Dear Amy -  Most of the "over the counter," drugstore type products and acne care systems like Proactive, have either benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acids or retinol in them.  These can be combined in various ways for a good effect.  The problem is that these products work best on comedonal (blackheads and whiteheads), or the type of acne with small red bumps.  They do not work well on deeper cystic acne and especially if there is some scarring.  To get a good result with the kind of acne you have, you really need a good doctor, preferably a dermatologist, to help you because prescription medications (both topical and oral) work SOOO much better for the type of acne that you have!  Dr. I