Acne is a common skin condition that affects people of all ages. There are many different types of acne, including blackheads, papules, pustules, nodules and cysts, as well as different levels of severity. While some of the more severe forms of acne take longer to clear, such as the cystic or nodular acne, most acne can be cleared within a week if you follow a routine that cleanses the skin gently, medicates the skin properly and moisturizes the skin regularly.
Step 1
Wash your skin with a soap formulated for sensitive skin types, which will clean the skin without irritating or inflaming it. Wet the skin well with water, lather up your hands with a sensitive-skin soap and spread the lather onto your skin gently, avoiding scrubbing or rubbing the skin. Rinse off the skin with warm water. Repeat twice per day.
Step 2
Medicate your skin using a 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide cream, which will release oxygen into the pores to kill off acne-causing bacteria without causing the severe side effects that higher strength creams can, such as peeling or burning. Squeeze a pea-sized amount of low-strength benzoyl peroxide cream onto your fingers, and gently spread it around the skin until it has completely soaked in. Repeat twice per day.
Step 3
Moisturize the skin with an oil-free moisturizing lotion, which will keep the skin properly hydrated without causing the pores to become clogged with comedogenic oils. Squirt a dime-sized amount of an oil-free moisturizer lotion onto your fingers, and gently smooth it around your skin until it has been absorbed. Repeat twice per day.
Tips and Warnings
- A sensitive-skin soap will be free of artificial perfumes, dyes and fillers that can irritate or inflame acne-prone skin. Since acne-prone skin can be more sensitive than normal, using a soap designed for sensitive skin types will prevent the soap from exacerbating the condition. It is important to always follow a benzoyl peroxide cream with an oil-free moisturizer, which will keep the skin soft and supple without clogging the pores.
- If your skin becomes red, itchy or irritated when using a skin care product, discontinue its use and check with your doctor or dermatologist about the possibility of a topical allergy.
Things You'll Need
- Sensitive-skin soap
- 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide cream
- Oil-free moisturizing lotion
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