was reviewed in Allure magazine, with good results, so I thought I would try it. After two months, AcneFree didn't work and left my face extremely dry, unlike the magazine said.
Posted by: Janet E

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See larger image La Roche-Posay Effaclar K Acne Treatment Fluid (30ml) 1 Fluid Ounce (Health and Beauty) List Price: $20.50 USD New From: $13.45 In Stock Release date September 21, 2006.

When you examine the list of ingredients on the vast majority of skin care products, what you will inevitably find, is that most of them have absolutely nothing to do with the problem you're seeking treatment for.

Rather, the majority of them are things like stabilizers and preservatives. Stuff to keep everything from separating and decomposing. So what I like to do is focus solely on what's in a product to treat a condition. Acne, dry skin, etc.

Understand this. At $20 per ounce, La Roche Posay Effaclar K is 60% water. So then, let's see what the other 40% is made up of and what it will do for your skin.

It does contain salicylic acid, which is one of the milder exfoliants. When I say milder, I do mean gentle on your skin. Salicylic acid is becoming increasingly popular because most of the stronger exfoliants tend to irritate.

This product also contains propylene glycol, which is a very effective emollient. (Moisturizer). So between the salicylic acid and the propylene glycol, it will effectively strip your skin of dead skin cells and infuse it with moisture.

La Roche Posay Effaclar K contains nothing that will actually “kill” acne causing bacteria. So if you're considering buying it to treat acne, you should seriously consider using it in conjunction with a product that contains say, benzoil peroxide.

In my opinion, this is no wonder treatment by any means. However; as stated above, it will exfoliate and help to moisten your skin. Also it appears to be a treatment product that is very unlikely to cause any irritation, if used as directed.

Read More Reviews on La Roche Posay Effaclar K

I had minimal acne all through high school but in my first year of college it really started to become noticeable. I tried different topical ointments from the dermatologist (such as differin), as well as oral antibiotics. Nothing made much of an impact and I disliked using all of them. Then I bought this because of all the positive reviews, and let me tell you, they're right! It's really gentle on my skin, smells nice, and in just the two days I've been using it I already notice a difference. I'm sure glad I got this instead of the more difficult and harsh kits that are also available online, though keep in mind my acne wasn't severe.
Posted by: Andrew S

This product is a waste of money. After reading some of the positive reviews, I decided to waste $20+ on it to see if it will help. I used it on my mild acne for over a month and I didn't notice the smallest change or effectiveness. Don't buy this product. Waste of money and time.
Posted by: Mark O

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Well here we go again. Yet one more acne treatment system with all the wonderful claims made my its makers. Add it on the growing stack of products of this sort and there are many. However; if it truly does work, Exposed acne treatment should deserve a special place in that pile.

So then whats different about this system because its makers and promoters claim in their literature that it came about as the result of a “special collaboration” between dermatologists and medical researchers. I'll tell you whats different. Absolutely nothing!

It's just another three stage system that relies on benzoil peroxide as its active ingredient. Ah! But there's salicylic acid in there too and it does kill acne causing bacteria, as well as exfoliate. Well guess what?? That's just the chemical name for (common aspirin), which brings me to my biggest gripe.

Four 2oz containers for $70??

That would be their price and container sizes. The kit sells for almost $70 and the containers in the kit are tiny! Of course there's no travel size.. Because if the containers in the kit were made any smaller, you could fit the whole package in a common envelope.

The irony is that Exposed acne treatment doesn't have to be this way. Benzoil peroxide does work and theirs even contains a micronized variety, as do so many others now. It's all marketing gimmickry. Jack up the price and people will think that its something special. Small containers will bring them back for more all the sooner.

Trust me. You can buy this kit if you want because it will in fact work. However; before you do, take a little time to check out others like Proactiv Or Obagi Nu Derm. These are both similar multi stage systems that cost about half as much and they have also been proven to work.

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When you survey what's generally available today in non prescription acne medicines, what you'll find is the following: Creams & toners, masks, pads & wipes, spot treatments, cleansers, lotions and moisturizers and astringents. So just what is the best over the counter acne treatment today? The best for you personally?

Some, you no doubt may have already heard of, while others you may not have. Also even to this day, new treatment strategies are being developed and tested. New ways for people like yourself to get the upper hand in their personal battle to reclaim their skin as it was.

So then, with all that's currently available today, which product or set of products should you use? To start off with you have to understand that in most cases, it will be more than one acne treatment product that you finally attain results with. However; this is not to say that you may be one of those lucky people who get optimal results from just one treatment product.

Step one in your quest to locate the best over the counter acne treatment product should be to learn what all of the most common and most effective active ingredients are in over the counter products themselves. By doing so you can expedite your search, learn to manage side effects and also keep from being bamboozled by tricky advertizing techniques that are meant to mislead.

Benzoil Peroxide - Examined Close Up

So lets take a close up look at benzoil perioxide. Possibly the most common and definitely one of the most effective killers of acne causing bacteria. This cheap and effective acne wonder drug functions by killing bacteria deep inside hair follicles and skin pores and also by exfoliating the skin, even far beyond the surface.

So just how effective is benzoil peroxide? The answer to that is, as of date, medical researchers have failed to come up with any other substance, (over the counter or prescription) that can even match benzoil peroxide in overall effectiveness. Not even powerful prescription antibiotics work as well.

Two other important facts worth knowing are as follows: Acne bacteria can't build up a resistance to benzoil peroxide and also its overall effect is magnified when used in conjunction with (clindamicin), a common acne treatment antibiotic thats also found in some of the best over the counter acne treatment products.

Benzoil Peroxide: Potential Side Effects

The fact is that benzoil peroxide is not a benign substance. In fact it's rather harsh and decades ago was even used as a fabric bleach. Even under normal circumstances it can lead to mild redness and skin drying but in most cases of more severe negative reactions, it is overuse that's to blame. However; some people can experience a sever (allergic reaction). ( Blistering, swelling, burning)

You would be well advised initially avoid gravitating towards products containing the highest concentrations of benzoil peroxide. You may have already heard some adds for “allegedly” some of the best over the counter acne treatment products with concentrations as high as 10%. The fact is, numerous clinical studied have shown that in the vast majority of cases, a concentration of 2.5% will deliver the “exact same” results as a 10% concentration but with far less risk of side effects.

How to Use Benzoil Peroxide Products

No matter what any add says, benzoil peroxide is only effective proactively, (which means to prevent). This also means that once a blemish takes hold and begins to develop, any amount of benzoil peroxide will have “zero effect” on it. Also, products containing this substance deliver the best results if used consistently and even then, can take up 7-10 weeks to produce their optimal effects.

Once you find and start in with the best acne treatment product for you, if it contains benzoil peroxide its always best of you start off gradually then work your way up. It's the drying & irritating effects that will determine how much and how often you can apply it, so take it easy at first and in the long run you'll be glad that you did. This particularly holds true if you have sensitive and or dark skin.

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