Best of 2009: Acne Treatment

by 40

For many people, acne doesn't end when high school does. Most of us develop a system to deal with the occasional (or, ugh, eternal) breakout, but everyone has a system all their own and products they rely on. We talk about different treatment options a lot here on the site, but I want to know what you did to keep your skin glowing and clear this year. So please, tell me what your product of choice was.

Best Of 2009

40 Comments

I've been using Proactiv for a year and a half, and I love it just as much now as I did when I first starting using it!!!I started breaking out when I was 14 and for 5 years tried EVERYTHING my parents could find. They would bring home a new acne kit for me to try every 3 months, and took me to the Dermatologist 3 times a year, then saw that the prescriptions and cleansers were making things worse. Some of the one's I tried were: Clean & Clear, Neutrogena, IQ Derma, Equate, Sea Breeze, Retin-A, and Accutane ( there were so many other ones I can't remember) . My face was terribly dry and cracked, it burned and bled, and felt like it was poisoned if I, or someone else touched it. After the face washes failed to work, I tried elimination diets, kidney cleanses, detox diets, allergy tests, no make-up, mineral make-up EVERYTHING!! My sister even looked up "miracle acne cures" on yahoo and google and tried almost all of the crazy suggestions on me. When I said I tried everything.... I mean EVERYTHING... except Proactiv. I got Proactiv as a 19th birthday gift and it took 3 days to clear all the bumps up, and one week to give me completely clear skin. I've heard people say that Proactiv made their face worse before it got better, but my face was the worst it could get and it only took a week of Proactiv to give me the perfect complexion that I am so extremely excited, and happy about! :) My Grandma has been trying to convince her friends that Proactiv will work for their grand kids, but they saw my skin and said that there was no way I ever had more than a pimple or two. My own friends were amazed, and I still am too!
I have been using Proactiv going on 4 years now. Proactiv is the only product that has worked for me. I suffered for years with blemishes and tried everything from apricot scrubs, multiple cleansers, and all prescription alternatives while seeking treatment from a dermatologist. Nothing worked! I tried Proactiv as a last ditch effort and truly saw my skin improve each day! Proactiv not only cleared up my skin but gave me the confidence that I was missing. Once I was no longer self conscious about my appearance, I went on to pursue a personal dream of mine. My first show as a figure competitor was in 2006. Only 6 months after starting Proactiv, I was ready to go on stage. I compete Nationally as a Fitness/Figure competitor!
mondo mondo
I've been using Juice Beauty products. I swear by the "Blemish Clearing Serum". The whole troubled skin regime has been wonderful. I use the Cleaning Gel, Hydrating Mist, Blemish Clearing Serum, Oil-Free Moisturizer and once a week, the Green Apple Peel. Wonderful organic products. Very concentrated, so I use less. I've used it all spring & summer and now I'm going int the cooler weather and I haven't had to switch to a less harsh products. Love it!
CookieLover23 CookieLover23
My secret of healthy beautiful skin is using...nothing! I just spray black tea all over my face in the mourning. And use a make up remover. That's it. And it REALLY works.
I have been battling acne since early high school, and tried everything from expensive dermatologist prescriptions to drug store brands like Neutrogena. Proactiv is the only product that's given me consistent results for both my chest/back and face. Their moisturizers weren't quite enough for me during the drier winter seasons though, so then I switch to a number of different quality non-comedogenic brands like Philosophy or Fresh.
biggiefootie biggiefootie
I have to rave about the Dermalogica CLEAN START line... It has done wonders for my skin. AND, I have tried everything. I've been using it for nearly 2 months, and it has surpassed my expectations! (it even survived through 2 'hell weeks' the week before my period when my skin looks horrid!) I cannot say enough good things about the entire line, because after years of trying everything. (nay, EVERYTHING)I can finaly look in the mirror and smile at the sight of my skin.
Proactiv ALL THE WAY!!!!! I'm one of the few who it took a good six months to work for me but once it did.....look out world here I am! I love the tea tree oil moisturizer it's just so clean and refreshing......I went from gobbing on the makeup to going out in public WITH NO MAKEUP AT ALL!!!!!
PROACTIV! It gives me clear skin that makes me feel beautiful and confident! Love it!
clew001 clew001
proactiv is the only one that has worked for me...i wish it completely cleared me of all zits, but i blame that on genetics.
I would definitely have to say Proactiv, hands down! Ever since I started using it, my face has been soo much better! Love it!
ProActiv is definitely the best product out there...hands down! I have tried them all, spending thousands of dollars to boot, and you cannot beat the value or effectiveness of all of the Proactiv products! From the cleansers to the makeup, I will never use anything else! Thanks Proactiv!
