Does pacing the skin care aisle at your grocery store only add to your indecision about purchasing an effective acne product? Has perusing the Internet turned up too many options, making your decision even more confusing? Not to worry; get some assistance with our short guide.
Where does acne come from?
There are multiple factors that contribute to acne: genetics, hormones, certain medications, stress and bacteria, to name a few. Acne results when bacteria, dead skin, dirt and oil become trapped in the pores. Typically, blemishes consist of whiteheads (closed comedones) or blackheads (open comedones), and can be accompanied by redness, peeling, changes in skin texture and an increase in oil production.
Essential acne-fighting products
- Gentle cleanser that removes dirt and makeup without stripping the skin’s natural moisture. Dry and irritated skin is prone to breakouts.
- Toner to remove impurities and balance the skin.
- Oil-free or acne-fighting moisturizer to leave skin soft and supple.
- Spot-treatment to clear existing blemishes.
Top active ingredients
- Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that comes from white willow bark. This mild acid breaks down blackheads and whiteheads by peeling the top layer of skin and clearing blocked pores. It's also a keratolytic agent, which means that it has both exfoliating and antiseptic properties and can assist in shedding dead skin cells that can cause acne when they mix with dirt and sebum.
- Benzoyl peroxide is one of the most powerful anti-acne medications, designed to treat multiple acne-causing factors. Naturally antibacterial and antiseptic, benzoyl peroxide helps to reduce the P. acnes bacteria on the skin that's responsible for causing acne in many people. It also contains exfoliating properties that slough off the top layer of dead skin cells, encouraging normal production of cells. Additionally, benzoyl peroxide has an oxidizing property that dries excess oil and sebum on the skin’s surface.
Skincare-News.com product picks
Comparison Notes
This three-step system
combines salicylic acid with the patented ingredient Retextra to
effectively combat acne while helping to restructure the skin’s
surface.
Rank*
This set contains a purifying cleanser, toner and acne treatment
lotion.
A complete system to reduce
breakouts and prevent clogged pores. Helps balance and normalize
acne-prone skin.
Set includes a clarifying cleanser, exfoliating acne treatment
gel, acne spot treatment and skin perfecting lotion.
Proactiv Solution 
A set combining
prescription-strength ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide and
sulfur to exfoliate, clear blocked pores and fight
bacteria
Includes a renewing cleanser, revitalizing toner and repairing
lotion.
DCL Acne Healing System 
This acne-fighting regimen combines
lactic acid and salicylic acid.
Set includes a cleanser, clearing hydrator, night-time treatment
and spot treatment.
TriClear Acne System 
Advanced QuSomes delivery technology
delivers active ingredients right to the source.
Contains Silicol Dioxide for oil control and Inflacin for its
calming effects.
Avene Diacneal Acne Kit 
Formulated with thermal spring
water, this kit contains a soap-free gel cleanser and lotion to
gently smooth and clear skin.
Contains a soap-free gel cleanser and Diacneal
Lotion.
ZENMED Derma Cleanse System 
Combines holistic and scientific
treatments to clear and heal blemished skin.
Contains a gentle cleanser, acne gel, moisturizer and herbal
supplement.