Acne

Acne Prevention Strategies:

  1. Cleanse skin at the beginning and end of each day.
  2. If skin gets oily during the day, use blotting paper (a brown paper napkin works well) to blot off excess oil, rather than washing face.
  3. Use only oil-free products on the skin (cleansers, moisturizers, sunscreens, cosmetics). Check the ingredients list, as there can be hidden oils, especially in anti-aging products.
  4. Use only non-comedogenic cosmetics. Better yet, avoid cosmetics foundations, powders, concealers whenever possible to prevent clogging pores.
  5. Determine your food triggers. Sugary or processed foods tend to trigger acne breakouts in many individuals.
  6. Avoid popping pimples, as this often will lead to infection and/or scarring. Instead, be patient and continue with a diligent skin care routine. You can try an acne spot treatment (see below) to expedite the process.
  7. Wear an oil-free and non-comedogenic sunscreen for the face every single day (SPF 30 or higher).
  8. Remove all make up at the end of every day. Use a proper make up remover (micellar water is a gentle and effective choice of make up remover), followed by your usual cleanser.
  9. Important note: Most acne products (over-the-counter and prescription) take at least 1-2 months of regular use for improvement to be noticeable. Do not stop your acne routine after just a few weeks of use. 

Benzoyl Peroxide Leave-on Products (for night time use):

**Apply at night time. Leave on skin for 15 minutes before washing off. Gradually double leave on time until you can leave it on overnight (i.e. 30 min, 1 hr, 2hr, 4hr, overnight) if your skin tolerates it. Benzoyl peroxide leave-on products can be more effective than a cleanser, but may lead to more skin dryness or irritation.

  1. Neutrogena Rapid Clear Daily Leave on Mask ($13)
  2. Benzagel Acne Gel (~$11)

Benzoyl Peroxide Cleansers:

  1. Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Cleanser (~$10)
  2. Clean & Clear Continuous Control Acne Cleanser (~$10)

Salicylic Acid Cleansers:

  1. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash (~$13)
  2. Clean & Clear Acne Triple Clear Gel Cleanser (~$9)
  3. Cerave SA Cleanser (~$18)
  4. Aveeno Clear Complexion Cream Cleanser (~$11)

Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Moisturizers:

  1. Cerave SA Lotion (~$18)
  2. Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Control Moisturizer (~$10)
  3. Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer (~$21)

Acne Spot Treatment:

*Note: Not effective on its own for acne management. May use in addition to acne skin care routine.

  1. Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment (salicylic acid) (~$7)
  2. Neutrogena RapidClear Stubborn Acne Spot Gel ($11)