With all the anti-acne products on the market it is difficult to tell what works and what will make your acne worse. Anything that irritates your skin is likely to make you break out. That's why dermatologists from the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology recommend skipping all those masks, scrubs and harsh treatments. They advise sticking with using a facial cleanser and a topical medication to treat acne, unless your dermatologist suggests oral medications or procedures typically given to people with severe acne. Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are two common ingredients in topical acne medications. Products containing these two ingredients may be used individually or combined as part of an acne regimen, because they do different things.
Step 1
Wash your face with a mild, antibacterial facial cleanser in the morning, recommends American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Use lukewarm water and be gentle.
Step 2
Wait until your skin has dried, which usually takes five to 15 minutes.
Step 3
Apply a product with salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is effective for unclogging pores and fixing an abnormal shedding of skin cells, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Continue to use the product even if it irritates or burns your skin, but reduce how often you use it. Try every other day and see if your skin responds well. Go every three days until applying if your skin is still dry, pink or irritated when you use it every two days, suggests the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.
Step 4
Wash your face at night with a mild cleanser and allow it to dry.
Step 5
Apply a cream or gel with 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide to combat P. acnes bacteria and get rid of dead skin cells. Benzoyl peroxide also may cause your skin to cut back on oil production, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Start with one application per day and work up to three at most. Use the product less often if your skin feels raw or turns pink.
Step 6
Use both products containing the salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide even after your skin clears up. Stopping use of the products could lead to your skin breaking out again, warns the American Academy of Dermatology.
Tips and Warnings
- A 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide formula is as effective as a five or 10 percent formula, but is gentler on your skin. Both of these products are effective against acne on your body as well as your face. Apply the same way.
- See your dermatologist if the side effects from these products are severe or if you are concerned. Benzoyl peroxide can bleach your clothes, towels or bedding. Wear clothing like an old T-shirt after applying benzoyl peroxide. You may want to stick to using it at night when you can wear pajamas that you don't mind bleaching.
Things You'll Need
- Facial cleanser
- Acne medication with benzoyl peroxide
- Acne medication with salicylic acid
