Salicylic acid is the Beta Hydroxy Acid most commonly used in cosmetics. It is obtained in the lab from willow tree bark. The name “Salicylic” may be familiar to you from the scientific name of aspirin: acetylsalicylic acid. It is a colorless, odorless and transparent acid used as a food preservative (my mother puts aspirin in pickle jars, for example), toothpaste antiseptic, effective skin exfoliant and anti-acne ingredient. FDA considers it “safe as used when formulated to avoid irritation”. 

The main benefit of salicylic acid is that by being similar to aspirin, it prevents after-treatment irritations. It’s precisely the anti-inflammatory properties of salicylic acid that make BHA peels safer and more effective than an AHA peel. Due to their anti-inflammatory action, BHA peels are better than AHA peels for people with sensitive skin. However, redness, itching and pain are possible after a salicylic acid peel. It diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen production. It reduces pore size, minimizes areas of discoloration and effectively treats stubborn skin conditions, such as acne and environmental/sun damage. 

Salicylic acid is not as powerful as benzoyl peroxide, and it cannot handle cystic acne nodules. Young children may be at increased risk of unwanted effects because of increased absorption of salicylic acid through the skin. Also, young children may be more likely to get skin irritation from salicylic acid. It should not be applied to large areas of the body. It should not be used in children younger than 2 years of age. Elderly people are more likely to have age-related blood vessel disease. This may increase the chance of problems during treatment with salicylic acid. 

Hence though salicylic acid has benefits at one end, it has some disadvantages, so it is always advisable to have naturally occurring products which may treat acne problems naturally.

Acnekit.Neutrogen is a 3-step system which is clinically proven to visibly reduce existing breakouts, while also helping to prevent new acne. It is the first system with two acne-fighting medicines recommended most by dermatologists and an oil-free SPF 15 lotion to calm and protect acne prone skin. Dermatologists recommend SPF protection when using acne medicines like benzoyl peroxide. It kills acne causing bacteria within two days. It is clinically proven to clear breakouts without over-drying or irritation. 

Neutrogena partnered with dermatologists to design a breakthrough acne regimen you can use at home.  Advanced Solutions™ Complete Acne Therapy System contains two different dermatologist recommended medicines plus a lightweight, oil-free SPF lotion to clear acne and help protect skin from sun damage.  It’s a complete system that works on all skin types to give you visibly clearer skin. It is easy to use, very effective, and smoothes your skin. It also minimizes pores and keeps your skin hydrated. It clears up acne at a much faster rate and reduces redness. 

Neutrogena dries out your skin and causes irritation sometimes. It does not work for all types of skins. When applied over the face it looks like greasy. Product comes in small tubes and is more expensive. It also causes burning sensation to your skin. It dries out your skin, and makes it feel really tight. It is extremely sensitive around the eyes and causes redness the first week or two. It leaves your skin with white residue after it dries.

Maxclarity product is available from Stiefel Labs Maxclarity is their budget acne solution with a two month supply running about $19.95 plus shipping and handling. Stiefel Labs claims Max Clarity is “dermatologist approved”, prescription-free and is packaged as a foaming wash. Free bonus products, that Max Clarity states are not required for good results include a spot treatment and an exfoliant solution. It is a very economical product, and has a respected name in the skin care industry. MaxClarity Foam is formulated by Stiefel, the world’s largest dermatology company with more than 160 years of scientific skin care innovations.

Maxclarity reduces a lot of pimple sizes and fades redness. Stiefel Labs is the #1 dermatology pharmaceutical firms in the world. And their customer service is awesome. It comes with easy to use kit and reduces oily feeling of your skin. Basically micronized benzoyl peroxide is used to kill acne bacteria, and salicylic acid to exfoliate the pores, but the Max Clarity products are non-irritating and of the highest quality.

Maxclarity homepage was not very informative and although they claim to have dermatologist recommendation, there are no names or other related information to back this up. One of the major drawbacks of Maxclarity is breakouts decreases and forms whiteheads. Stings a little when applying toner and leaves the skin dry, and sometimes skin gets little blotchy.

Hence most of the acne products available in the market will have few pros and cons. Also you should be aware of the fact that not all types of acne products will suite to all types of skin. It is always advisable to use natural products.

