The Clean Skin 1-2-3 Acne Solution System ($19.99), a new trio from Olay promises to be better than Proactiv in clearing up pesky pimples. According to Olay, the three-in-one acne treatment:

• is packed with acne-pummeling power. Two percent salicylic acid attacks blemishes and blackheads and helps minimize their appearance over time.

• reduces shine and redness, thanks to the swirled mattifier (see below for review!)

• has an invigorating essence of citrus and mint

• is dermatologist-tested, oil free and non-comedogenic so it won’t clog pores

Since my acne-prone days are over, I gave these products to my 19 year-old daughter to try. She has been suffering from acne and used Proactiv, so I thought she would be the ideal tester. The products were tested for about two weeks.

Acne Hater Deep Scrub

The scrub claims to, “exfoliate and penetrate pores to clear breakouts and blackheads while reducing excess oil.” My daughter used this twice a day as directed. She said it was “fantastic” in clearing up her skin and that it “worked as well as or even better than Proactiv.”

Review, Ingredients, Swatches: Olay Total Effects 7 in 1 Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 15 Fragrance Free, Regenerist Luminous Overnight Gel Mask

Spot Zinger

This targeted blemish treatment is said to “instantly improve skin’s appearance while delivering a 2% salicylic acid treatment to win the war on blemishes.” The lightweight, quick-absorbing formula is said to “penetrate deep into pores to help control blemishes and prevent new acne from forming.” My daughter said the product delivered on its claims. She used it a few times as needed. The cream was not greasy or oily and “sank right in” to her skin. And it did help to “banish a big old zit” very quickly.

Swirled Mattifier

This is a very interesting product that neutralizes the appearance of redness with a subtle green tint that absorbs into skin for colorless coverage. My daughter used this on days when her skin had an overall red and blotchy look and she reported that, “it really did help get the red out.” In addition, the product primes skin for make up, though she does not wear foundation or blush, so could not really speak to that point. But she said it “brightened up” her complexion, and left it soft, not stripped.

Review: Olay Regenerist Instant Fix Exfoliate And Renew System, Wrinkle and Pore Vanisher, Total Effects Pore Minimizing CC Cream

Although not part of the packaged set, she also sampled the See Spot Swipe, Oil-Reducing Wet Cloths, $4.99

Infused with citrus and mint essences, these invigorating wipes feature patented Exfoli-dots™ to help exfoliate while ridding skin of dirt, oil and make-up in a few swipes. As mentioned above, my daughter is not a make-up user, so she could not say how well the wipes worked at make-up removal. But she did like having them in her bag during the day so she could “refresh” her face without having to stop and wash it. She pointed out that they would be great in hot weather too, and plans to keep using them and also loved the fresh scent of the wipes and the other essence-infused products.

For more info, go to www.olay.com