Home Remedies Web

Acne Home Remedy

Find acne treatments and home remedies for acne, using natural cures and herbal products.

Shahzad Malik, Ph.D.
3–5 minutes
Acne Home Remedy

Signs and Symptoms of Acne

Acne is the common term used for a skin disorder that frequently appears as small elevated pimples on the face, back, chest, and shoulders. About 80% of teens are affected by acne to some degree, and it sometimes even occurs in adults up to the age of 40 if not treated properly. The image on the right shows an individual suffering from a moderate amount of acne on the face.

There are two major types of acne:

  • Non-inflammatory Acne: This type of acne typically appears as whiteheads or blackheads, and they can be treated with non-prescription acne medications and acne home remedies.
  • Inflammatory Acne: Non-inflammatory acne, if not treated properly with effective acne medication, can lead to inflammation, which may cause more serious skin eruptions and pimples such as papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts (described below).

Acne can be divided into the following minor categories, based on appearance:

  • Acne Papules are a small, red form of acne pimples (less than 5mm) that are slightly elevated above the skin’s surface. A group of small acne papules gives a sandpaper-like feel if touched.
  • Acne Pustules are similar to acne papules but they are more dome-shaped and filled with pus.
  • Acne Nodules are a severe form of acne which are painful and inflammatory. They are seated deep in the layers of the skin and can take up to 2 months to heal. If not treated properly, this form of acne can also lead to permanent acne scars.
  • Acne Cysts are severely inflamed, sac-like nodules which can reach up to several centimeters in diameter. Acne cysts are sometimes referred to as nodulocystic acne, and people suffering from this type of severe acne should seek immediate medical care.

Causes of Acne

Acne is a skin disorder caused by plugged pores of the skin. Human skin has a middle layer called the dermis which is made up of hair follicles and sebaceous glands. These glands produce an oily substance called sebum that is used to naturally moisturize and lubricate the skin. The face, back, chest, and shoulders contain a large concentration of these glands.

Throughout life, and particularly during puberty, humans produce hormones such as androgen and progesterone that lead to an overproduction of sebum. As a result, this excess sebum plugs the follicle canals and skin pores, leading to blackheads and whiteheads.

Blackheads form when sebum combines with skin pigments and plugs the pores. Whiteheads are slightly elevated from the skin but, unlike blackheads, are not very visible because their opening to the skin’s surface is narrower or sometimes closed.

If these two forms of acne are not treated immediately, an infection may occur. If this happens, the body’s immune system sends white blood cells to the area to fight the infection, which causes inflammation. If the infection is still not treated, the inflammation can become worse and lead to the more serious forms of acne.

Home Remedies for Acne Treatment

Acne Home Remedy Using Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar is an effective natural agent that cures acne by killing the bacteria and balancing our skin’s pH level (which is a measure of acidity). It also absorbs excessive oil from our skin, which is a leading cause of acne.

  • Dilute the Apple Cider Vinegar in water by one part of vinegar and 4 parts of water.
  • Apply the solution directly to your skin with clean cotton, and leave it there for about ten minutes.
  • After ten minutes, rinse off the vinegar.
  • Repeat this three times a day. For severe cases of acne, the solution can be used overnight without rinsing.

For more severe acne, the water ratio can also be reduced to 2 or 3 parts per one part of vinegar, but this stronger solution should not be left on overnight.

Acne Home Remedy Using Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree Oil is a great anti-bacterial natural substance. When applied on acne, tea tree oil helps the immune system to kill the bacteria and consequently reduce the inflammation. Using Tea Tree Oil in conjunction with Vitamin E supplements (an anti-oxidant) and an excellent healing agent, can not only heal the blemishes but also cure scar tissues.

  • Mix 2 drops of tea tree oil in ¼ cup of distilled water. Dip a cotton swab into the solution.
  • Gently apply the mix onto the acne-prone areas with the swab before going to bed.
  • Rinse off the tea tree oil solution in the morning.
  • Take Vitamin E supplements as directed on the package to support the healing process.

References

I. Bassett, D. Pannowitz, & R. Barnetson. “A comparative study of tea-tree oil versus benzoylperoxide in the treatment of acne“. In The Medical Journal of Australia, 1990 Oct 15;153(8):455-8.

