- Cleansing the skin gently involves avoiding soaps that can damage the skin and strip off too much of its natural oils. Select a soap or a cleanser that is made for sensitive skin and is fragrance- and additive-free. The skin can become irritated when bombarded with too many chemicals. Wash your face without scrubbing, which can remove too much of the top layer of skin. Lather gently, then rinse well with water.
- Once the face is clean, it can be medicated with a light benzoyl peroxide cream. Benzoyl peroxide is considered the most effective topical to eliminate skin eruptions quickly. While there are strengths of benzoyl peroxide higher than 2.5 percent, you shouldn't use one stronger than this. It will heal the acne without causing unwanted side effects, like itching, rashes or skin burns. Apply a nickel-sized amount, smoothing it over the skin lightly until it dries. Avoid rubbing the cream into the skin; simply let the fingers glide over the face.
- Benzoyl peroxide creams, even the lightest strength, will dry out the skin. Applying a moisturizing lotion after medicating the skin will allow the skin to clear while retaining its softness. Use only an oil-free lotion that does not contain comedogenic ingredients, or ingredients that could block the pores and cause more blemishes. Smooth the lotion onto the skin gently, avoiding rubbing it in whenever possible. Continue to glide the fingers over the skin until the moisturizing lotion has been fully absorbed by the skin.
