Curology vs Proactiv

Continued from above...

Another factor when choosing an acne product is your experience with products in the past. Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are two of the most common ingredients in over-the-counter remedies: they're very effective for some, while others experience dry skin or rashes when using products that contain them. Also consider if you have any known sensitivities to natural ingredients like tea tree oil, aloe vera, or other botanicals. Check the ingredients list of any acne product you're considering to make sure it doesn't contain anything that's a known irritant for you.

A word of warning: know how they say that sometimes things get worse before they get better? No matter which acne product you use, you may find that your acne actually increases at first. It's a process known as "skin purge" , and according to Medical News Today, it can happen as people use new products with ingredients that accelerate exfoliation and bring new skin to the surface. You might just have dry, flaky skin - or even more blemishes than before.

Fortunately, many effective acne products give you 60 days (or longer) to let the skin purge run its course and reveal your new, healthy skin underneath. You just need the patience to ride it out. Of course, if you're showing signs of an allergic reaction (rash, hives, stinging or burning sensation, itchy or watery eyes, and so on), discontinue use and check in with your doctor before trying a new product.

With so many different acne products on the market, you might be feeling confused about where to start. Not to worry. Here are some criteria you can use to narrow down the options and zero in on the ones that will likely be your best bet:

• Regimen. Be honest with yourself. Are you going to follow a skincare routine faithfully, morning and night, for up to 90 minutes a day? If the answer is "Yes!" , you should have no hesitations about a multi-step acne product. If it's "probably not" , choose an option that has just one or two steps to follow, once or twice a day. Your ideal acne routine is one that you'll actually stick to.
• Ingredients. Are there any acne-fighting ingredients that you've had experience with, good or bad? Use that knowledge to choose (or avoid) products.
• Cost. Some acne products are budget-friendly, while others are expensive enough that you might want to hold them in reserve as a last resort. Look not just at how much you'll pay to get started, but how long each product will last. In other words, paying $100 might sound like a lot, but when you realize it's for a two-month supply, it starts to look pretty appealing compared to the $60 product that might last you 30 days.
• Expert Help. Some providers of acne products go the extra mile to help you get a customized routine. You might be able to schedule a 20-minute video consultation with an esthetician or send in photos of your skin, and then get recommendations unique to you.
• Refund/Return Policy. There's not a single acne product that works for 100% of users. The best brands recognize that, and they offer generous return policies that let you get your money back if you give it your best shot and don't see the improvements you hoped for.
• Reputation. What do users say about the products - and the company backing them? Can you count on the business to live up to its promises?

To help you get the clearest skin possible, TopConsumerReviews.com has evaluated and ranked today's most popular acne products. We're confident that this information will make it easy to find the right solution - and at the right price!