Clearasil is one of the most popular acne products among the teenagers, not so much as an acne remedy but as a daily cleanser. The problem is that it is recommended to be used if you want to prevent acne, or if you suffer from a really mild case of acne. It has no effect whatsoever if you have severe acne or scars, blemishes. It isn’t really designed to eliminate pustules, aggravated acne.

After using this product for a week, you can find positive results. It lasts for a long time, when you put some on your hand it doesn’t look like it will cover your entire face but once you start washing your face you will realize that it kind of blends out and you have enough for your whole face. Cleans deep and makes you skin less oily. When you put it on you can feel the tingles. It takes the oil out of your face, and gets rid of some acne, finally skin feels softer and smells really good.

You may experience superficial dryness or peeling; in this case you must reduce the frequency of utilization or in serious cases, stop the treatment and consult a doctor. It is dangerous for people with severe cases of acne to use this product improperly; the cleansing must be very gentle because it contains hard micro particles that can irritate your already sensitive skin. After the cleansing, the pores are exposed to dirt and bacterium, such as the one that causes acne, so it is recommended to use an additional product (a cream or lotion) to protect your skin also after you wash up with Clearasil.

Overall you can conclude that your skin is more sensitive organ, and it does not suite for all types of acne products. Hence it is advisable to use naturally occurring substances to cure acne.

Acnexus claims to be the most affordable, convenient, and effective acne treatment in the world! It involves only an all-natural, one-step process that supposedly heals and prevents breakouts. Basically, it works like a facial scrub. You apply the cream to your cleaned face, rub it in for 30 seconds, rinse it off, and pat dry. This should be done twice a day. It contains 27 ingredients! In ONE product! The ingredients used are all-natural, but no scientific data is provided to prove why any of them are adequate, much less the most “effective acne treatment in the world.”

 Most users were impressed with the fresher and smoother feeling it gives the skin, even after the first use. It reduces oiliness without drying the skin. And the fresh feeling does stay on for a longer period of time than other facial scrubs they tried. It’s like using three products in one – a scrub that opens up your pores, a moisturizer and a healing cream. It makes the skin feel a lot smoother.

 First of all, there is no scientific research posted for any of the ingredients used in the Acnexus acne treatment. It is just like a one-step acne treatment that is essentially just a face wash. Face washes remove excess sebum from the skin but it doesn’t do much. It is just a combination of a bunch of ingredients that might treat acne.  Acnexus website doesn’t list the official name of their company, and they doesn’t list an address or any type of contact information. It means that it is a low quality acne treatment where the company selling it is just trying to make a buck.

Dermajuv is a complete rejuvenation system that has three individual products that make up the system. You can use each of the products separately however they are designed to work in a step by step manner to reduce the signs of aging. Dermajuv Cosmeceuticals has created a cleanser specifically designed for the treatment of acne, and the results it provides has not only surprised our staff, but it also has leading dermatologists and scientists worldwide taking notice. The three anti aging products included are The Dynamic Age Defying Serum, the Instant Effect Lifting Serum, and the Original Wrinkle Smoothing Cream.

The Dermajuv treatments do work. Renovage, Matrixyl and Sesaflash are these three ingredients in these products, all back by scientific research and clinical trials. The combination of nature’s most essential vitamins, oils and extracts with glycolic acid makes for a fantastic cleanser no matter what skin condition you have. The gentle exfoliation removes all toxins and impurities that can cause breakouts from the skin, while delivering the skin the nourishment and soothing moisture it needs to maintain its health.

The only negative is that it is not as good as LifeCell anti aging wrinkle cream.  It does work okay, but I didn’t realize the same level of benefits as I did when I started to use LifeCell. Although you can rely somewhat on the experience of others, the only way to know if a skin care product will work for you is to try it. Everyone’s experience is unique to them. It does not suite for all types of skin. The side effects are not guaranteed as it reacts at fundamental DNA level. Still needs to be verified. It has to be strictly applied twice a day and should be taken seriously to see the desired effect. Three separate products with the kit need more effort to apply.

ZENMED  are good at advertising and have a high profile through their advertising campaigns. It provides a wide range of solutions to acne sufferers. It claims to be one of the best among the acne treatment suppliers. It goes deep in to the pores, the place where acne takes birth, and wipes it out so that there is no further pimple or comedones occurrence. It is one of the best known OTC anti acne products in the market. But, is it really worth it? Let us find out by discussing the pros and cons of the Zenmed Derma Cleanse System.

