Things You'll Need:
- 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide
- Mild glycerin soap
- Washcloth
- Sunscreen
- Bronzer
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Step 1
Begin with the least harsh method to treat your acne until you find a treatment that's effective. For example, if you choose a benzoyl peroxide formulation, use one with 2.5 percent strength, as stronger percentages irritate.
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Step 2
Treat your skin with one acne treatment at a time if your skin irritation increases. For example, if you experience redness and peeling, use mild glycerin soap with your acne medication instead of a soap that contains salicylic acid.
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Step 3
Resist the urge to pop an acne pimple or to pick at your skin. You might think you are eliminating the pimple faster, but picking can lead to scarring.
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Step 4
Use a warm, damp washcloth to thin the skin over a pimple. This can bring impurities to the surface and encourage the pimple pop on its own.
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Step 5
Wash the affected area with a gentle touch when you're breaking out. Punishing your skin with harsh scrubs doesn't equate to better cleansing. In fact, scrubbing can spread acne-causing bacteria.
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Step 6
Wear sunscreen every day. Getting sunburned or tanned doesn't cure acne, but it does increase short-term irritation and cause premature wrinkles. Use a bronzer in lieu of tanning to disguise acne.
