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 DDF Benzoyl Peroxide Gel 5% with Tea Tree Oil 2 oz (59 ml) (Misc.) List Price: $35.00 USD New From: $20.70 In Stock

Now this is truly a unique product that combines benzoil peroxide and tea tree oil. Both by the why, are clinically proven to kill acne causing bacteria. Even so, do be aware that 5% benzoil peroxide is a fairly strong concentration.

So then what can you expect from this one two punch of proven acne fighting medicines? Well aside from results, you can almost surely expect some level of skin irritation.

You see benzoil peroxide and tea tree oil are both known for having skin irritating side effects. In fact, in my opinion the tea tree oil is more of an irritant than the benzoil peroxide is.

This is why what you may want consider trying, is applying DDF Benzoyl Peroxide Gel, working it into your pores then rinsing it away. Witch-hazel dabbed on with a cotton ball or small cotton swab afterwords works great as a toner.

Another real sensible idea is to use this product in conjunction with other products like a good exfolaint and a moisturizer. The exfoliant functions to clear out pores then the moisturizer functions to counteract the drying effect of the benzoil peroxide.

Do be aware though, that at close to $25 a tube, this product costs about double what a few other similar benzoil peroxide creams on the market cost. However; this is the only one that also contains tea tree oil.

Also just so you don't get confused, tea tree oil comes from the tea tree. It's native to Australia and is in no way related in any way to tea bush that the tea you drink comes from. Another thing to think about, is that you can buy pure tea tree oil online.

Read More Reviews on DDF Benzoyl Peroxide Gel

"I have been using this product for over one year and it has consistently reduced existing breakouts and inhibits new breakouts from forming. If I see a blemish on the horizon, one dab of this product before bedtime keeps it at bay. Additionally, the amount given for this product lasts a long time, over 3 months for me of nightly use. Try this one, you won't regret it. I also use this in conjunction with the Pumice Scrub which is also great."
Posted by: Robert K

"I use this at night under my anti-aging treatments and it works wonders. However, it doesn't go well with the make-up I wear during the day."
Posted by: Janet E

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See larger image Kinerase Clear Skin Treatment Serum 1 fl oz. (Health and Beauty) List Price: $79.00 USD New From: $24.49 In Stock

The one active component that you'll find in pretty much all Kinerase products, is Kinetin. It's pretty much been accepted by clinical testing and general consensus that this substance does produce beneficial results on problem skin.

Even so, this time around it's being used as an acne treatment, which is new. You see up until now, kinetin has been pretty much used exclusively for anti aging. Wrinkles, hyper-pigmentation & toning.

However; with Kinerase Clear Skin Treatment Serum, Kinerase has taken a unique approach. That is to include kinetin as a primary active ingredient, along with salicylic acid as an exfoliant.

They also included a very effective emollient. Almond glycerides, which are a direct derivative of almond oil. The result is that they all combine together for a three pronged approach to acne prone skin treatment.

Now keep in mind that this product contains absolutely nothing above and beyond alcohol to actually fight acne causing bacteria. Rather, it's formulated to bolster the skin, such that it can mount its own imune defense.

Hence; Kinerase Clear Skin Treatment Serum is recommended for mild to moderate cases and even then I would recommend that you consider also using one of the three stage benzoil peroxide treatment systems, along with this product.

At first glance, close to $60 for a one ounce container might seem expensive. But try to understand that unlike so many other more common components of competing products, kinetin is an expensive and patented active ingredient.

Read More Reviews on Kinerase Clear Skin Treatment Serum

I've been using Kinerase Clear Skin Treatment Serum since it first came out. It is a bit expensive but works wonders on clearing up the dry and damaged skin that my other acne treatment causes. I didn't have to wait long for results either.
Posted by: Francisco F

Now over the past few years i must have tried around ten different products to treat the problems I was having on my forehead and chest. Of them all this one seems to do the best job of delivering fast results
Posted by: Katheryn M

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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 Proactiv Solution Deep Cleansing Wash, 8 Oz (Health and Beauty) List Price: $29.95 USD New From: $19.95 In Stock

Now I have always been a big fan of Proactiv. They were the first to come out with a multi-stage acne treatment system that finally addressed the side effects of benzoil peroxide.