Medical disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice. Talk to your doctor before trying a new remedy, especially if you’re pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a health condition.

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200 responses

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  1. corey

    hey acne.pushreview. com is an amazing review site that reviews acne products.

    Reply
  2. G.

    There are some good suggestions here. I’d like to add for the person suffering from chicken pox she should find prunella vulgaris and drink it as a tea. Those bumps are caused by a herpes virus. I buy it online at curandera healing but there may be other places. It also helps with herpes breakouts.

    Reply
  3. Anonymous

    I know this is a very late comment but I suffer from acne also. I’ve been on special face wipes and I loved them but I can’t afford them right now so I have been breaking out pretty bad. So I did my research and tried it out. I have found my true love, witch hazel and lemon juice. I swear by this. I have very bad uneven skin tone and its so much better and I have less dimples. Put a half cup of water, 1/3 cup of witch hazel and 1/4 cup of lemon juice into a contain like thing and get a cotton ball and rub it on your face after you wash your face morning and night. Works miracles. And also 2 tablespoons of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of water once a week for 5 minutes works miracles too. Doing these things for forever. Also rub a tomato on your face once a week helps with pimples and make your skin smooth and pretty 🙂 I’m definently gonna try that apple cider vinegar 🙂

    Reply
  4. spontanous

    does anyone know how to lose acne fast and still get good sleep

    Reply
  5. Eliza

    Dairy products cause acne.
    Try to go dairy-free for a week and see the results!
    Good luck to all the people suffering from severe acne!

    Reply
  6. Martin

    I tried accutane for 4 mths my acne cleared but my hair dropped alot.. so i stopped the medication hoping the bald patches will regrow but it didnt. worst still, aft 3 mths, my acne came back. now = bald patch + acne face .

    Reply
  7. Angie

    ACV worked within 1 day for me diluted with 3 – 4 parts water. Its amazing. Ive had rosacea for 3 years on and off and also red sore skin around eyebrow and nose and the Apple Cider Vinegar is working really well. Please use! Its brilliant. Saved my life.

    Reply
  8. Laura

    After just turning 50, I now have adult nodular acne. This is cuased by hormonal changed since starting menopause. I’ve never had this before, and had no idea how painful it could be or how it effects everyday life. This went from zero to omg within a few months. My dermatologist wants me to go on accutane, but i dont want to. I happened upon this artical for the apple cider vinegar approach and ran for the pantry. I diluted it 2 tblspns cider vinegar to 8 tblspns water and dabbed it on my face and drank the rest for good measure, before bed. This a.m. My face feels and looks 50% better! I’ve dabbed it and drank some more ( not a good taste, but hey, I just need to suck it up). If this progress continues, I might get my real face back! I’m really excited. Give this a shot (literally). It’s cheap with positive side effects, unlike the alternatives:)

    Reply
  9. Tam

    DO NOT LET YOUR KIDS TAKE ACCUTANE! My son started it it and within a few days became suicidal and violent. We stopped right away, but I think it’s changed him. This might not be normal, but I wish I had not taken the chance that it might not happen to him. His doctor put him on the antibiotic BACTRIM. It took 4 months and he is now clear. It’s not the healthiest idea to be on antibiotics for so long, but think about that before trying accutane.

    Reply
  10. Cydney

    I currently am on Accutane and it has been the greatest thing that has happened to me. Yes, there are severe side-effects but they are so unbelievably rare. I have suffered with cystic acne for many years and Accutane was the only medication that cured it. It does dry out your skin, so make sure to use moisturizers and lip balm on a regular basis.

    Reply
  11. Linda

    Just a thought. From the age of 13 until I was 27, I suffered from severe acne. Then one day, while suffering from a stomach flu, I cut out milk for 7 days. During that time, my acne miraculously cleared up. When I returned to drinking milk, the acne also returned. My point is that it’s possible to have a milk allergy that is causing the acne. It turned out that my brother had the same problem. Hey, it’s worth a try!!!

