Blemishes can appear on the skin as pustules, papules, nodules, cysts or blackheads. Acne blemishes can cause the complexion to look blotchy and infected, so clearing the skin is important to return the skin to its original smooth condition. A few effective treatments should clear up the face.
Soap for Sensitive Skin
Most commercial soaps found in supermarkets contain strong chemical ingredients that are often too harsh on the skin and strip away too many oils. This can cause the skin to become irritated and to overproduce oils in compensation. When cleansing acne-prone skin, it is important to use a soap formulated for sensitive skin. This type of soap does not contain skin-irritating properties, such as perfumes or dyes, but still cleans the skin thoroughly. When cleansing the skin, avoid scrubbing it. A light lathering and rinsing is all that is required to properly clean acne-prone skin. The skin can be washed with soap formulated for sensitive skin twice daily, once in the morning and again at night.
2.5 Percent Benzoyl Peroxide Cream
Benzoyl peroxide cream kills off acne-causing bacteria and dries up active acne breakouts. Benzoyl peroxide can be purchased in varying concentrations, ranging from 2.5 percent to 10 percent. It may seem beneficial to use the highest concentration benzoyl peroxide cream, but doing so can actually burn the skin, causing peeling, redness and itching, and can even exacerbate acne. Apply only a pea-size amount of the lowest strength cream, no higher than 2.5 percent in concentration, and smooth it onto the skin until it has soaked in twice per day. Avoid getting benzoyl peroxide cream into the eyes, which can cause severe eye irritation.
Oil-Free Moisturizer
Benzoyl peroxide creams in any concentration can overdry the skin if used independently. For this reason, it is important to follow a benzoyl peroxide cream with an oil-free moisturizer, which will soften and hydrate the skin without clogging the pores. Spread a dime-size amount of an oil-free moisturizer onto the skin after applying the benzoyl peroxide cream. Gently massage the moisturizer into the skin with your fingers, and repeat after each application of benzoyl peroxide. Avoid getting moisturizer into the eyes, because it could contain benzoyl peroxide from its contact with the cream on your skin.
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