Acne is one of the most common skin conditions worldwide, affecting nearly 80% of individuals at some point in their lives. To help clear up skin and prevent breakouts, using a targeted skincare routine is key.
Many skincare brands have developed acne therapeutic systems to make treating acne more convenient and effective. If you’re ready to say goodbye to your acne for good, the Kate Somerville Breakout Fighters is an easy-to-follow system formulated with strong acne-fighting ingredients.
What to know before you buy an acne therapeutic system
What is an acne therapeutic system?
Acne therapeutic systems are various skincare products specifically formulated to treat acne. These products typically come in a set and are meant to be used together in order to create an effective skincare routine. Their goal should be to clear blocked pores, soothe inflamed blemishes and regulate oil production.
Choosing an acne system, rather than cherry-picking individual products, is not only more convenient but also more effective. Using a system ensures that the various ingredients won’t contradict each other, which can decrease product efficacy.
What is included in an acne therapeutic system?
Most basic acne therapeutic systems will include at least two products for acne treatment, while more comprehensive systems will contain three or more. The most common products included are:
Cleanser: The first step in a skincare routine after makeup removal, these cleansers are typically oil-free gels or foaming formulas. They should effectively, but gently, clean the skin.
Toner: This product primes the skin for better product absorption and usually contains some kind of pore cleaning ingredient, like alpha hydroxy or salicylic acid.
Serum: Arguably one the most important steps, this is usually a targeted treatment that contains higher concentrations of acne-fighting ingredients, such as retinol.
Moisturizer: A hydrating moisturizer of some kind is important for combating surface dryness, which is a common side effect of anti-acne treatments.
Types of acne
“Acne” is a broad term for various types of acne. Most therapeutic systems are suitable for treating many kinds of acne, however, some products are designed for specific types of acne. Try to determine your specific kind of acne in order to decide what therapeutic acne system is best for you.
Noninflammatory: This term includes whiteheads and blackheads, which are both a result of clogged pores from an excess of dirt and oil. Whiteheads are usually superficial on the skin and closed, while blackheads are open clogged pores that have oxidized, which is the reason they appear dark on the skin. Non-inflammatory acne typically responds well to acne therapeutic systems.
Moderate inflammatory: Pustules and papules are considered moderate inflammatory acne and have white swollen bumps that contain pus. They work well with acne therapeutic systems.
Inflammatory: This encompasses cystic and nodular acne which is usually red, swollen and lies deeper in skin. Inflammatory types of acne can be very painful and usually result from bacteria in the pores or even from genetics. Cystic and nodular acne tends to be more severe and might be less receptive to over-the-counter acne therapeutic systems.
Acne therapeutic system features
Ingredients to look for in acne treatments
The most common and effective ingredients you should look for in your therapeutic acne treatments are:
Alpha hydroxy acids: AHAs encompass a wide range of acids such as glycolic, lactic and malic acid. They dissolve dead skin and sebum—an oily, waxy substance. They can also stabilize the lining of the pore to prevent acne and lighten acne scars.
Beta hydroxy acids: Very similar to AHAs, BHAs act as mild exfoliants to lift away the top layers of the skin, which make them ideal for both open and closed clogged pores. The most well-known BHA is salicylic acid, which is non-abrasive and even has soothing properties.
Benzoyl peroxide: This ingredient works by reducing the amount of acne-causing bacteria. The side effects can include redness and excessive peeling, so always incorporate a moisturizer when using benzoyl peroxide.
Retinoids: This product not only reduces fine lines and wrinkles but also increases cellular turnover rate, keeping pores unclogged.
Sulfur: Better for milder forms of acne, sulfur dries out breakouts and draws out impurities.
Tea tree oil: Suitable for all types of acne, tea tree oil is a naturally occurring ingredient that has both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Niacinamide: This nutrient reduces redness and controls sebum production.
Ingredients to avoid
Some out-of-date acne therapeutic systems will contain alcohol, which can excessively dry out the skin, leading to even more acne. Dry skin will try to compensate for a lack of moisture by producing more oil to hydrate itself.
Additionally, try to avoid heavily scented products, including those with essential oils and synthetic fragrances. They don’t really help keep skin clear and healthy and can irritate sensitive skin.
Prescription acne systems
Typically for severe inflammatory acne, such as deep cysts and nodules, a prescription for an acne system from a dermatologist might be more effective. Prescription acne systems can involve highly concentrated topical treatments such as Tretinoin, as well as oral medication like Accutane. Prescription-strength acne systems may have severe side effects, so be sure to follow your dermatologist’s instructions. These medications may be covered by some health insurance.
Bonus skincare products
Aside from the basics, some systems offer other useful products to help keep skin clear. These may include:
Exfoliators: These can come in the form of scrubs, gentle enzyme peels or exfoliating devices such as electronic brushes. Exfoliation can be useful in removing dead layers of the skin and unclogging pores. It’s important, however, not to exfoliate more than a few times a week, as over-exfoliation can irritate the skin.
Masks: This intense and targeted treatment is usually composed of clay or charcoal to help absorb excess oil in the skin. These wash-off treatments only need to be done once a week.
Drying lotions: These are less common and used only for spot treatments, rather than full-face application. Like its name suggests, drying lotions work by drying out inflamed or infected pimples and drawing out impurities.
Acne therapeutic system cost
The cost of an acne therapeutic system will vary depending on the number of products included and the concentration of active ingredients within the products. More affordable options from the drugstore typically contain two to three products. These range between $13-$30.
Midrange options from more well-known skin care brands will include at least three products. They cost anywhere from $30-$60.
Higher-end systems from luxury skincare brands offer products that contain multiple active ingredients. These more comprehensive options can start off around $70 and go up to $200.
Acne therapeutic system FAQ
How long do I use the system until it starts working?
A. Users can expect to notice improvement around 4 weeks, however, it can even take up to 3 months of consistent use. It’s also fairly common to experience a purging period where your skin develops more breakouts before it starts to clear.
Can I use a prescription acne system at the same time as an over-the-counter one?
A. This may not be recommended in some cases, considering prescription acne systems have higher concentrations of active ingredients. Using those products in conjunction with over-the-counter options can severely irritate or even damage the skin. Always consult with your dermatologist to determine the best treatment plan for you.
What acne therapeutic system should I get?
Best of the best acne therapeutic system
Kate Somerville Breakout Fighters: available at Amazon
Our take: This comprehensive and travel-friendly set contains the brand’s bestselling and most effective acne treatments.
What we like: The brand’s fast-acting and clinical acne system contains many hard-working ingredients like sulfur, zinc oxide and BHAs, as well as colloidal extracts to calm skin.
What we dislike: Many users wish this package came in full size. This product line is also on the more expensive side.
Best bang for the buck acne therapeutic system
Proactiv Solution 3-Step Acne System: available at Amazon
Our take: Proactiv’s classic and popular acne system delivers trustworthy results.
What we like: This three-step system contains a cleanser, toner and reparative treatment that deeply penetrates pores. These products are also formulated with hyaluronic acid to help keep skin hydrated.
What we dislike: The products contain fragrance, which may irritate sensitive skin.
Honorable mention acne therapeutic system
Neutralyze Acne Treatment System: available at Amazon
Our take: This well-reviewed and affordable system effectively treats moderate to severe acne.
What we like: This clinically proven three-step system has high concentrations of active ingredients, making it suitable for more severe types of inflammatory acne. It contains both medical-grade AHAs, BHAs and nitric oxide.
What we dislike: A very small percentage of users claim it didn’t work on their severe acne and dried out their skin.
Tessa Flores is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
