While no one pimple cream can do the job on its own, the right combination of ingredients will – salicylic acid to unclog pores and benzoyl peroxide to reduce inflammation and bacteria.  Then, use mild products for the rest of your acne skin care routine.  Remember, it takes about 4-6 weeks to adjust to most acne skin care treatments.

Here are 3 quick, simple steps to a clear complexion:

Acne Skin Care Treatment Step 1 - Wash your face morning and night with a cleanser that contains between 0.5%-2% salicylic acid.  Leave the cleanser on for a minute before rinsing with lukewarm water.  Note: If you have sensitive skin, wash morning OR night and rinse immediately.  Also, beware of washcloths and abrasive scrubs as they can rupture pimples and lead to inflammation.

Acne Skin Care Treatment Step 2 - Apply a thin layer of cream with 2.5%-4% benzoyl peroxide on breakouts and the surrounding skin.  Make sure you do this when your skin is dry as the product will penetrate damp skin too deeply and cause irritation.  Wait a few minutes for the cream to absorb, then apply an oil-free lotion to dry spots.  Note: Spot-treating existing pimples does nothing to stop breakouts that are forming nearby.

Acne Skin Care Treatment Step 3 - During the day, use a lightweight, oil-free lotion labeled “noncomedogenic” – apply it wherever your skin feels dry.  As always, it’s essential to wear SPF 30 with UVA/UVB protection daily.  Note:  If you have oily skin, you can skip moisturizer and just apply sunscreen.

Click here for an excellent natural acne skin care system, called Clear Advantage.

You can find our complete library of acne skin care articles here!