A system that was and still is so popular that it seems that just about every other manufacturer of acne treatment products now has one or is soon to come out with one. So then, what about Proactiv Deep Cleansing Wash??

I'm sorry to say that I'm no where near as enthusiastic about this product as I was and still am about their multi-stage treatment kit and I'm not afraid to say way. In fact I have a few problems with it and they are as follows:

To start off with, grit in face scrubs is a gimmick. Not only does it not help but it can also damage delicate acne prone skin. You see the problem is “below the surface” and grit in any face scrub does nothing for that.

Secondly Proactiv Deep Cleansing Wash contains 2% salicylic acid. An exfoliant. To start out with 2% is way too much and you really shouldn't be exfoliating your face “every time” you wash it.

Remember that skin is a good thing. Now I know you may be angry with it right now but removing it's top layer every time you wash it is definitely not the solution. Why not consider buying an exfoliant and using it once or twice a week instead?

My final gripe is the price. Let's not forget that in the end, this is face soap were talking about here so how did we end up at close to $50 for a 16 oz pump container? In the end though, it's your opinion that really matters and in fact you don't have to look to far online to find plenty of reviews from satisfied users.

Read More Reviews on Proactive Deep Cleansing Wash

Just to clear things up, this is the REAL DEAL, it is not a fake product as per one of the other reviews. You can go on [...] right now and see this wash being sold there for more money than here (2 8 oz. bottles) - I used to buy it from them, but will happily buy it here from Amazon now that I know they sell it too. This is indeed made with salicylic acid, NOT benzoyl peroxide like their other facial cleansers by ProActive. They are TWO DIFFERENT products, this is NOT a fake product or a knock off like the other review said. I have been using this for years, and it is the ONLY product that keeps my face clean and blemish free. No other product does that for me, including the entire ProActive line that is different than this wash. I have been through 3 different Isotretinoin treatments for severe acne, numerous antibiotics, numerous facial cremes and washes given to me by my dermatologist, and nothing has worked except for the Isotretinoin and this wonderful wonderful wash by ProActive (by the way, salicylic acid in the 2% strength is COMMONLY used by dermatologists to help clear acne up - which this product thankfully has! You don't even have to go see a dermatologist like I originally did to get a product with that particular strength of salicylic acid). I'm 30 years old too, have had acne since I was 13. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this wonderful product to everyone who struggles with acne!
Posted by: Doug R

Awesome product, fantastic size! You will need this product if you ahve from mild to extreme acne on your face and body. This produbt is for all ages. Use with toner and refining lotion for stellar skin.
Posted by: Monica B

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See larger image Murad Acne Acne Spot Treatment .5 fl oz (15 ml) (Misc.) List Price: $18.00 USD New From: $15.75 In Stock

As you yourself may already know, there really is no one more desperate for help than someone in the midst of an acne breakout. You've done all that you could to prevent them and still, there they are.

So now we come to a common weapon of last resort. The acne spot treatment and Murad Acne Spot Treatment is just one of many that are out there. But can you really simply apply something like this and have it effect a pimple?

The simple answer to that is no! I'm sorry but your bodies healing process and immune system just don't work that way. To prove my point, just look at the main active ingredient in Murad Acne Spot Treatment. It's sulfur!

The same stuff that field medics were using to treat solders wounds back during the American civil war in the mid 1800s. The same stuff that common stick matches are made from.

The good news is that most acne spot treatments are cheap and also contain some type of flesh toned colorant to hide your pimple. So if you have the $15 or so to spare, go ahead and buy it, if it makes you feel any better.

However; as you're applying you acne spot treatment, do give some serious thought to treating your acne proactively. That is in a way that will prevent your outbreaks in the first place.

For instance there are some great multi-stage acne treatment kits available now that have been getting great reviews. Another topic that's creating a big buzz now, is common food allergies and their connection to acne.

Read More Reviews on Murad Acne Spot Treatment

"this is the best product overall it works so quickly and its just that simple once you try it you'll never want to use other acne spot treatment again."
Posted by: Leo R

Ive been using this and other spot treatments for about a year now. I really can't tell if it is working but i feel like I have no other option.
Posted by: Frank S

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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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