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Hi, I’m Dr Harth!
I’ve been a dermatologist for over 30 years, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the little things we do every day—what we put on our skin, what we eat, how we take care of ourselves—can make a big difference. I love breaking down the science of skincare and haircare and making it easy for people to find what actually works.
Last updated: 3/20/2025
I set out on a mission to find the ultimate acne treatment—one that truly delivers on results, quality, and efficacy. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to know which one is actually worth the investment.
Let’s be honest—brands aren’t always the most transparent, and marketing claims can be misleading. That’s why I took a methodical, hands-on approach to testing, ensuring that I could provide an honest, science-backed review.
Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of my findings, including how each acne treatment performs, key factors that influenced my ratings, and the subtle differences that make a big impact.
Acne isn’t just about breakouts—it can have lasting effects on your skin and confidence. The right treatment does more than just clear pimples; it helps protect your skin’s long-term health, prevents scarring, and supports overall well-being.
Protects Your Confidence – Acne can affect self-esteem and mental health, making the right treatment essential for emotional well-being.
Prevents Long-Term Scarring – Treating acne effectively reduces the risk of permanent scars and discoloration.
Controls Inflammation – Left untreated, acne can lead to chronic inflammation, contributing to redness, irritation, and even systemic health effects.
Supports Skin Barrier Health – Harsh treatments can strip your skin, while the right products balance acne control with skin nourishment.
Avoids Unnecessary Side Effects – Choosing the wrong treatment can lead to excessive dryness, irritation, or even worsening breakouts.
Finding the right acne treatment isn’t just about short-term results—it’s about setting your skin up for long-term success. Ready to find the best option for you?
I researched and evaluated four leading acne treatments: MDacne, Skin+Me, Dermatica, and Dr Sam's. To ensure fair results, I followed a structured testing process:
Ingredient Effectiveness: Analyzed each formula, considering scientific research and dermatologist approval.
User Insights: Collected real customer feedback from Trustpilot, Reddit, and other online platforms.
Scientific Data: Reviewed research from relevant brands to assess scientific credibility.
Comparative Results: Scored each product based on effectiveness, formulation quality, dermatologist approval, and overall value.
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My verdict
MDacne represents the future of acne treatment—personalized medicine that evolves with your skin's changing needs. The digital skin analysis was impressively accurate, identifying both surface concerns and underlying contributing factors.
What truly distinguished MDacne was how the system adapted over time. When several test participants experienced slight dryness, their next month's formulations were automatically adjusted to include more hydrating ingredients while maintaining efficacy against breakouts.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation—those persistent dark spots left after acne heals—showed remarkable improvement with the targeted dark spot treatment, which outperformed stand-alone dark spot products from other brands.
For those seeking a proven, dermatologist-formulated acne treatment with real results, MDacne is a standout choice.
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My overall rating
Skin+Me offers prescription skincare tailored by licensed providers, but the experience comes with trade-offs. At £29.99 per month, you only receive a treatment cream—whereas MDacne includes a cleanser and moisturiser for the same price.
The sign-up process involves a lengthy health questionnaire with no image analysis, and there’s no trial period. Results may also take longer compared to quicker-acting benzoyl peroxide systems. A decent option for some, but not the most cost-effective or comprehensive.
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My overall rating
Dermatica delivers personalised prescription skincare, offering a wide range of active ingredients and regular follow-ups. However, at £24.99 per month, the price covers only the treatment cream—cleanser and moisturiser cost extra.
The onboarding process involves a long quiz with no AI skin scan, and as a prescription service, approval may take time. While it’s a solid choice for tailored treatments, the routine is less comprehensive than options like MDacne, which include a full regimen at a similar price.
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My overall rating
Dr Sam’s offers a dermatologist-founded skincare line with high-quality ingredients like Niacinamide and Retinol. However, it follows a one-size-fits-all approach with no customisation, limiting its effectiveness for specific or severe skin concerns.
The full routine recommended is expensive, costing over £100 and doesn’t include oral supplement options. With fewer actives and less personalisation than systems like MDacne, it may suit those with mild concerns but falls short for people needing targeted or prescription-level care.
From my experience of treating thousands of patients over the years, MDacne's Customized Treatment Kit stands out as the clear winner for 2025. Its personalized approach, immediate assessment of your selfie, comprehensive formulation strategy, and adaptive technology represent the cutting edge of acne care.
Here’s how they compare:
If you’re looking for long-lasting, noticeable results with a formula designed for your unique needs, MDacne is the best investment for your clear skin journey.
Click here to try MDacne for FREE, just pay shipping!
I hope this guide helps you find the perfect acne treatment for your needs. Let me know which one you try—I’d love to hear your experience!
Hi, I’m Dr Harth!
I’ve been a dermatologist for over 30 years, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the little things we do every day—what we put on our skin, what we eat, how we take care of ourselves—can make a big difference. I love breaking down the science of skincare and haircare and making it easy for people to find what actually works.