lildorothyparker lildorothyparker
I'm with miss leanne on this one. Ditching the Clinique Acne Care line was the absolute best thing I have ever done for my skin. I'm using Clairins cleanser/toner/moisturizer now (sans alcohol, benzoyl peroxide, and salicylic acid). My very oily skin doesn't shine mid-day and my acne has cleared up. I wish more people would recognize that drying the crap out of oily skin with harsh cleansers actually causes it to overproduce oil which leads to clogged pores, shine, and more pimples. Proactiv also didn't work for me in terms of clearing up my acne but it certainly didn't wreak as much havoc on my face as Clinique did. I hate Clinique, did I mention that?
Proactiv is awesome, I tried everything under the sun, and once I started using Proactiv I was amazed that something actually WORKED!!!! I have been using it for over 3 years now, and I can't imagine life without it. I am hooked.
PROACTIV!!! I spent 3 years and hundreds of dollars trying everything from prescriptions to over-the-counter products for the "adult acne" I acquired at age 27. Proactiv is the only thing that has worked for me...the perfect combination of effective, yet gentle. I love it, I love it, I LOVE IT!!! P.S. It also works for the long-haul...I'm 38 and have been using it for 8 years! :)
Proactiv all the way! I have tried most of the listed products, except for Tretinoin and Free and Clear, as well as home concoctions, but none seemed to work for my skin. Acne was taking a huge toll on my self-esteem, and ultimately, my social life. Honestly, I tried Proactiv out of desperation, and honestly, it's one of the best decisions I have made. My skin has been clear for years now, and I have been able to gain confidence and self-esteem in myself.
Well I use Clearisil to cleanse and Neutrogena to medicate, and my vote goes to Neutrogena!
proactiv all the way guys! i used to think it was all a bunch of talk, but in weeks the results were undeniable. I'm addicted to their whole line, there is a little something something for every little skin type :]
I have had severe acne for as long as I can remember and I have tried everything under the sun (including the sun) and nothing worked for me until I tried Proactiv! It has been SO gentle on my skin, makes my skin feel so smooth and gives it a healthy glow AND most importantly it cleared my acne. The thing that I love about the Proactiv products is that there is a system for everyone... whether your skin be sensitive or oily or dry they have a product for you! My faves are the three step system for overall acne care, refining mask and advanced blemish treatment to spot treat, and the green tea moisturizer which I carry around with me everywhere!! Proactiv is inexpensive (believe me - I'm on a college budget) and trustworthy (they have a money back guarntee - not that you'll need to use it!!!)... Proactiv has changed my outlook on life because finally I have someone helping me fight in my corner in the battle against acne!
I'm using Benzaclin during the day, under my moisturizer (30 SPF). At night I use a light retinol and take 250 mg of erthromyocin. For cleaning my face I'm using Acne Free by University Park (available at most drug stores, I think). This system seems to be helping, and trust me I've tried everything.
magalaya magalaya
I use Mario Badescu Drying Lotion on any spots that I get, and they disappear almost overnight..amazing!
Accutane/Isotretinoin is the only thing has worked and I've tried EVERYTHING
amydannae amydannae
I just started using Benzaclin in mid-November and I can already see a huge improvement! Am also using Cetaphil cleanser and moisturizer. So far, works like a charm!
I'm a teenager, and I've had really bad skin for as long as I can remember... Anyways, I use Clean & Clear Blackhead Clearing Astringent and it works great. I have pretty oily skin, and using the astringent a few times a day gets rid of all the oil and my skin has become so much clearer. I have a Biore astringent, but whenever I use it it seems to dry out my skin too much, so I just keep it for backup. Also, Burt's Bees Herbal Spot Treatment Stick works well in combination, for me.
Cetaphil face wash and moisturizer are amazing. I didn't realize until I started using them that the harsher cleansers with salicylic acid were actually aggravating my skin MORE. Use these two and your face will thank you. To treat future breakouts, I can't say enough about BenzaClin. It's a prescription only blend of benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin and you'll have clear skin in 3 months. I know it seems like a long time to wait, but I swear that preventing breakouts is the only thing that works for me. Once I have a breakout I have to be as gentle to my skin as possible. When you have a breakout, I find that salicylic acid helps in moderation. I have Clean and Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment. Just stop if it aggravates anything.
JaimeLeah526 JaimeLeah526
Nothing seems to work for me but the closest thing would be Tea Tree Oil or anything else natural.
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