One of the most common complaints of even the best acne products is that they irritate and dehydrate the skin. People tend to stop using their acne products when their skin gets dry and peels, so they never get completely clear, nor do they stay clear. I want to go over some strategies that can make using acne products a more productive, comfortable process.
Know from the outset, that you are going to have some dryness and peeling from acne products. Any product that is strong enough to get acne under control is inherently dehydrating – that’s just the way it is, but there are ways we can alleviate this problem while your skin is adapting to products.
1. The best strategy is to start off using products very slowly. Allow your skin to gradually adapt to your products. Our Acne Specialists are experts at coaching you through this process.
2. You can add a water-based hydrator like our Hydrabalance to layer under your morning sunscreen and your evening benzoyl peroxide. Remember to not use any moisturizer or cream with oil in it as it will stop the action of the benzoyl peroxide. The benzoyl will not be able to penetrate into the pores to do its work of stopping acne from forming.
3. Dryness around the mouth and chin area is a very common reaction to benzoyl peroxide. When it happens, you can apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly on the dry area (smile lines) before applying the benzoyl peroxide. Do this for just a few days and then resume the benzoyl peroxide again. Rest assured that Vaseline will not cause your skin to break out.
4. Another option is to take a 1 to 3-day break from your routine. Just cleanse, tone and use your noncomedogenic sunscreen, like our Daily SPF 30 in the morning. Then cleanse, tone and use a noncomedogenic moisturizer, like our Clearderma, at night. When you start your routine again you will resume where you left off.
5. The last option is to get acne products that are not quite as strong. Work your way up slowly to stronger products.
**Word of caution – if you take too many breaks, you will not clear either. If you are chronically dry, then it’s time to readjust your home care routine to one that your skin can tolerate.
The path to clear skin is not easy – it’s best to have someone who is experienced to help you get there. We, at Face Reality Acne Clinic, do just that – we will get you through the ups and downs of getting to clear skin.
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