With the Zenmed Derma Cleanse System, you can be sure of getting rid of acne. It works for sure and treats all acne forms- mild, moderate and severe. It offers a three step treatment of acne. Each step has its own vitality. It has absolutely no side effects and only this feature distinguishes it from other medical products and treatments. Along with treating acne, it also works on various acne symptoms. It treats redness, swelling, itching, inflammation and irritation so that you get a complete solution to problem skin.

Though the product comes with a guarantee, the guarantee period i.e. 60 days is too short. But thankfully enough, you will not need the guarantee in the first place as the product is highly effective. It does not suite to few types of skins which are sensitive. Most of the users give feedback as it is very much expensive.

Hence it is always recommended to use natural products rather than testing your skin with products available in the market, as your skin is very sensitive.

The Murad brand includes a complete skin care product line, the Murad Medical Spa and the Murad Medical Group dermatology practice. They are both located in El Segundo, CA. Dr. Murad developed the Murad Acne Complex to treat all types of acne breakouts. It has helped a lot of its users to treat acne. According to statistics found in the website, 90% of their product users saw their acne reduced in a month. It contains salicylic acid and triclosan which are known to lightly yet effectively banish acne blemishes and help keep the skin smooth. It has been tested to eliminate 99.99% of acne-promoting skin bacteria.

Murad has cleared up the majority at first. It has made skin a little smoother. It makes skin brighter, makes feel good and works great. It doesn’t contain BP which is so bad for skin. The facewash makes you feel refreshed; the lotion is nice and light but does a good job of moisturizing.

The Acne Complex Kit actually makes skin swollen. Exfoliating gel burns and irritates face. It has a “purging”, where you get some acne from the product flushing out bacteria. It does not last long, but it is a little annoying. It will like washing your face with pure acid and has a massive reaction, caused severe redness, pain, dryness, swelling and thousands of yellow blisters on your face. It dries your skin out like the gobi desert.

Hence it is always advisable to use natural acne treatments than going for acne products available in the product.

SkinID acne treatment can be personalized according to one’s particular needs and is aimed at specific skin conditions regardless if you’re a teenager or an adult. Basing on the fact that every person has their own unique skin, and acne, condition, SkinID™ was created to fit an acne treatment according to your particular acne needs. In order to evaluate individual’s needs, the customer has to first fill an online survey of about 20 questions to analyze skin condition. After the SkinID™ evaluation, the website will recommend the appropriate products. According to customer’s specific requirements, Neutrogena will come up with a product package custom-made for customer’s needs.

Customers who used SkinID said that it produces a clean and refreshing feeling after use. Acne blemishes gradually disappeared and in its place appeared smoother and healthy-looking skin. Users are also happy about SkinID’s professional online dermatologist support, full money-back guarantee, free spot treatment and free delivery for all orders above $50.

SkinID™ can cause more harm than good, it causes skin to become itchy and very dry. For some it leads to swollen faces and puffy eyes, and also doesn’t clear acne. Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are the two of its active ingredients which causes adverse reactions in some customers. The online survey doesn’t work to know about allergic reactions that the customer’s skin can develop to particular products.

SkinID has almost balanced user reviews, and hence it is always advisable to use naturally occurring products than going for products available in the market which may cause adverse effects to your skin.

Burt’s Bees is an American personal care products company that describes itself as an “Earth friendly, Natural Personal Care Company” making products for personal care, health, beauty, and personal hygiene. It offers natural personal care products, including truly natural skin care products, hair care products, soaps, lotions, natural baby products, etc. Burt’s Bees can be used best after shower, winter dryness, dry skin, and deep miniaturization.

Burt’s Bees reduces redness, makes skin look healthier overall. The lip balm is the best! It moisturizes my lips and has a nice peppermint kick. The blemish stick is used for the treatment of blemishes in an easy to use applicator. This is a nice cream to be used when the skin needs extra moisture. It moisturizes your skin, smells great, and softens skin.

Over all, if you don’t have very sensitive skin this is probably a good product for you, but if your skin is even the slightest bit sensitive and may lead to adverse effects. It doesn’t absorb well, found greasy, not long-lasting and causes skin breakouts. It is a little expensive and, it might be a little hard to find it. It does not suit best for moderate Acne.

Hence Burt’s Bees seems to have both positives and negatives equally balanced. It is always recommended to use naturally occurring products than using acne products that are available in the market which may lead to various adverse effects when your skin is sensitive.