ACNE TREATMENTS

Millions of people suffer from some form of acne. Whether you're a child going to school, a teenager starting to date, or an adult coping with the rigours of day-to-day life, acne can be an uncomfortable and embarrassing condition.

There are dozens of acne treatments available to you. Some are prescription-only, with harsh side effects. Other over-the-counter treatments can be just as effective and cost far less.

When looking at different acne treatments, there are certain factors you want to consider. Some of these include:

•  Effectiveness.  Does the product work as advertised? How long must you undergo the treatment before it's effects are noticeable? Does it prevent acne from appearing or just clear up the acne that is already there?

•  Cost.  Does the cost of the treatment represent good value for your dollar?

•  Convenience.  Is the treatment applied easily? Is it topical like a cream); internal (like a pill), or both?

TopConsumerReviews.com has reviewed and ranked the best acne treatments available today. We hope you find these reviews helpful in meeting your needs today!

 

Cost:

$53.99 (Facial Wash, Supplement, Facial Cream) Free Shipping

 

Clearpores has two different systems, one for the face and another for the body. These methods attack acne-causing bacteria from all sides - inside and out. Our review focused on the Clearpores Facial System.

Here's what using this system entails:

•  Step 1 is a deep cleansing wash that unclogs pores and fights all acne-producing bacteria. This product is 100% oil free. After applying to your skin for 2-3 minutes, you rinse it off with cool water. This is used twice daily.

•  Step 2 is an herbal supplement formula that heals the skin from the inside, where acne flourishes. These ingredients fight acne bacteria and control sebum production. Two capsules are taken each day.

•  Step 3, the Clearpores facial protection cream, works to keep your skin blemish free. After the deep cleansing wash, you apply this cream to the areas being attacked by acne. The blemish-fighting ingredients keep your skin clean and protected all day.

This system is effective on all types of acne and helps with redness, scarring and swelling. It treats acne right at the source, reducing sebum production. While attacking the acne bacteria, it works to revitalize your skin. After your skin is clear and healthy, the protection cream helps keep it that way.

Clearpores can be ordered online or over the phone. Shipping is free and orders are sent out within 24 hours.

Most users of Clearpores were acne-free in one month or less, but they do encourage customers to continue using the product's herbal supplements (T Pills) and the Protection Lotion to maintain their healthy appearance.

Clearpores offers a very consumer-friendly guarantee. If you are not satisfied for any reason after using their product for 90 days, they will give you a full refund, no questions asked.

Clearpores offers a complete and effective system. Combining proven results with a money-back guarantee, Clearpores earns our highest rating.

 

Cost:	$99.95 (Cleansing Gel, Supplement, Acne Gel)
Bonus:	Sebum regulator moisturizing cream

 

Zenmed is known for world famous, spa quality skin care. This product approaches acne as a biomedical disorder and combats it both internally and topically. The Zenmed regime will clean, detoxify and tone your skin all with certified organic ingredients.

Their powerful acne treatment system contains three easy steps:

•  The first step is a ph-balanced gentle cleanser that works to remove excess oils from your face and stop the buildup of harmful bacteria.

•  The second step is a BHA fortified acne gel that helps open clogged pores and heals existing acne.

•  The third step is an all-natural supplement that normalizes hormonal imbalances and counter-acts troublesome skin conditions.

With every purchase of this three-step system, Zenmed also provides a bonus Sebum Regulating Moisturizer. This cream, valued at $14.95, is a new product that Zenmed has recently introduced into its lineup.

Across the board Zenmed has received rave reviews for their flagship product DermaCleanse, but they also offer a whole line of more specialized skin care products for both face and body.

Zenmed offers a very impressive 60-day no-hassle guarantee. If you are not 100% satisfied with the product you can send it back and get a full refund less shipping and handling. All bottles used and unused must be sent back.

The Zenmed DermaCleanse System is a powerful acne-fighting regimen. Although a little pricier than other systems, it nevertheless delivers on its promises.

 

Cost:

$112.79 - 60 10mg pills (1 month supply) $166.46 - 60 20 mg pills (1 month supply)

 

Accutane is a powerful, doctor-prescribed treatment for controlling acne. When used under the right conditions, it can be a very effective acne fighting treatment. However, great care should be taken before starting an Accutane therapy.

Accutane is a naturally-occurring derivative of Vitamin A, and therefore is quickly absorbed by the body. It works by altering DNA transcription, to decrease the size and output of sebaceous glands - in other words, reducing the amount of oil produced by the body. It also makes the cells in the sebaceous glands less "sticky" and therefore less able to form whiteheads and blackheads.

Accutane is usually prescribed for individuals with moderate to severe acne who haven't responded to other forms of acne treatments. Treatment usually lasts 4-6 months. Some people notice that their acne gets worse after beginning Accutane therapy. This is normal and the skin will usually show signs of improvement within 4 weeks.

