Overview
Like many acne treatment systems, ZenMed consists of a three-step system to help treat and prevent acne. This usually is the best approach, since our research team has found that people respond best when they use separate cleansing, treating and prevention products, which produce their own specific benefits for the skin. ZenMed’s answer is the Derma Cleanse system. Unlike other acne products, however, ZenMed consists of a cleanser, treating gel and capsule formula that contains herbal ingredients designed to control acne from the inside. While we think that this last step is possible, we remain skeptical of products that claim to control acne internally, especially when most companies that make such a claim tend to avoid backing up their claims with any scientific research.

Featured Ingredients
Within the ZenMed Derma Cleanse system, many ingredients are used, some of which may have benefits against acne. But we’re not as sure about others. In our final judgment, the system seems to be inconsistent, and here’s why. The Cleanser in the formula contains many intriguing ingredients, including Witch Hazel and Chamomile, which both have scientific evidence supporting their use as topical cleansers. However, many of the other ingredients within the Cleanser are not as proven, such as Yarrow Root, Sage and Rosemary. It is unfortunate that ZenMed does not specify the actions of these ingredients, nor does the web site contain any scientific research proving that they will, in fact, help cleanse the skin and help it fight acne.

Fortunately, the ZenMed Acne Gel does contain Salicylic Acid, which has become one of the top acne fighting ingredients available. It clears pores and eliminates many types of blemishes. It also encourages the natural skin cell replacement process. Scientists have found that the best treatments contain Salicylic Acid at its maximum strength concentration of 2.0%, which will treat even the most stubborn forms of acne. Unfortunately, the last step in the ZenMed system - the DermaCleanse Capsules - also leave us a bit skeptical. The company claims that these pills contain a combination of time-honored Indian and Chinese medical herbs known to support the skin against acne from the inside-out. While we respect these ancient traditions, ZenMed does not provide any more information on the topic, leaving it up to the consumer to decide whether or not these ingredients actually will help prevent acne. 

Web Site at a Glance
The ZenMed web site does seem to provide quite a bit of information about the products, but unfortunately it simply falls short in the way of providing scientific research about the effects of the ingredients, especially for the Cleanser and Capsules. While the price for the system does seem reasonable ($99) for the system plus a free product upon purchase, we’d prefer it if the customer had the chance to try the ZenMed system for free before deciding if it’s right for them. 

Pros
- Acne Gel contains Salicylic Acid

Cons
- No scientific data for Cleanser or Capsule ingredients

- No free trial offered

- Does not contain Silicol Dioxide, Inflacin or QuSomes

Summary
We applaud ZenMed for trying to take a fresh approach to acne treatment by offering an original system that doesn’t follow the typical model. But just being different doesn’t automatically translate into effectiveness, especially when it comes to acne. So even though we like the idea of a system with capsules in it, the company fails to back up its claims, leading us to believe that the Acne Gel might be the only product in the system that actually does what it says. We’d probably try other products first.