Dealing with acne can be more than frustrating, but knowing the right acne treatment to buy can be even worse. With so many options claiming to be as effective as the next, how do you choose? Thankfully, Reviews.com has researched 42 acne kit contenders to find the top picks. Here is what they found…
Blemishes can plague you at any age, due to a variety of factors. Acne vulgaris, a term that literally means any unsightly red lesion, pimple, blackhead, or whitehead, is the direct result of hair follicles and their sebaceous glands becoming blocked and inflamed. Stress, hormones, diet, and genetics all play a significant part in the frequency and severity of your breakouts, and contrary to many marketing claims there is no magical overnight cure. The best acne treatments contain the right combination of ingredients to target each area and issue, which is why acne kits are the best method for eliminating acne, as opposed to over-the-counter spot treatments and tonics.
Isopropyl alcohol, SD alcohol, and denatured alcohol are found in many acne treatments due to their quick absorption and drying qualities. However, alcohol destroys the skin’s barrier, called the acid mantle, which keeps your skin’s pH at a neutral balance and works to prevent the same blemishes you’re looking to treat in the first place. What’s more, stripping your skin of its natural oils can actually cause your sebaceous glands to produce excess oil to compensate.
Benzoyl peroxide is another ingredient found in many acne treatment products, which is known to cause irritation and inflammation to blemished areas, and is best used to prevent red bumps and pustules, rather than treat them. As with alcohols, benzoyl peroxide is extremely drying, often disrupting the skin’s natural oil production, so should be used with caution on sensitive skin, and always followed by a good SPF moisturizer.
Ultimately the best acne treatments contain salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid and natural exfoliator derived from willow bark, and sulphur, also a naturally occurring mineral. The top rated acne treatment kit tested by the experts was Paula’s Choice Clear Regular Strength System, a twice-daily kit that provides a solid balance between fighting acne and preserving and protecting your skin. Using gentle, water-based ingredients, the system works to cleanse and tone the skin while the treatment cream contains 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide, calming bisabolol, and allantoin to alleviate any dryness and irritation that can occur during routine use. An added benefit is the treatment’s satin mattifying effect, which instantly transforms any shine into a soft glow.
The runner-up acne treatment of choice was the Proactiv 3-Step System. Proactiv offers a number of popular kits, but this is the highest rated by consumers and professionals. With its combination of benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, and additional sulphur mask available, the system lives up to it’s reputation as a gentle but powerful skincare regime.
A few little-known facts about acne and marketed treatments may surprise you. For instance, the high percentage of active ingredients in a product certainly matters, but shouldn’t be solely relied upon. The truth is, the inactive ingredients in an acne treatment product determine how well the main ingredients, such as benzoyl peroxide, are absorbed into the skin. A good test is to see how comfortable the product feels to apply, how well it absorbs without irritating or over-drying. Ultimately, the most critical part of combatting acne is to prevent it every day with a thorough cleansing, toning, and treatment system.
To see the other acne kits you might want to consider in their full review, click here: http://www.reviews.com/acne-
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I was fortunate not to have acne, but it is great that there are a number of skincare options that really work for those who need them
Allison recently posted…Lightening Up My Too Dark Foundation Makeup
I’ve started getting menopausal acne in the last 6 months and let me tell you, you are so lucky to never have had to deal with this skin issue. Stacie xo
Stacie recently posted…Maintaining Clear Skin With The Best Acne Treatment Kits
I have acne from my rosacea so I have to take pills for it. Not my favorite.
Same here! Not onlu do I get rosacea acne, but now I’ve added menopausal acne to my bag of tricks. Stacie xo
Lots of skin care options! I’ve heard such great things about Paula’s Choice.
I’ve used a few of the PC products and have liked them as well. I’m always looking to try the next best thing! Stacie xo
I absolutely adore Paula’s Choice! My skin has never looked better! <3
Shipra recently posted…Urban Decay Alice Through the Looking Glass Palette Review
That’s good to hear!! I know many ladies who are fans of the line. Stacie xo
I’m someone who used Benzoyl Peroxide regularly every day without knowing the consequences and am paying the price 🙁 There’s something called menopausal acne? Oh goody, what a LOT we women have to look forward to!
Renu recently posted…Vegan Cuts Beauty Box May 2016
LOL! Yes, hormones do crazy things to many women’s skin (including mine). I thought that once I reached 50 I’d be in the clear. Nope! Stacie xo
Stacie recently posted…Maintaining Clear Skin With The Best Acne Treatment Kits
I thankfully don’t suffer from acne, with the exception of a monthly blemish around that time, but SA has always been my go-to choice for treatment. Good to know that those other common ingredients aren’t so good for the skin!
You’re lucky! Yes, it’s definitely good to be educated about everything we put in our bodies as well as on our skin. Stacie xo
Stacie recently posted…Maintaining Clear Skin With The Best Acne Treatment Kits
some of these would have really come in handy when I was struggling with acne.
Luckily I only get the odd breakout every now and then, but the Paula’s Choice range is amazing . I works really quickly.
Paula’s Choice is a wonderful brand for people that suffer from acne. I also love Reviva Labs and Murad!
Paula’s Choice worked wonders for my skin!
I feel like some products work great for me for some time and then suddenly my skin doesn’t like them anymore. So annoying! I’ve had really good luck with Lush products, particularly with their moisturizer and facial scrubs.
Kim recently posted…Here Is A Method That Is Helping Get Rid of Pimples
I’ve never tried any of the Lush skincare products, just the bath bombs. I need to look into them as I’ve heard good things. Stacie xo
Stacie recently posted…Summer Skin: How to Get a Sun-Kissed Glow without the Rays
Nice share on Acne treatment
All your skin cleansing methods are awesome and I really like them. Nice article about skin care and products that can prevent our skin from damage and other problems. I hope you will help other by posting helpful blogs like this one. Thanks once again.
Hi Stacie, Hope you are doing well. Actually, you are really doing well. You have posted the great treatment about acne and you have shown the resources of acne treatment kits. I have also a little knowledge about acne. My cousin was suffering from acne. After deeply analyzed, we have founded one of the best acne treatment kits on Boutiqueken. I am very thankful to you for share this informative post.
Hello there, Stacie! Personally, I really love your thoughts about acne treatment. I never try any remedy for my acne, but now I’m interesting to Paula’s Choice, how much?
Susan Martin recently posted…Why Do You Have Acne?
Go to the website if you’re interested in purchasing products from Paula’s Choice. They almost always have a sale going on. Stacie xo
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Topical products may work temporarily, but laser treatments are the real way to restore your skin’s proper functions and rid yourself of stubborn acne scars and blemishes.