Over two million people have used Accutane so it is a very well-known and monitored medication. While it has proven very effective in about 50% of respondents, it also has a long list of side effects. These include

•  Birth defects

•  Depression

•  Thoughts of suicide

•  Dry skin

•  Red, cracked, and sore lips

•  Nosebleeds

•  Joint and muscle pain

•  Hair thinning

•  Headaches

•  Decreased night vision

Because of this list of potentially dangerous side effects, and the cost of the medication, many doctors prescribe Accutane only after other acne treatments have failed. In fact, the birth defects that are attributed to Accutane are so severe that many doctors ask for two negative pregnancy tests before they even prescribe the drug. On the other hand, many of the people who have tried other acne treatments without success have found positive results with Accutane.

For a non-prescription alternative to Accutane, many people have found success with Vilantae. Like Accutane, Vilantae fights acne by controlling the amount of oil that is produced by the body. While it is less convenient than Accutane, it does not require a prescription and is much less expensive.

Bottom line: Accutane is an effective treatment for moderate to severe acne. However, it is expensive, only available via prescription, and has a long list of side effects. Accutane should only be used as a last resort.

 

Cost:

$59.95 (Cleanser, Toner, Lotion, Oil Control, Moisturizer)

 

This is another three-step acne skin care system, created eight years ago by two Stanford dermatologists. With a heavy marketing push featuring well-known actresses, Proactiv is now the number one selling topical acne system in America.

Here's how Proactive works;

•  Step one is the Renewing Cleanser that exfoliates dead skin cells and allows benzoyl peroxide to penetrate pores.

•  Step two is the Revitalizing Toner, which soothes skin and removes pore-clogging impurities.

•  Step three is the Repairing Lotion that hydrates and deeply penetrates skin to stop acne at its source.

Included in our product review was an Oil-free Moisturizer and an Oil Control Formula. The moisturizer is designed specially for acne-prone skin, improving its look and texture. The Oil Control Formula helps keep your skin balanced, so it looks radiant instead of oily.

Unfortunately, Proactiv doesn't feature an all-natural or organic supplement to help fight the cause of acne internally. Proactiv is an even stronger solution when paired with an effective supplement such as Acnezine.

Proactiv is one of the most recognized acne fighting treatments available. It utilizes a well-known celebrity client base in its advertising. If you watch enough TV, you'll see advertisements from such stars as Vanessa Williams, Jessica Simpson, Lindsay Lohan, Kelly Clarkson, Brooke Shields, and Elle Macpherson.

Overall Proactiv is a very good topical product. It is safe and generally effective to use, but lacks the internal component that an oral supplement offers in the battle for healthy skin.

 

Cost:

$39.95 per bottle

 

Vilantae is a relatively new, all-natural treatment for combating acne. Rather than treating the secondary causes of acne, such as stress, diet, and bacteria, Vilantae takes the same approach as Accutane - by attacking the root cause, excess oil production. Without overproduction of oil, acne isn't possible and none of the other secondary causes even play a role in acne.

Vilantae has undergone a series of clinical tests that show it is extremely effective. In studies, over 90% of respondents have declared an improvement in their acne condition. This kind of response is very impressive.

Vilantae controls the body's overproduction of oil by supplying amounts of d-Calcium Pantothenate, which forces the enzyme Coenzyme A to break down fatty acids and eliminate excess oil. Unfortunately, our bodies need to be "trained" to absorb the necessary levels of d-Calcium Pantothenate. Therefore, the Vilantae treatment consists of taking 20 pills per day for 3 months, before tapering off to a more manageable 4 pills per day.

Typically, if you follow the Vilantae plan, you'll start seeing a noticeable decrease in your body's oil production after about 3 weeks. Significant reduction in acne starts to occur 1-2 weeks after this.

If 20 pills a day seems like a lot, well, that's because it is! No one can confuse this plan with convenience. However, this company is so confident in the effectiveness of their product that if you try Vilantae for 3 months, and are not satisfied, they will refund your entire purchase price - plus $50 - no questions asked. This kind of refund is unheard of in the industry and is a sign that this company truly stands behind their product.

We wish Vilantae were combined with a facial cream or topical solution to assist in the treatment of existing acne conditions. However, because it is 100% natural, it can be combined with other remedies you may already be using.

Vilantae is an impressive product. With proven effectiveness and a refund policy unmatched by anyone else in the industry, the question is whether you can endure the 20-pills-a-day treatment.

 

Cost:

$24.95 for a 1-month bottle $59.95 for a 3-month bottle

 

Accunatural is a product made by Skinutrients and is specifically for non-cystic acne. The Accunatural regimen is easy, boasting no messy creams, stinging astringents or lotions, and no dryness or irritation.

The product is offered in a patent-pending tablet form made up of vitamins, minerals and herbs. It is to be taken three times daily, one tablet before each meal. All ingredients are clearly listed and explained on the product website.

According to Dermatology Times, a newsmagazine for dermatologists, Accunatural did very will in a small Florida study. The results of the 12-person/60 day trial showed a 50% reduction in non-cystic acne lesions. The patient satisfaction numbers in this study were also good. The participants rated their overall satisfaction of this product with an average of 7.9 on a 10 point scale, as compared with a score of 2.3 for other acne treatments.

