Darphin provides three different "diets of food" for the skin to prevent breakouts. All of their products are made from natural oils and plant extracts which is, according Ms. Benet, what is best, because your skin is natural and, "You don't want any chemicals on your skin. You want something that will work in a gentle, efficient way." Ms. Benet said that if teens do their "routine" of cleansing, using a toner, moisturizure, serum, and aromatic oils every day, breakouts can be eliminated.

Ms. Benet told TeenSpeak that it's important to like the products you use. The smell, the feel of the product, and the way you look in the end is why you would buy any product. The Darphin line made especially for teens may seem expensive, but the products last several months, and may be cheaper and safer than other choices.

Clinique

Clinique has a line of Acne Solutions which is made to work gently to help teens reduce their acne. A cleansing foam with salicylic acid gently cleanses without drying or irritating the skin. An antibacterial facial soap is designed for acne prone skin. The Night Treatment Gel also contains salicylic acid, and it helps to unclog pores and control oily skin. A Spot Healing Gel is clear and is intended to dry up blemishes. A Concealing Cream, which also contains salicylic acid, comes in different shades for different skin tones.

Benefit

Zapperlla awaits you on the boxes of Boo Boo Zap and Buhbye, the blemish treating formulas of this line. "There's a fun way to treat not-so-fun acne," said Suzy Ricante, of Benefit at Henri Bendel. "If you have got a zit, we can zap it," she told TeenSpeak. Boo Boo Zap can reduce reddness and make a blemish disappear within 3-4 hours. Buhbye, made from a pineapple juice base and aloe vera, helps blemishes go away overnight. Get Even is a new anti-bacterial pressed powder which is sheer and disinfects the skin as it hides blemises during the day. Benefit offers teens a fun way to get rid of occasional blemises, however, Suzy said that teens with severe acne prone skin should consult a dermatologist.

Phil Zam is a pharmacist at Zitomers Pharmacy in New York City. TeenSpeak consulted with him for advice on over-the-counter medications. According to Mr. Zam, "It's expected that with hormonal change, you will see the skin change. If you treat acne early, you can keep it under control." The first signs of acne are usually mild, and can be treated with mild agents, such as Clearasil or Neutrogena acne washes. The soap, Basis, is also a gentle cleanser. Lavenir makes Heal Fast which treats minor blemishes, skin infections and redness. Products with benzyl peroxide treat the next level of acne. These products are available as face creams, lotions, cleansing pads, or astringents and vary in strength between 2 - 10% doses. Mr. Zam recommends that teens start with the lowest percentage first, and if a product is too strong, they should use it every other or every two days. For more severe acne, there are facial masks and sulfur preparations such as Rezamid which are very drying. Biore makes a product that is like a sticky tape that removes black heads. Mr. Zam said that Acutane is "standard fare" and many teens with severe acne are put on this medication if they do not respond to other treatments. He did indicate, however, that any patient on this medication should be diligently supervised by their physician.