Overview
Healthy Pores consists of a three-step system that is used to help treat and prevent acne. The first step involves cleansing the skin with the Healthy Pores Facial Wash. The second step is to use the Healthy Pores Treatment Cream and the final step includes taking the Healthy Pores Nutritional Supplement (capsules). Since we found much of the information on the company web site to be quite clear, accurate and informative, we were encouraged in our initial investigation of Healthy Pores.

Featured Ingredients
The Healthy Pores Facial Wash correctly includes Salicylic Acid, one of the best ingredients for fighting acne. Salicylic Acid helps to exfoliate the skin, clearing away dead skin cells and other clogging material that can aggravate acne. Salicylic also helps to prevent acne breakouts by encouraging young healthy cells to rise to the surface of the skin, which are resistant to infection and irritation. Studies show that the optimum concentration of Salicylic Acid should be 2.0%, so the fact that Healthy Pores contains 2.0% is encouraging.

The Healthy Pores Treatment Cream seems to be less effective. Even though the company cites a 1990 Australian study of the Treatment Cream’s main ingredient - Tea tree oil - surpassing Benzoyl Peroxide as an acne treating ingredient, the company mistakenly claims that Tea tree oil is an antibacterial. The FDA strictly regulates which ingredients can be labeled as antibacterial, and it does not consider Tea tree oil to be such a compound. The fact that the company makes such an unsubstantiated claim disturbs us.

Unfortunately, the Nutritional Supplement also is far from encouraging. Healthy Pores states that the purpose of taking these capsules is to decrease oil production in the skin. While oil production is important, we have found that it is much more direct and effective to use a topical formula that contains Silicol Dioxide, which absorbs and controls oil. Even though the company claims that the Healthy Pores supplement contains a specific herbal blend to control oil, it provides no research to back up this claim.

Web Site at a Glance
As mentioned, the Healthy Pores web site contains some useful information. Ordering is easy, and customers can choose from a one-month supply starting at $89 to a 5-month supply which sells for $349. Plenty of customer testimonials are included, but the company does not offer a free trial of the system.

Pros
- Contains Salicylic Acid, a clinically proven acne treating ingredient

- Web site includes helpful information on acne and skin types

Cons
- Claims for Tea tree oil may violate FDA regulations on antibacterial products

- Nutritional supplement has no research backing its oil-control claims

- No free trial offered

Summary
Considering some of the drawbacks of the Healthy Pores system, the research staff at ClearSkinReviews.com would probably only recommend the Facial Wash, since it includes Salicylic Acid. The other products may not be harmful, but we think that other topical products will probably be more effective.

Overview
Acne Control offers several products in its Theraline family of acne-treatment formulas. Among these are the TheraGel, TheraCleanser, TheraToner and others. Currently, Acne Control does not offer a full system of these products, so consumers must purchase each one separately, at an average cost of about $30 a bottle. After visiting their web site and conducting further research on these products, the staff at ClearSkinReviews.com has several concerns about the Acne Control Theraline products.

Featured Ingredients
Fortunately, two of the Acne Control products (its TheraGel and TheraCleanser) contain Salicylic Acid, which is one of the best anti-acne treatments available. Research proves that Salicylic Acid not only helps treat acne and reduce the size and number of pimples and blemishes. But this compound also performs a gentle yet effective exfoliating function, wiping away dead skin cells and promoting the replacement with fresh healthy ones. This helps prevent future breakouts from occurring.

Unfortunately, the rest of the Acne Control Theraline formulas fail to impress. In fact, we are concerned that the TheraGel formula actually contains Salicylic Acid along with Benzoyl Peroxide. While most acne products contain either one or the other, TheraGel contains both. While Salicylic Acid is a powerful acne ingredient, we are not aware of any clinical studies of the effects when it is combined with Benzoyl Peroxide. Because Benzoyl Peroxide has some drying and flaking effects, we are concerned that this could become worse with the TheraGel formula.

Other products in the line, such as the TheraMask and TheraScrub, do not seem to contain any beneficial ingredients. The TheraMask contains botanicals that may help overall complexion, but the company’s claims that the ingredients in the formula will treat acne seem inaccurate. TheraScrub apparently only contains Loofah granules and microscrubbers that may exfoliate skin but will probably not directly treat acne at all.

Web Site at a Glance
The Acne Control web site is far from well-constructed. Information is hard to find, and when ordering, some product information seems to be contradictory. The writing on the web site is problematic - several grammatical and spelling errors were detected, calling the credibility of the company into question. In addition, the web site contains inaccurate and potentially harmful recommendations on acne and acne treatment. For example, one section on the web site recommends that the acne sufferer refrain from food or sexual activity to reduce acne breakouts. This kind of advice is not only inaccurate; it is dangerous.

Pros
- Some products contain Salicylic Acid

Cons
- Most products do not include any acne fighting ingredients

- No scientific research on the products is listed on the web site

- Company does not offer a comprehensive system - products must be purchased individually

- Inaccurate information about acne and acne treatment may be harmful to the consumer

Summary
Even considering the fact that some of the Acne Control Theraline products contain Salicylic Acid, we do not recommend these products. Any company that posts potentially harmful advice about acne does not deserve our respect, or your business.

