I'm not sure if you have told you that I am pretty lucky to have pretty good skin. I have not really had an issue with acne. Hey, I do get a pimple every now and then, but I don't think I have ever had more than two at a time and once they are gone, I am blemish free for weeks. When I have a pimple though, it seems like that is all everyone looks at, doesn't it? I can't even imagine having to deal with blemishes on a daily basis.

My brothers actually get more break outs than me. Joey gets them on his chin but only when wearing his chin strap for football. With all that sweat and dirt in there, no wonder he has started to get a few pimples. Justin and Johnny get them on their forehead, and I swear it is because they wear hats a lot. Of course, being a little wiser, I would probably just stop wearing the baseball hats all the time and give the skin a chance to breathe! They never listen to me though, so I asked them to help me put a few products to the test.

We found the following acne products to really work!

Alba Botanica® Natural ACNEdote Clean 'n Treat Towelettes - $5.99
Give zits the one-two punch! This two-in-one medicated cleanser is infused with natural Willow Bark Extract that naturally sweeps up dirt, sweat, makeup and grime then deposits maximum strength 2% Salicylic Acid acne medication deep into pores to stop pimples where they start. Skin is cleansed without a trace of excess oil or dryness caused by over-irritation. I've had Joey use these as soon as he comes in from football and it is really helping to clean and clear his skin.

L’Oréal Paris Go 360˚ Clean Anti-Breakout - $6.99
Go 360˚ Clean Anti-Breakout is an anti-acne formula that’s clinically-proven to help eliminate blemishes, pimples and blackheads while cleansing It is specially formulated with 2% Salicylic Acid to exfoliate, open clogged pores and remove bacteria, and Glycerin to hydrate the skin so it doesn't get too dry. The signature Scrublet™ helps to apply, which really works so much better than just hands. It's a soft, flexible disc that applies a rich lather that goes deep – unclogging pores and gently removing traces of dirt, oil and makeup. I've been using this at night and Johnny & Joey have a bottle in their shower to use every day too. I think it is really great to treat the skin while getting it as clean as it can be.

bliss no ‘zit’ sherlock breakout-busting rubberizing mask - $38.00 for 6 masks
My brothers wouldn't dare try this, but I wish this would because it has done such a great job at shrinking my pores. Small, clear pores = clear skin. It's a totally cool mask that has a rubber texture! It is designed to temporarily take over the skin’s surface to purge pores and absorb impurities and allows the mask’s key ingredients to be optimally absorbed by the skin. This mask is packed with pore-de-clogging, oil-absorbing, super-soothing ingredients like tea tree, willow and menthol extracts and nourishing, detoxifying seaweed. Ultimately, it helps control oil, prevent future break outs and even helps to fade break outs. This weekly seaweed mask is a must.

Proactiv 3-Step System - $19.95
These three daily products which make up three steps, are made to transform acne-prone skin.

Step 1: Renewing Cleanser - This cleanser contains prescription-grade benzoyl peroxide (2.5%), with advanced micro crystals that quickly penetrate pores to start killing acne-causing bacteria on contact. At the same time, chamomile extract and other soothing ingredients help keep skin balanced and hydrated.
Step 2: Revitalizing Toner - Glycolic acid (5%), a botanical-rich blend of chamomile, aloe and panthenol combine to remove dead skin cells while hydrating and soothing to help achieve an even-toned complexion.
Step 3: Repairing Treatment - This medicated lotion absorbs deep into pores and contains prescription-grade benzoyl peroxide (2.5%), with ultra fine micro-crystals, that go quickly into cleansed, open pores to start killing acne-causing bacteria on contact.

Justin has been using all three products and has seen a huge improvement in the acne on his forehead. The rest of us are just using the repairing treatment to spot treat our pimple prone areas.

Now, if you have severe acne, you need to tell your parents that you need to see your doctor. There are a some really great prescription products that can help in addition to the over the counter products I recommended.

I know getting back into the school swing of things takes time. It is a busy time of year. No matter how busy you are, don’t let your shaving routine "fall" by the wayside! Make sure you keep your shower stocked with the essentials, such as shaving cream. One of my favorites is Pure Silk Moisturizing Shave Cream.

Once the cooler weather sets in and bikinis and dresses are traded for pants and sweaters, it’s tempting to skip a shave here and there. But it’s important to shave year-round, especially the bikini line! Shaving the bikini line with Pure Silk on a regular basis helps to form a microscopic layer of calloused skin, which helps prevent irritation from shaving. Come summertime – or that much-anticipated winter vacation – this calloused layer will help keep away those unsightly red bumps that can appear when skin becomes irritated after a prolonged period without shaving.

Keep it smooth by simply purchasing at drugstores and mass retailer nationwide where it sells for under $2.00.