Acne busters

Cameron Diaz and Victoria Beckham may be style icons but that doesn't stop them suffering from acne, along with one in three adults in Britain. We asked five long-term sufferers to test the latest treatments for three months. The results were then assessed by Dr Sean Lanigan, consultant dermatologist with Lasercare clinics.

The products...

Dr Hauschka

An organic and holistic range that works by training the skin to change, balance and normalise itself.
Our tester had a two-hour facial every 10 to 14 days and used a skincare regime that included masks, foot washes and skin compresses. Total cost £981. Tel: 01386 792622 or www.drhauschka.co.uk

The tester: Natasha Notaras, 22, a student in London, says: My acne was in one big block over my chin. The first two months were transitional; but eventually the spots started to fade until they disappeared altogether. The therapist also worked on my severe scarring and it has reduced by around 70 per cent. Before, I would spend 20 minutes applying foundation - now I rarely use any at all. After years of acne, this has changed my life.

The expert: After three months, Natasha doesn't have nearly so many active lesions. Her skin tone and pinkness has returned and overall there is great improvement.

The verdict: Dr Hauschka products prove that an organic and gentle approach to acne can sometimes be more effective than prescribed medication. 10/10

NV Perricone

Devised by well-known dermatologist Dr Perricone, active ingredients in the products reduce irritation and have a lifting effect while glycolic acid enables superficial exfoliation. Our tester followed a five-step beauty regime twice a day at a cost of £401. Tel: 020 7329 2000 or www.nvperriconemd.co.uk

The tester: Lerato Mosieleng, 25, of South-West London, a beauty therapist, says: At first my skin became irritated and broke out a bit more than usual. But over the following weeks, this diminished and whereas I used to have a colony of spots most days, now I just get the occasional one. I used to cake on my make-up but now I need only lipgloss. Ironically, I haven't had a facial for over three months and my skin has improved massively and the scarring is also less apparent.

The expert: Lerato's skin appears much brighter after her treatment, even in the UV photo. The scarring has softened on her cheeks and the overall appearance is firmer.

The verdict: Is there anything Dr Perricone can't treat? This routine is perfect for reducing acne and scarring without salon treatments and works on skin of all ethnic origins. 9/10

NLite

NLite is a yellow light laser that creates a reaction in the skin. This reaction releases oxygen which can kill the bacteria that cause acne. NLite can also help build up collagen to repair scarring. Our tester had an NLite treatment every three weeks preceded by microdermabrasion (mild exfoliation) to allow the laser to penetrate more deeply. The total cost was £1,800. Tel: 0845 855 0844

The tester: Denise Wargent, 36, a Southampton photography student, says: Straight after the treatments my skin appeared slightly bruised but this disappeared within a matter of days. After the first treatment, I had quite a breakout, but after a month this stopped and I haven't had any outbreaks since. My skin has started to glow like never before. Now I don't have a single spot and I am delighted.

The expert: Denise's spots are much improved but not particularly the scarring. The scar tissue on her chin is very thick, which will make it difficult to clear.

The verdict: Pricey. Can be very effective on spots though not necessarily scarring. You need to commit to a course of salon treatments. 8/10

NU Skin

The NuSkin Clear Action range combines antioxidants, skin nutrients, soothing botanicals and natural exfoliants to counteract the effects of spots, scarring, discolouration and uneven texture. Our tester used products to cleanse, tone and moisturise day and night and also wore Nu Skin foundation. Total cost £244. www.nuskineurope.com or Tel: 0800 413672

The tester: Bettine Roynon, 31, a South-West London fashion designer, says: At first I got the same number of spots, but instead of turning into blackheads or whiteheads, they went within a matter of days. Now the number of days I get bad spots has lessened and they are always much less severe. If I do get the occasional spot, it is much smaller in size.

The expert: The pustules have reduced in size and the acne isn't as widespread. Although there is scarring on the cheeks, forehead and mouth, her treatment has improved skin texture, plus the pores are less open.

The verdict: The least expensive and very effective. NuSkin also offer make-up with active ingredients to keep treating the skin all day. 7/10

Crystal Clear

Crystal Clear Microdermabrasion exfoliates skin, helping reduce the flow of sebum and so minimising spots and imperfections. The process also vacuums the skin which improves blood supply. Our tester had a treatment every seven-ten days. She was also given products to use at home. Total cost £570. Tel: 08705 934934 or visit www.crystalclear.co.uk

The tester: Angela Greer, 25, a Liverpool design student, says: The treatment is like having a suction pen with crystals in it rubbed over the skin. My face went a bit red, but there were no real side effects and overall I enjoyed it. Crystal Clear offers a mild exfoliation which reduced my scars.

The expert: The spots did reduce in number, they became less severe but they haven't altogether gone.

The verdict: There are fewer spots and it is possible to see that the scarring has improved slightly. Overall, there isn't that much difference. Microdermabrasionhas been used for several years to treat acne but might be too aggressive on certain skin types. It's also a pricey treatment to have regularly. 6/10