Overview
VitaCure B5 Clear Skin is product that – unlike other acne formulas – is not a topical solution. It is also not a capsule, but rather a vitamin liquid that is meant to be swallowed with meals three times a day. Although we were not able to obtain any information on the company that produces VitaCure B5 ClearSkin, the research team at ClearSkinReviews.com was able to research its main ingredient.

Featured Ingredients
VitaCure B5 Clear Skin contains one active ingredient, called d-Calcium Pantothenate, which is a specific form of vitamin B5. This nutrient was the subject of research conducted in 1997 by a Chinese medical doctor named Dr. Lit-Hung Leung. Dr. Leung published a clinical paper, which theorized that giving the body nutritional supplements that could increase production of a specific enzyme would help improve acne in the skin. That enzyme, known as coenzyme A, may help counteract the production of oil that causes acne. Dr. Leung suspected that d-Calcium Pantothenate could be such a nutrient, since limited studies found that it stimulates coenzyme A production. 

This theory does have some merit, since Dr. Leung’s initial first study did show an improvement in acne after consuming several capsules of d-Calcium Pantothenate every day. However, this strategy is not without its drawbacks. First of all, the optimum amount recommended comes out to about 3 teaspoons a day. Even after the initial treatment phase, customers are required to still take about ½ a teaspoon a day to maintain a clear complexion. Not only does this seem inconvenient, but VitaCure’s limited effects do not seem to warrant such a strict regimen. In addition, the initial study was so small (20 people) that it doesn’t mean VitaCure will work for everyone.

Web Site at a Glance
The VitaCure web site is quite simple and has many drawbacks. Although the description of Dr. Leung’s research on d-Calcium Pantothenate is quite clear, we found it to be exactly the same description used by other products with this ingredient (such as Vitaltae) and wonder if the VitaCure people simply copied the material without permission. Although customer testimonials are listed, names or pictures are not included, which seems suspicious. In addition, the only way to get a free supply of product is to send in a testimonial for VitaCure. No free trial is offered 

Pros
- Research on d-Calcium Pantothenate is encouraging, even if it is limited to one small study

Cons
- Web site has many suspect features, including questionable testimonials

- No free trial offered

- Formula does not have a topical component with Salicylic Acid, Silicol Dioxide or other proven ingredients

Summary
Even though Dr. Leung’s initial research on d-Calcium Pantothenate is impressive and encouraging, the fact remains that the study was quite small. In addition, we’re not convinced by VitaCure’s suspect web site, and wonder whether this is simply a “fly by night” operation. Even if you are considering using d-Calcium Pantothenate, we recommend it only as an adjunct to other topical solutions, and would probably select a different product with this ingredient.

Overview
KaviSkin is a specialized skincare company founded by Kaveh Alizadeh, who has created a unique line of products, most of which are intended for use by physicians or while under constant monitoring by a physician only. That’s because the two main groups of products offered by KaviSkin (Glycolic Acid peels and Salicylic Acid peels) contain a much higher concentration of active ingredients than most over-the-counter acne formulas. As we investigated the KaviSkin line of acne peels, we became convinced that only those affected by severe acne should consider these products, and only after careful consultation by their dermatologist or physician.

Featured Ingredients
KaviSkin offers two types of acne peels – Glycolic Acid peels and Salicylic Acid peels. Glycolic Acid is a known exfoliant and astringent. It has been shown to successfully treat acne, but since it is a member of the alpha hydroxy acid family, it tends to be less potent – and sometimes more drying – to the skin than other types of ingredients. KaviSkin Glycolic Acid peels come in concentrations of 20%, 30%, 40%, 50% and 60%, which are all too high to be used without doctor supervision. 

The KaviSkin line of Salicylic Acid peels includes formulas that contain Salicylic Acid at 8%, 15% or 25% concentration. These are much higher than the 2.0% solution that the most effective over-the-counter acne products contain, and much more than the typical person with acne will need. Therefore, even though Salicylic Acid is one of the most effective treatments for acne – and even though it is a member of the beta hydroxy acid group and thus less irritating than Benzoyl Peroxide or Glycolic Acid – the KaviSkin peels should only be considered by those with severe acne. Even in those cases, careful monitoring should be conducted by the customer’s dermatologist.

Web Site at a Glance
The KaviSkin web site is quite clear in its presentation. Information is well layed out, and information on all the products is easy to find and easy to understand. While the products are expensive (from $37 to over $200 per bottle), that has more to do with the high concentration of active ingredients. The KaviSkin web site contains one of the best explanations of the origins of acne that we have seen. In addition, there is a separate section to be used by physicians considering using these products on their patients with severe acne. 

Pros
- Uses Salicylic Acid, one of the best acne fighters available

- Clear and concise information about acne and the active ingredients

Cons
- High concentrated formulas only meant for those with severe acne

- No customer testimonials or free trial offered

Summary
After reviewing the products offered by KaviSkin, we are confident that these formulas will help treat acne for those with severe conditions. However, due to the high concentration of Salicylic Acid and other ingredients, we would only recommend KaviSkin for those rare circumstances. Those with moderate or mild acne would best be served to look elsewhere.

