The Best Acne-fighting Products

Not all acne treatment creams, serums and cleansers are made alike, and some may contain irritating substances or overdrying chemicals that may ruin your skin's health and make your blemishes even worse. Don't take risks with your skin. Choose a cleanser, treatment cream and moisturizer that's been reviewed and approved by beauty experts and dermatologists.

Clean & Clear Foaming Facial Cleanser

Paula Begoun, the cosmetics expert who authored "Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me," gave Clean & Clear's foaming cleanser her top grade on her three-tiered grading scale. She liked it because it doesn't dry or irritate acne-prone skin. The manufacturer adds triclosan as an antibacterial chemical to help control the bacteria that may cause pimples.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash

Neutrogena's grapefruit-scented facial cleanser topped InStyle magazine's list of 2009's best beauty buys for oily skin, with the editors calling it the "best cleanser." Its active ingredient, salicylic acid, exfoliates your pores to keep them clear and acne free.

L'Oréal Paris AcneResponse Intensive Adult Acne Peel Kit

Marie Claire's beauty editors recommend L'Oreal's acne kit, saying the three-part kit has everything you need to combat blemishes, including a facial cleanser, a salicylic acid-based exfoliating peel and a rich moisturizer. It's gentler than physical exfoliants, such as a facial scrub, says dermatologist Virgil Hatcher for the magazine, making it better for acne-prone skin.

Aveeno Clear Complexion Correcting Treatment

Aveeno's anti-acne cream got a favorable review from Begoun. She says it includes both retinol, which exfoliates the skin surface and may help diminish wrinkles, and salicylic acid. The latter can help treat and smooth away acne.

Wexler Anti-Aging Acne Serum

Wexler's serum is one of the best moisturizers for breakout-prone skin, according to Marie Claire magazine. It helps combat the dryness that's often associated with anti-acne chemicals like benzoyl peroxide. Excessive dryness may just encourage your skin to produce more oil, making your acne worse in the long term. The serum comes bolstered with salicylic acid to help treat blemishes, as well as hydrating soy, which the magazine reports may help to even out your skin tone.