    Reply
  12. Brie

    Well, i have been to serval doctors and been to many treatments..! They always tell me to wash with cold water but, seems to me like i was wasting my time.Til one day my library teacher told me to go hoome and get an egg separate it from the yolk(white from yellow,and mix it til it turns into bubbles or like a cloudy tyoe and apply it to my face and let it dry and when it was dry just wash it with warm water..>! it was the most amazing day of my life because for 3 years i had to deal with pimples but now im ALL CLEAR you should try it if youre having trouble with facial problems…….:)

    Reply
  13. meee

    This is what i have been trying for about a week. Hope it helps..

    Oil cleansing method. Google it. I use one part castor oil, one part jojoba oil, and one part grapeseed oil.

    Results: Less breakouts, skin is softer and prettier looking, scars are going away, and one cyst I’ve had for months is gone. I do this treatment at night.

    Apple cider vinegar. One mug of water, heat it up, add two tsp of ACV and i add a tsp of honey for taste. Use organic dark honey. I drink this in the morning.

    Results: Im less hungry, and before i started the OCM i was having fewer breakouts with this.

    ***use ACV as a toner in the morning as well. One part ACV to two parts water, use a cotton ball to swab. Let dry then moisturize.

    Honey mask. Put organic dark honey all over face let sit for 30 minutes and rinse off. I do this once a week.

    Results: glowing soft skin. Honey has natural antibiotics in it.

    Burdock root pills. Burdock root is a natural blood cleanser. Gotta take care of the inside problems while ur working on the outside ones right? Its good for ur liver which is the organ that cleans out all ur systems. Just started this so not sure of results yet.

    Hope this helps and good luck!!

    Reply
  14. saul

    to the person that said sun will help reduce acne is wrong the sun will dry out your skin witch makes dead skin cells witch causes more acne 😛 duhhh commen sense

    Reply
  15. larry mantos

    I have wanted to try accutane but so afraid of the nasty side effects!

    Reply
  16. rajan

    I have been suffering from severe acne for the past 8 years. Mainly, the big red nodules are the problems to me as they are painful, hard and last for months. I have tried every forms of medication but none of them worked. Can anyone give me any advice regarding the kind of treatment that I should particularly look up to, especially the home remedies.

    Reply
  17. Diamond

    Hello everyone. I have spots on my legs and thighs which was as a result of the chicken pox I had when I was 10. I’m 17 now and the spots are still not going. I’ve tried everything possible, seen doctors, dermatologists but the spots are proving stubborn. I don’t know if it counts as acne but I’m sure they’re not age spots. Does anyone know what I can do? I can’t even wear three-quarter length trousers nor skirts or even bikinis and a teen life without all those clothes isn’t really fun. Thank you.

    Reply
  18. Rachel

    Hey. I have been suffering from adult (cystic) acne on my face for what seems to me like a long time and have tried everything to heal the spots. I have tried special medication from the docs… every over the counter and home cure off the internet from applying tumeric powder mixed with a tiny bit of honey and water (i wouldnt reccomend this as i ended up staining my skin yellow/orange for two days- the people at work found it hilarious) …i have tried applying the mush that you get from a warm used teabag… honey, lemon.alka seltza..baking soda… you name it i have probably tried it. nothing really worked…. by the end of this i was at my wits end and had a look on google for other options where i found out about glycolic peels… i began on a 30% them slowly went up to 50% over a period of a few months doing it once every 10 days or so… This completely stopped any new breakouts.. after i while i had done all i could with a glycolic peel so i researched a TCA peel. This peel is absolutely brilliant!!… reduces the scar colour and helps resurface any pits left by acne scars. It takes a couple of treatments. i started with a 12.5%. I have created a blog so you can see my first experience with TCA (includes pictures) Here is the link. Please leave a comment or email me if you have any questions. I can promise you this is an excellent alternative when you have exhausted all other options!!!
    The page about my TCA peel is in the (only catagory) called sorting out my acne.
    Hope this helps.

    Reply
  19. Georgia

    hae some things you could put on acne/pimples are:lemon juice, lime juice, toothpaste, greentea, honey cinnamon and nutmeg, apple cider vinager (you can drink it or apply it to the pimples) salt, egg white, you can make a paste out of baking soda and water, crushed garlic. Good Luck xD

    Reply
  20. no one

    sun will help reduce acne a lot. also sorbaleen soap use only. sometimes with a breakout use the sorbaleen soap lather and dont rinse off for half hour. sorbaleen creem helps but not so much on old pimples cuz it makes them turn purple and stay around for months.

