Skin Care Tip: Treating mild to moderate acne

Here's the steps that worked for me for mild to moderate acne:

• mild cleanser. I use cetaphil.
• alcohol free toner if desired
• exfoliate using 1-2% salicylic acid at correct pH (I use Paula's Choice)
• topical benzoyl peroxide - start at 2.5% and work up to greater strengths (5% and 10% available) only if needed. Available OTC in pharmacies. BE CAREFUL benzoyl peroxide will bleach coloured clothing / towels and even hair at greater concentrations.
• non-comedogenic moisturiser with high SPF.

Benzoyl peroxide has a desquamative effect as well as a disinfectant effect. Hence you need to be careful using it with the salicylic acid which is keratolytic. I would start with lowest strength salicylic acid (i.e. 1%) at night and benzoyl peroxide 2.5% in the morning (or vice versa) and increase slowly (i.e. every 2 or 3 days) until using both morning and night. Then you can consider increasing the concentrations if necessary.

You may find you need a more emollient moisturizer, particularly in winter.

I am 35 years old with mild to moderate acne. 6 weeks ago I changed my skincare regime and for the first time in more than 20 years I have no acne lesions (other than post acne hyperpigmentation).