Top 5 Acne Products

Acne, pimples, zips or bumps, no matter what you call them they can negatively impact your self-esteem and damage your skin if left untreated. Over-the-counter products can help you manage your acne and prevent future breakouts with active ingredients that have been approved by dermatologists. Top acne products should offer complete care-cleaners, moisturizers, toners and spot treatment-for your particular skin care needs.

Proactiv

Proactiv was created by Dr. Katie Rodan, M.D., and Dr. Kathy Fields, M.D., two Stanford-trained, board-certified dermatologists. Proactiv uses three products to prevent acne breakouts before they begin and treat existing blemishes. Proactiv's Renew cleanser is made with micro-crystal benzoyl peroxide that features smaller particles, which are designed to penetrate your pores and begin killing acne on contact. The tiny exfoliating beads in this cleanser gently remove dirt, oil and dead skin cells that clog your pores and can cause acne. Proactiv's Revitalize toner is used after the cleanser. It purportedly leaves your skin smooth and clean with the help of botanical agents and glycolic acid. The last step of this acne system is to apply Repair, a lightweight medicated lotion made with prescription-grade benzoyl peroxide that is oil-free and safe for your entire face, according to the Proactiv website.

Clearasil Acne Solution System

Clearasil's acne solution system, StayClear, is a skin care line that is formulated to work with your skin in four steps. All products in this skin care system are oil-free and dermatologist tested for compatibility with a variety of skin types. The StayClear daily face wash combines glycerin and aloe vera to eliminate dirt, oil and bacteria and prevent dryness. Clearasil's StayClear lotion uses salicylic acid to help reduce redness and pimple size while aiding in skin-cell regeneration. StayClear deep pore cleaning toner helps reduce the appearance of acne scars, refines pores and cleans oil to prevent shiny skin; you can apply this product to your face twice daily with a cotton ball. With the StayClear vanishing treatment cream, Clearasil claims you may see results in as little as four hours after application directly on your blemishes. According to the Clearasil site, this cream acts as a catalyst for the delivery of maximum strength acne medication and eliminates dirt and oil to fight future breakouts.

Clean & Clear Acne Fighting Solution

Johnson & Johnson Co.'s Clean & Clear's Acne Control Kit is designed to cleanse, tone, moisturize and treat your skin. The cleanser penetrates pores with bacteria-fighting benzoyl peroxide and the spot treatment contains 2% salicylic acid. According to the company, the moisturizer contains "breakthrough technology" to dissolve oil fast, so acne medication can penetrate deeply to fight acne at the source of infection.

Neutrogena SkinID

Neutrogena's SkinID is an acne solution that takes into account everyone's unique skin care needs. Using an online skin care evaluation tool, your skin care needs are analyzed based on where you live, your level of sun exposure, your stress level and other criteria. You are then offered a combination of products that may work best for your skin. Products include a combination of cleansers, toners, lightweight moisturizers, cleansing pads and spot treatments.

PanOxyl

PanOxyl acne management products are made with benzoyl peroxide-the No. 1 dermatologist-recommended ingredient to effectively fight acne. PanOxyl products penetrate your pores and kill bacteria on your face, chest and back while preventing future breakouts. Maximum-strength products for your face, chest and back include a foaming wash, cleaning lotion and acne spot treatment. These products contain the highest concentration of benzoyl peroxide without a prescription-a full 5 percent-and encourage exfoliation of dead skin cells and healthy skin-cell regeneration. Facial products include an exfoliating solution, gentle spot treatment and facial bar. These products contain a lesser concentration of benzoyl peroxide-2.5 percent-and are best for sensitive skin,to promote skin renewal, a smoother complexion and an even skin tone.