- Soaps can contain ingredients that are made to remove dirt and impurities. These ingredients, although effective, are typically too harsh to use on the face. Even soaps and cleansers touted to treat acne can be too drying and irritating. When the face is cleansed, it should be done gently and lightly, using a calming soap or cleanser formulated for sensitive skin types. Overly scrubbing or rubbing the skin when washing it can be damaging, and can defeat the intention of clearing the skin. This is because scrubbing the skin removes too much of the outer skin layer, which regulates oil production. Using a soothing sensitive skin soap will clean the skin without irritating it.
- In order to medicate the skin to eliminate and prevent acne, it is important to use the right strength of benzoyl peroxide cream. Most people use a cream that is too strong, which can lead to peeling, excessive redness and burns on the face. Stick with a 2.5 percent concentration benzoyl peroxide cream and use a quarter-size amount per dose. Slide the fingers across the face, letting the cream absorb completely into the skin. Continue to do this until the skin feels dry, and you know that the cream is fully absorbed. You will want to medicate the skin twice per day after washing the face, once in the morning and again in the evening. Do not rinse off the benzoyl peroxide cream; let the cream dry onto the skin.
- Since medicating the skin with the benzoyl peroxide cream can be drying and can make the skin feel tight, it is useful to moisturize the face after medicating. Avoid moisturizers that are too heavy or contain ingredients that are touted to eliminate wrinkles. Many times these chemicals can interact poorly with the benzoyl peroxide cream. Instead, select a cream that is oil-free and developed for sensitive skin. This type of moisturizer will be gentle on the skin and will not reclog the pores that you have cleared.
