Cleaning the Skin Properly

• It is necessary to cleanse the skin correctly for the skin to remain clean, but it is important to avoid irritating the skin, as irritation can lead to more acne and inflamed skin. Cleanse the skin gently using a soap that is formulated for sensitive skin types. Most soaps contain additives that can irritate and inflame the skin, which can exacerbate acne and can hinder the clearing of the skin. These ingredients include perfumes, dyes, strong vitamins and chemicals that are designed to reduce wrinkles.
  
  Using a soap for sensitive skin, lather up the face well while avoiding scrubbing the skin. Scrubbing and rubbing the face will exacerbate acne and prevent it from clearing. After the face is lathered, rinse it off well with water.
  
  

Medicating the Skin Properly

• A mistake many people make when trying to treat acne is to use a benzoyl peroxide cream that is too strong for the skin. This usually leads to burning and peeling of the skin, and will cause the skin to over-produce oils in order to compensate for the extreme drying nature of the benzoyl peroxide. Medicate the skin using a benzoyl peroxide cream that is 2.5 percent in strength. Use only a dime-sized amount of the benzoyl peroxide cream and spread it onto the skin gently until it has been absorbed.
  
  

Hydrating the Skin Properly

• Most people try treating their acne with only a benzoyl peroxide cream. This will cause the skin to become too dry, which may actually exacerbate acne. Hydrate the skin using an oil-free moisturizing lotion designed for sensitive skin. Always use a dime-sized amount of an oil-free lotion that does not contain perfumes or additives, and apply it after using the benzoyl peroxide cream. Smooth it on gently using circular movements until it has been absorbed. This will allow the skin to become both clear and soft at the same time.