Overview
Rodan and Fields is a skincare company that was started by two doctors – Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields – who both have impressive credentials as physicians and dermatologists. They were two of the doctors who were instrumental in the creation of the Proactiv brand of acne products. Since that time, Rodan and Fields have gone on to create their own line of cosmeceuticals and skincare formulas, which are based on the premise of combining effective OTC formulas with botanicals for natural support. Although the research on botanicals and their effect on acne has yet to be definitively established, we decided to take a closer look at the Rodan and Fields anti-acne formulas, called Unblemish.

Featured Ingredients
The Rodan and Fields Unblemish acne regimen includes three formulas. A Facial Cleanser, Facial Toner and Medicated Lotion. Of the three formulas, only the medicated lotion contains FDA-approved medication for the treatment of acne. The first two formulas (Cleanser and Toner) are meant to clean the face and prepare it for acne treatment. 

Rodan and Fields claim that the Facial Cleanser can both clean the face and heal acne, but a closer look at the ingredients reveals that this formula is mostly made up of botanicals like Green Tea and Arnica. While both of these plants will have a gentle cleaning effect on the skin – and help clear pores – we are not aware of any scientific research showing that they directly treat acne.

The Rodan and Fields Toner also features a unique combination of botanicals and natural compounds, including Witch Hazel, Arginine (an amino acid precursor to protein), Rosemary extract and Aloe. Much like the Cleanser, these extracts will likely have a positive effect on the skin – probably by cleansing the skin and soothing it, but we cannot find any research proving that they can affect acne. 

The Rodan and Fields Medicated Lotion seems to be the only product to support claims that it can help acne. Unfortunately, the active ingredient in this product is Benzoyl Peroxide, not one of the preferred compounds. While Benzoyl Peroxide was established as one of the first ingredients to treat acne, it has started to become phased out because of the large percentage of users (more than 75%) who report dry and irritated skin after its use. A much better choice seems to be Salicylic Acid or Silicol Dioxide.

Web Site at a Glance
The Rodan and Fields web site is quite comprehensive, because it also contains information about its anti-wrinkle line of products. A full description and history for both Dr. Rodan and Dr. Fields is included, which shows their impressive background. While a full ingredient list for all of the products is available, we found the site to be lacking some convincing medical research on the botanicals used in the formulas. This research would have made us feel better about their effect on acne. In addition, while there are customer testimonials featured on the site, there is no free trial offer available. 

Pros
- Impressive medical background for Dr. Rodan and Dr. Fields

- Unique formulations that will have some benefits for acne-affected skin

Cons
- Relies too much on Benzoyl Peroxide as the active ingredient

- No research on botanicals’ effects on acne

- No free trial offered

Summary
While we do not doubt the background of Dr. Rodan and Dr. Fields, we do question the formulas within the Unblemish line of formulas, if for no other reason that the only active anti-acne ingredient is Benzoyl Peroxide, and we still are not sure whether the botanicals in the formulas will directly treat acne.

Overview
The entire ThermaClear system involves a unique combination of a thermal heating device (which is use on the skin for a few seconds at a time) along with a conventional three-part cream and lotion system. The thermal heating device is supposed to work in ways similar to laser treatments, by heating the inner layers of skin for brief moments and killing acne-causing bacteria. An FDA-sponsored clinical study conducted by the makers of ThermaClear show that it thus enhances the effects of traditional anti-acne ingredients, such as Benzoyl Peroxide.

Featured Ingredients
A through review of the ThermaClear web site, and its clinical material, convinced us that the ThermaClear heating device will probably cause improvements in acne for most people. The study was well designed and measured the device’s effects using established scientific methods. However, it is interesting to note that the heating device was not compared to conventional acne treatments, but rather was compared to using no treatments at all. Thus surely made the effects of ThermaClear seem even more impressive. Hopefully, the company continues to research the product and conduct future trials that compare ThermaClear to ingredients such as Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid. 

While ThermaClear will help acne clear faster, especially when combined with conventional creams and lotions, we cannot make a full judgment of the ThermaClear three-part topical system. That’s because the company does not reveal what the creams in the system contain. There is no ingredient listing, so consumers must take the company’s word when it says that the three formulas contain established anti-acne ingredients. To us, this almost takes away from the impressive research on the ThermaClear heating device.

Web Site at a Glance
The ThermaClear web site contains a thorough explanation of the heating device and the full system, which also contains the three topical formulas. The research on the heating device is clearly presented, with charts showing how the device enhances the effects of existing acne treatments. It is interesting to note, however, that ThermaClear is quite expensive, with the cheapest heating device-cream system going for $159.95, putting it out of the price range for many customers. 

Pros
- Heating device does have impressive initial clinical research 

Cons
- Device research was compared to no treatment, not compared to existing treatments

- No listing of ingredients within the three-part topical system

- No free trial offered

Summary
While we are impressed by the invention of the ThermaClear device, which seems to mimic the effects of laser treatment at a fraction of the cost, we’re left wondering whether the entire system is worth the high price. Perhaps if ThermaClear listed the ingredients in its pads, cream and lotion, we would feel better about the system. If a consumer is interested in trying the heating device, we recommend purchasing it separately and using it in conjunction with a three-part acne system that has disclosed its ingredients (such as TriClear, Proactiv or similar products).