It totally depends on the type of skin you have. People who have really really dry skin often have bad acne problems as much as people with really oily skin.
Honestly, I have pretty damn bad skin, and I still haven't pinpointed what's best. I know, however, that proactiv isn't all that special--if you look at the ingredients, they are essentially the same as generic brands. I think, however, they use a compination of salsylic acid and benzol peroxide (however you spell those)...which can really dry out your skin. That happened to me, which sometimes made the acne worse.
I found, personally, that using a really good scrub brush on my face to get rid of the dry skin, a face mask to once or twice a week (mostly cause it feels so nice), and lots of sun and water. Heat therapy (as my sister calls it) does miracles for my skin, personally. All the acne medicine really doesn't do shit for me. In fact, I found that if I put a oil free lotion/moisturizer on my face after exfoiliating and showering, it did wonders. But then again, that's me.
Green tea is full of antioxidants, which also help.
Sadly enough, healthy eating, and lots of water usually do the trick.
Oh, and since I'm rambling, a lot of acne problems, I think, just come from hormones, which are really hard to control. If you have a lot of testorone, like me, you'll probably have some bad acne....like people who use steriods. I notice once or twice a month (or if I'm really really stressed), I break out in a V shape on my back, and it goes away once I calm down.
...did any of that make sense?
....oh, and sorry if I just repeated what everyone said.