    Reply
  21. Tanya

    ACV worked for me. I’m 31 and have been battling nodular acne along my jawline for months. I was on accutane about 7 years ago and that worked great. I didn’t have any bad side affects other than really dry skin. The ACV is cheap and easy. I dilute 2 tablespoons of ACV with 8 tablespoons water in a plastic container by my sink. I apply all over my face with a cotton ball in the morning and at night. I don’t wash it off because I have it diluted quite a bit. If you have it diluted less, I would wash off after 10 minutes. I also apply a moisturizer after the ACV dries on my face. I stopped wearing make up too.I’ve only been doing this for a week and the nodules have reduced in size significantly and they don’t hurt anymore. some have completely gone away! a bottle of mircle if you ask me.

    Reply
  22. Jayden Arthur

    I will try to use tea tree oil. Hope it will work for me.

    Reply
  23. emily

    Ingesting sodium bicarbonate pills (or just baking soda) helps me with cystic pimples on my cheek and chin. Prevents them and makes them go away faster.

    Reply
  24. Nina

    HELP!! I had a bad pimple here in there all the way up to when i was 19. I never ever would wera make up, to school work where ever, I always kept my face make up free because at 15 i dtarted modeling and wearing heavy make up for shoots was bad enough. Right when I turned 20 in July is when it Started get hormonal and horrible all over the cheeks big ones that dont pop, they would leave blemishes for 2 months. I got so disparate trying everything not wanting to lose work I went on birth control ( a year earlier I was on the same brand went off for gaining 20 pounds water weight skin was amazing though) this time around my face blew up the worst ever, nodules, cystic acne I didn’t leave my house for 2 weeks, I did the tea tree oil with nothing else doesn’t work, I did ACV doesn’t work, I washed with cetaphil worked for a bit now I’m on a was with SA in it. I just keep getting the huge hurtful ones on my chin and forehead.. ANY advice would work!!

    Reply
  25. coco

    acne free in 1 week and cheap
    Apple Cider Vinegar works magicly with me , drinking it mixed with water after every meal .
    apply it in a cotton pads for my face before i wash it with foaming gel then use a hydrating lotion (alcohol free)
    then you will be acne-free after 1 week only
    * and remember to be gentle with your skin

    Reply
  26. James

    I have been dealing with acne since I was 16; I’m now 49. I was told that foods don’t cause acne and just thought it was something that I would have to deal with for the rest of my life. It’s true, foods don’t cause acne; it’s processed foods that caused mine. Since I stopped eating junk processed foods like candy, donuts, pizza, and sugary sodas and other sugary drinks and started drinking water only, I noticed a change. My acne stopped, no more Clearasil. Try it and see if this works. From what I notice, people who do tend to get more acne are not fat; it seems that they get rid of toxins more through their skin than fatter people do. I believe that fatter people retain the toxins in their fat than their bodies want to rid of it through their skin. This is only from my experience.

    Reply
  27. Desiree

    I have started cleaning my face with rubbing alcohol, and then peroxide. It has cleared my acne in just 3 days of using this remedy. Hope that someone else can get some use out of this.

    Reply
  28. Pam

    I had very mild acne; small breakouts in T-Zone area. I also had oily skin in t-zone. 6 weeks ago, I started using Clinique acne solutions and I broke out even more but I stuck with it. I now have horrible bumps on my chin and upper lip. My face looks awful. I’m pretty sure that I have an infection because a new pimple has been surfacing daily. I stopped the acne solutions regiment, but is that the right thing to do? I can’t get in to see a nurse for 2 weeks. I can’t get in with a dermatologist at all for months. Is there anything I can do? Pam

    Reply
  29. Tracy

    Thanks for all the ideas. I am so tired of having to deal with this. It’s also good to know there are others going through this. You’re right, Liz, acne does suck. I am anxious to try lemon juice and apple cider vinegar.

    Reply
  30. Liz

    Acne sucks.

    Reply
  31. Alma

    I have a lots of acne almost 7 years..I tried everything.I started to drink ACV and put it on my face 3 times a day i amize the result..ACV is the best cure for acne..Try it!!!