Accunatural users typically start to see results within 30 days. The website doesn't make any promises or money back guarantees regarding this product, but they do offer a toll free number that reaches the Doctor/Creator of Accunatural directly. Also, they will communicate with you via email if you have questions or issues with the product.

Since this treatment is still patent-pending, there is not a lot of buzz about it yet. However, it appears to be effective and is a solution that we will be monitoring in the weeks to come. With a price that is very competitive with other acne treatments on the market, Accunatural offers a new and emerging product that may be worth a look.

 

Cost:	$69.95  (Supplement, Cleansing Gel, Manual)
Bonus:	Purifying bar 1-year subscription to either Men's Health or InStyle magazines

 

Dermapure is a Doctor-Approved herbal supplement that is a natural alternative to harsh prescription acne medications. Dermapure is designed to eliminate acne at its source by purifying the blood and flushing out biological waste. This process gets rid of infectious and toxic agents in the body that cause blemishes like blackheads, pimples, nodules, cysts and papules.

This two-step program consists of the following:

•  Supplement - Acne Treatment Formula.  These supplements, supplied in capsule form, are the heart of the Dermapure system. The 100% all-natural solution is designed to control acne and its symptoms by cleaning the endocrine system, detoxify and clean the liver, relax the nervous system, and regulate hormone levels.

•  Cleansing Gel.  This is a facial cleanser that removes impurities, dead skin cells, and excel sebum (oil) from your skin. This is to be used every day.

Also provided as a free bonus is the Dermapure Purifying bar. This is a mild soap combined with poppy seeds for gentle exfoliation. It is scented with rose.

The makers of Dermapure, Cybermed Industries Inc. and NetPharma Solutions claim to use only the most pure and potent parts of the herbs, ensuring a high quality product. This also drives up the cost of production which means Dermapure is not an inexpensive acne treatment, comparatively.

Dermapure provides a 100% money back guarantee with their product. However, they are not as generous as some of the other products reviewed. If you are not satisfied, the product needs to be returned within 30 days - along with a written explanation of why you didn't like the product. Product returns without the written explanation are not accepted.

Dermapure provides an acne-fighting solution that can be effective for many people. However, we found other solutions in our review that were more effective, and provided better value for your dollar, than Dermapure.

 

Cost:

$76 - Mild Acne; 3 bottles (1 month supply) $120 - Moderate Acne; 5 bottles (1 month supply) $160 - Severe Acne; 7 bottles (1 month supply)

 

AcnEase is an acne treatment plan that consists of taking tablet after tablet after tablet. For mild acne, the standard recommended dosage of AcnEase is 8 tablets a day for one month. For moderate acne, you take 12 pills each day. And for severe acne, you need to be prepared to take 18 pills per day! Once the desired results are achieved then AcnEase recommends their maintenance dose, which is 3 tablets a day. Improvement can start to be seen within 1-2 weeks of beginning treatment.

AcnEase is an all-natural supplement. This product combats acne in a way that is based on traditional Chinese medicine, which states that the cause for acne is an excess of heat and toxins in the body. AcnEase has carefully put together ingredients that cool the blood and decrease these toxins.

At a clinical trial in 1999, there was an impressive 80% response rate to the treatment. The study consisted of 11 males and 19 females, who took 8 tablets a day for 30 days. The overall effectiveness rating from the participants was very high. In another study, AcnEase demonstrated and effectiveness rate of 91% for a study consisting of 400 individuals.

Herborium, the makers of AcnEase offer a consumer-friendly money back guarantee. After you are not satisfied after having tried the product for at least 3 weeks, then you can claim a full refund by sending the used and unused bottles back to AcnEase.

While studies show positive results for AcnEase, the top-rated products in our review are just as effective, more convenient, and provide better value for your dollar. For a comparable and lower-cost solution, you might look into our review of Vilantae.

 

Cost:

$29.95 for one bottle $89.95 for four bottles ($22.50 per bottle) $119.80 for 6 bottles ($20 per bottle)

 

Actimine is another one of the products in our review that claim to work from the inside out. Actimine is a supplement consisting of all natural ingredients, which are clearly posted on their website. The leading ingredients are vitamin A, selenium, vitamin E and zinc.

There are several reasons people experience acne breakouts, many of them involve hormones, enzymes and immune processes. Actimine is designed to regulate the natural body functions that are responsible for causing acne, by correcting the body's nutrient deficiencies.

The recommended use is 6-12 weeks. After twelve weeks, acne sufferers should notice less oil in their skin and fewer blackheads and whiteheads.

The return policy for Actimine is basic and generous. If not totally satisfied with the product, simply return all empty and unused bottles within 180 days for a full refund, no questions asked.

We were disappointed in the length of time needed in order to start seeing results with Actimine. Three months is a long time to wait in order to see results; most other solutions in our review start showing results after only 1 month (or less). Although inexpensive, there are better solutions available.