Overview
Dermapure RX is a line of acne products produced by CyberMed Industries Inc. and NetPharma Solutions. These two companies are based out of British Columbia, Canada, and have linked up to produce and market Dermapure. The Dermapure Complete Acne System consists of four products - Advanced Treatment Formula (nutritional supplement capsules), Mild Cleansing Gel, Purifying Bar and an Acne Control Manual (booklet). Dermapure was designed to give consumers a non-medical approach to acne, so the first three products contain botanical and herbal extracts and do not include any FDA-approved medications.

Featured Ingredients
The Dermapure Treatment Formula consists of capsules that are supposed to be swallowed several times a day. These capsules were designed based on the traditions of Chinese Medicine. Therefore, the Dermapure capsules contain 7 Chinese herbs with a history of purifying the body and promoting health. Among these herbs are Chinese skullcap, Rhubarb, Forysthia fruit, Gardenia fruit, Red Peony Root, Dictamnus Root Bark and Moutan. Most of these herbs seem to specifically affect the body’s internal organs, such as the kidney, livers, lungs and intestines. According to the Dermapure web site, the wisdom of this herbal formula is that - unlike Western medications - it does not seek to eradicate acne itself but rather is intended to help the body heal itself by promoting health on the inside of the body first. While we respect the traditions of Chinese Medicine, unfortunately, Dermapure does not list any scientific references to verify that any of these herbs will treat or prevent acne.

The Dermapure Mild Cleansing Gel and Purifying Bar contain a wide array of botanical compounds, including rose petals, rose hips, comfrey, calendula, chamomile, lemon balm, lavender, hibiscus blossoms, flax seed, agar powder, aloe vera, and true essential oils. The purpose of these two formulas is to gently cleanse the skin and remove dead cells. While these products may accomplish this feat, we cannot verify the results because Dermapure fails to support their claims or reference any studies on these herbs.

The Acne Control Manual contains several at-home methods of treating and preventing acne, many of which involve simple lifestyle changes that promote overall good health, which may indirectly affect acne. Considering the cost of the system ($70), we wish Dermapure had spent more time listing the research for their claims. Without that information, we cannot recommend the system at this time.

Web Site at a Glance
The Dermapure web site seems pretty easy to navigate and understand. It does contain full product descriptions, including a listing of the ingredients in the formulas and a brief explanation of Traditional Chinese Medicine. All of this information is helpful, but we can’t help but wonder why the company also didn’t take the time to include clinical research on the formulas as well. We are also concerned that only 3 customer testimonials appear on the site, and the company does not offer a free trial of products.

Pros
- Company offers a 100% money back guarantee

- Web site does contain helpful information about acne

Cons
- No clinical research to verify acne treating effect

- Only 3 customer testimonials posted on web site

- No free trial offer

Summary
Even though we respect the ancient traditions of Chinese medicine, and believe that certain botanicals and herbs may have benefits for the skin, the fact remains that Dermapure does not provide enough research information to convince us that this product will help most people with acne. Until that information is provided, we would avoid using Dermapure.

Overview
Tazorac is one of the newest prescription treatments to be developed for acne. Produced by pharmaceutical giant Allergan, Tazorac is available as a cream or gel. As far as the active compounds are concerned, both formulations contain the same concentration, but some patients will prefer one form to the other. Even though Tazorac is only available by prescription and under a doctor’s care, we decided to review this formula to give consumers a better idea of the acne treatment options available.

Featured Ingredients
Tazorac contains only one active ingredient. It is the new drug called tazarotene. Technically, tazarotene is not a drug, but rather is part of a new class of compounds called pro-drugs. In essence, a pro-drug like tazarotene is absorbed through the skin and only after it enters the body does it convert into an active drug substance. In the case of Tazorac, tazarotene is converted into a drug called tazarotenic acid, which is the compound that actually treats and prevents acne breakouts. 

The clinical data on Tazorac, like most drugs, is fairly well established. It is interesting to note that as many as 30% of patients will experience some side effects, including dry skin or flaky skin. In addition, Allergan reports that most patients will need to take Tazorac daily for at least 4 weeks before they begin to see significant results. This may seem longer than other existing treatments, but at least Tazorac gives customers another option for acne in case previous efforts have failed to work.

Web Site at a Glance
The Allergan web site for Tazorac is very clear and easy to understand. Plenty of information on the drug, its effects, causes of acne and prescribing information for dermatologists and physicians is provided. Although we would like to be able to find the actual clinical data on the effects of Tazorac for acne on the web site, it is not common for pharmaceutical companies to make this kind of information easily available. That being said, the web site gives potential patients a very clear understanding of what this drug can do for acne. In addition, the web site shows clear before/after pictures of the effects of the drug.

Pros
- New drug may help clear acne for those who have tried other methods - Plenty of easy to access information for patients and doctors 

Cons
- Available only by prescription

- May take as long as 4 weeks to begin working

Summary
Even considering the potential side effects of using Tazorac, and the fact that it may take 4 weeks to work, this new drug may be a helpful option for some people. If you want to find out more information on Tazorac, or are considering using it, consult with your doctor, who can give you more details.