    Reply
  32. roxy

    i think the best way to go is natural and organic!!!! i have started to drink ACV. so that it alkalises my body within hence stopping any spots etc. i do get the odd spots that bug me but ive found a company called green people. they do organic natural products and the reviews are really good. i will be buying skincare from there also the make up too. its good to know that what you use on your body is free from chemicals which is great!!! also if you use honey on your face go for manuka honey which has anti bacterial properties ezspecially the active manuka honey. it prevents spots!!!!

    Reply
  33. Adult Acne

    A few natural acne solutions that work well are to exfoliate the skin with natural soap and finish with a pore closing cold rinse, or use hot water to open the pores on the face. It is easy to see that the natural way is the best way when it comes to the best acne treatments. Use lemon and cucumber juice on your skin. This is the best natural treatment
    Adult Acne

    Reply
  34. Nancy

    PLEASE try oil of oregano. My daughter suffered from severe cystic acne for 6 yrs (and damaging toll this took on her self-esteem). She tried everything – I mean everything – except Accutane. I said no to that one. It’s scary stuff – the risks are too great. Recently, I stumbled on an article about Oil of Oregano, found the information intriguing, so she decided to give it a try (topically). Within hours we saw an improvement. In less than a week, she was practically blemish free. She has NEVER used a treatment that worked so quickly or so effectively. I cannot begin to tell you what a difference it has made – to her skin and her life!!

    Reply
  35. Jennifer

    I am a second generation Esthetician, and also have worked in the skin care industry for 10 years. Here are some additional tips of what to watch out for in over the counter products, if you are going to use them. This includes cosmetics to cover acne, or skin care to treat it. DO NOT use products that have any of these ingredients: Silocone, Diamethicone, Mineral Oil, or any Fragrance…even if it is the last ingredient. This list goes on as to ingredients in most over the counter products that actually aggrivate the skin or cause acne breakouts. So this is the first step to curing acne. Many brands add these synthetics to create a certain texture or scent, which sells the product. However, does nothing for your skin. Also, Warning: ACCUTANE will permanently alter your skins ability to produce a certain amound of oil. What this means for you, is that while you may have temporarly cured your acne, you are in the process of drastically aging your skin. Just keep that in mind. I have suffered from adult acne myself, starting in my 20’s. I’ll tell you, that after all the years in this industry, and all the product lines I have worked with, as well as my own personal experience…natural is the best way to go. Rule out all products with synthetics and medications. Live a balanced lifestyle. Eliminate Caffene, Alcohol, and Nicotene. Marajuana will cause you to break out btw…increases testosterone levels. Drink lots of water. Stick with either all natural, organic lines. Japanese skin care lines tend to be better in this arena. Eminence is also good. OR just do homeade skin care. Also, try sweating really good atleast a couple of times a week. The sauna is great for this. Cleans all the toxins out of your body, and clears the pores. Hope this helps!

    Reply
  36. BlogShag

    In addition to the other good advice give on this site, it also helps to use an astringent and watch what you eat. Regularly consuming food cooked in bad oils is not a good idea. Some ethnicities are more prone to oily skin compared to others. This is why you see lots of acne cases with white people. Their skin is not designed well for lots of sun either, further compounding the problem

    Reply
  37. miss_s

    I just wanted to say how i relate and sympathize with every comment written here and a comment made by Frances in may 2010 actually touched me and reminded me of reality and how great life is DESPITE personal hurdles and i just wanted to share my blog that i have started, sharing all sorts of home made remedies, tried and tested natural products and just a load of things that i have come across in my search to find a solution for my problem skin and have better skin. I hope it might be of help to at least someone as what i have written about has helped me. ALSO a new thing i am trying currently is Arnica gel on really sore inflamed spots, so far it is actually working. Maybe give it a try on one and keep a eye on the progress of its disappearance to see if it works for you 🙂 please check out my blog. http://sarahsaysstart.wordpress.com/

    Reply
  38. bee

    toothpaste really does help. just put it on the pimple n keep it overnight. ALSO try two teaspoons of honey and juice from half a slice of lemon. keep it ONLY on the pimples, as the acidity of the lemon may not work well on every type of skin. it only takes a few minutes, 10-20. rinse off with cold water. it’ll heal faster, probably by the next day or two:)

    Reply
  39. Ally

    Lily- what I did was use pure lemon juice on my face. some people apply it on with a cotton ball, but for me it was bore effective ot pour the juice straight into my hand and cover my whold face with it. leave it on for 5-10 minutes and rinse with cool water, and put on a light mosturizer. do this everyday twice a day. and it should work

    WARNING!! it will sting a little when you put it on, but that means that it’s working. and your acne will get a bit red& inflamed for a little bit after you put it on.

    hope this helps!

