Find the Best Acne Treatment Brands
Compare Reviews for Top Acne Treatment Brands | |||||
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Proactiv | Proactiv is designed to treat and prevent acne breakouts. The products, which include a cleanser and a repairing lotion, contain acne-fighting ingredients like benzoyl peroxide. This ingredient is known to kill acne bacteria. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||
Clearasil | Clearasil's lines of acne-fighting products are based on different skin types, and how fast someone wants to clear their skin. Active ingredients for fighting acne include benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, salicylic acid and triclosan. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||
Neutrogena Acne | Neutrogena Acne is a complete system designed to treat a multitude of breakouts because as they say "not all breakouts are the same." With ingredients like salicylic acid, Neutrogena treats different acne and all skin types. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||
Clinique Acne Solutions | Clinique Acne Solutions is clinically proven to reduce active blemishes by 37 percent in three days. This fast-acting system is fragrance-free like all Clinique products, which is important for acne-prone skin since. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||
Clearskin Acne Treatment | Read Author Review | Sold exclusively through Avon, Clearskin Acne Treatment is a cleansing treatment for combating acne. It is also designed to heal breakout time and even skin tone. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | |
Exposed Skin Care | Read Author Review | Exposed Skin Care uses natural extracts to combat acne while soothing skin. The company guarantees clear skin in 30 days by targeting the four main causes of acne, which are clogged pores, bacteria, oil and redness. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | |
Murad Acne | Read Author Review | Murad Acne is dermatologist-developed to clear breakouts without drying skin. Products include those specially designed for adults, the body and to help fade post-acne marks. Dietary supplements to prevent acne are also available. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | |
Tria Acne Treatment | Read Author Review | Using light, Tria Acne Treatment is an alternative way to treat acne. Tria's non-irritating non-UV device can be used on mild to moderate cases of acne. Users will see blemishes on the face and body clear up almost immediately. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | |
ZENMED Acne Treatment | Read Author Review | ZENMED Acne Treatment is designed to be irritant-free for those with sensitive skin. The company claims its products are naturally based, clear up acne faster than other products and heal skin discoloration in the process. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent |
How do acne treatments work?
Exfoliation
To avoid clogged pores it is important to maintain a good exfoliation schedule; this will remove dead skin cells and keep pores clear.
- Acid: Mild acids are a normal ingredient in good acne treatments. These dry up old skin cells so they are easier to remove.
- Natural scrubbers: Many creams and cleansers include finely-ground natural ingredients such as nut shells or coconut husk that gently but firmly scrub away impurities.
- Exfoliation brush or pad: Many acne-fighting products are packaged with their own textured pad or brush to help you wash and exfoliate your skin more effectively.
Pore cleanser
Since clogged pores are a common cause of pimples, pore cleansers are a vital ingredient in your acne treatment.
- Salicylic acid: Salicylic acid exfoliates deep within the hair follicles to remove hard-to-reach dead cells and dirt.
- Astringent: This chemical type is used to shrink pores and make it easier to keep them clean.
- Baking soda: This natural ingredient is great for helping to scrub away impurities and remove the dirt and skin cells from clogged pores.
Anti-bacterial ingredients
Some acne is caused by bacterial infections within the pores, which means that the best deterrent is an anti-bacterial cleanser.
- Triclosan: Triclosan is a common facial cleanser that removes bacteria and stops the infection before it begins.
- Benzoyl peroxide: This simple ingredient has helped many people fight various types of acne. It dries up excess bacteria to keep pores free of infection.
- Azelaic acid: This type of acid both exfoliates the skin and kills bacteria.
Oil remover
Excess oils trap bacteria and dirt particles, leading to breakouts.
- Sulfur: Sulfur is a natural oil remover that also exfoliates the skin.
- Clay: Another natural ingredient that soaks up oils is clay. This is often used in beauty masks, as well as acne cleansers.
- Retinoids: Derived from Vitamin A, retinoids help stop oil production that can lead to bacterial growth.
Gentle formula
If you have sensitive skin you should try to find a gentle, less harsh treatment that won't irritate your skin. If your skin turns red, feels itchy or seems burnt after treatment you should either use less of the product or find a new one.
- Fragrance-free: Scents can cause irritation on sensitive skin, particularly for people that suffer from skin allergies.
- Detergent-free: Though recommended for some skin types, detergents can be too harsh and drying for people with skin allergies and sensitivity.
- Alcohol-free: Like detergent, alcohol can also over-dry your skin and cause redness and peeling.
Anti-inflammatory
The redness and soreness of a pimple comes from the inflammation of the skin. Anti-inflammatory ingredients can soothe the pain and swelling.
- Peptides: Peptides are a series of amino acids that are linked in a chain. They work to relieve inflammation and prolong the skin's youth and flexibility.
- Tea tree oil: This natural ingredient helps bring down swelling and redness. It is also good for rosacea.
- Evening primrose: These flowers have been used for generations to soothe eczema and arthritis. Their anti-inflammatory capabilities work wonders on the skin to reduce pain and redness.
What are different types of acne treatments?
Antibacterial
Some forms of acne are actually tiny infections of the pores of the skin, which means it is necessary to target the bacteria to prevent breakouts.
Cleanser
Cleansers are used to help remove dirt, grease and other particles on the skin that have clogged the pores and caused acne.
Topical cream
Topical creams are intended for areas of the body that are most commonly affected by acne: the face, neck, back, shoulders and chest.
Who are acne treatments for?
Teenagers and young people
Young people are more susceptible to acne than most adults due to the fact that their bodies are growing and starting to produce more hormones.
Pregnant women
Pregnant women are susceptible to breakouts due to a change in their hormone production. They require gentle, safe ingredients in their treatments that won't interfere with the pregnancy or conflict with their doctor-prescribed diet and medications.
Those receiving hormone treatment
Any type of hormonal treatment, including the birth control pill, can affect the balance of hormones in the body. This unbalance cause acne along with other side effects.
Adults
Men and women deal with acne that is unrelated to a growth spurt, puberty or menopause. These breakouts could be from stress, an allergic reaction and more.
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Information in this guide is general in nature and is intended for informational purposes only; it is not legal, health, investment or tax advice. ConsumerAffairs.com makes no representation as to the accuracy of the information provided and assumes no liability for any damages or loss arising from its use.

The ConsumerAffairs Research Team believes everyone deserves to make smart decisions. We aim to provide readers with the most up-to-date information available about today's consumer products and services.
Acne treatments come in various forms that are formulated to relieve particular types of acne. Use our guide to research the best acne treatment brand for you. We explain what to look for to clean, purify and fortify your skin, eradicate existing pimples and prevent future breakouts. Over-the-counter treatments focus on fighting the dirt, oil and pollution that become trapped in the pores of the skin to cause acne. Dermatologists can prescribe medication to fight bacteria and control severe acne.
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