Q: I’m stressed out enough!  Why do I have to join a club just to treat my acne?

Our philosophy is that you don’t.  The products you get when you sign up for a system generally work fine, but many people are put off by obligation to an entire set and automatic shipment every month just to try them.  Acne does get better with treatment, though, and acne treatment requires a commitment, so let’s break it down.

The centerpiece to an effective acne regimen is the treatment product that you leave on the skin.  It gets into the pores and fights the bacteria that cause acne breakouts.  This product should be strong, deep penetrating, fast acting and gentle.

The other products in a system are cleansers, toners and moisturizers. Their purpose is to keep the skin looking better but do little to heal the breakouts. Many are formulated for acne prone skin, so if you are already using a toner or face wash that you (and your skin) like you can keep using it.  Economically this helps if, for instance, other family members share skincare products or the drug store puts your brand on sale now and then. Now we have the makings of a routine and didn’t have to join a club.

The routine starts with the most effective treatment product you can find, and should include washing the face often with a mild soap, using an alcohol free toner to slough off dead skin when needed, and if your skin gets dry, using a light, oil-free and non-comedogenic moisturizer.

There is one critical element to a complete acne regimen that gets little attention in the promotion of acne systems.  If the key ingredient to your leave-on acne treatment is Benzoyl Peroxide, you should always apply a sunscreen when going into the sun. Benzoyl Peroxide can cause the skin to be photosensitive and highly susceptible to sunburn.  Look for a sunscreen that provides an SPF of 30 or higher with high UVA protection, and that is oil-free, and non-comedogenic to avoid aggravating acne.