    Reply
  40. Lily

    I also watch my food….very well 🙁

    Reply
  41. Lily

    I am 25 years old and my acne problems have just started about 2 years ago. I am so conscious about it and the scars are very disturbing. I used to have beautiful skin but now every day I seem to be pooping up with a pimple. I drink up to 4 litres of water a day, I take zinc, vitamin A, vitamin C and calcium tablets every night. I go for jogging at least three times a week, I eat lots of vegetable, I use a mask of milk, lime, honey and almond on my face at least three times a week, I do home facials to remove black heads every weekend. I do all these..and yet my pimples won’t stop! I don’t wanna give up, my big day is in three months time..and advice?

    Reply
  42. Zahir Davdani

    I have sufferred from acne for a long time, but then I found the solution – I stopped eating fatty, oily foods and the acne goes away. Then as soon as I start eating them again the acne comes back. Life without chocolate etc is a test of will but it beats having acne.

    Reply
  43. Haley

    I actually use tooth paste. I just dab a bit of tooth paste on the pimple and keep it over night. It wont completely go away after one day but it visibly reduces the redness. Its very easy to do. It makes you feel very fresh as well.

    Reply
  44. Jayda nail tech

    I am a former nail technician due to a very serious allergic reaction to the products I used. I had a serious breakout, & the dermatologist pretty much told me say bye-bye to my new LOVED, & well paying profession, as I will NEVER be able to perform nail services again as he diagnosed me with eczema dermatits/ contact dermatitis. Also informed me that I should not use soap, lotion, powder, oil, or perfume; & especially no PETROLEUM! I am hoping that the ACV concoction may assist me in improving my health, and beat this huge obstacle. I have since surrendered to going back to minumum wage work, and very depressed over not being able to continue doing what I love… making lovely looking nails for men, & women. Would anybody have an idea how to apply the ACV cure to my type of condition, or any other nail techs out there with a similar situation?

    Reply
  45. Danielle

    Anonymous,what is the cream cleanser you used? I am also a filipino and we don’t have an ATM too.. Can you give me an advice too? I am just 12 yrs. old

    Reply
  46. Maryam

    I tried 99% aloe vera gel and zinc pills, and they worked amazingly.

    Reply
  47. Anonymous

    great!

    Reply
  48. Laurelle

    Hay everyone!
    I have had it for about 4 years now and it started with little bumps on my forehead which I hated, so I tryed everything from doctors- pills- and none worked. So I am now on roaccutane and its incredible, they have disappeared and my cheeks are slowly getting better! I recommend you all go on roaccutane, it works, dont be worried about health scares, they are only precautions!!!! get it from your dermatologists! you will feel soooooo confident again! and even if you do have bad skin! no one cares! the whole world does. ! you are not alone!

    Reply
  49. micah

    All of these are awesome remedies! But what you can also do is mix nutmeg, ground cinnamon, and honey to make a mask and apply for 10-15 minutes. I love finding new ways to cure my acne naturally and this has been the best face mask for me. Ive been suffering with acne for almost 7 years now…and im only 18. ive had the lazer treatment done, and tried almost every topical cleanser there is… or you can also add tsp of organic green tea, 5tsp of sugar, and 1 tsp of acv. hope for the best!:)

    Reply
  50. justin

    To the post asking about body acne, you can apply apple ACV to the body, mix it 3 to parts water 1 part ACV and apply it with a wash cloth, this alternativly works for sun burns to heal them without peeling. Drinking the ACV will help if your acne is bacteria rather then oily skin. Also try using a laundry soap that is color and odor free they both can aggitate the skin and cause out breaks. I use ACV oraly and topically and have had great results in both clearing acne and health benifits as its anti viral. I doubt the 3 day cure works, it sounds like hype playing on desperation. As a child I had very bad acne and used proactive with great results.

    Reply