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A quick note about acne care. Please consult your dermatologist about your skin care routine.
A typical routine when first starting with prescription acne products includes the following:
AM: 1) Gentle Cleanser 2) AM prescription or AM Acne product with active ingredients 3) Sunscreen/Moisturizer
PM: 1) Gentle Cleanser 2) PM prescription or Acne Product with active ingredients 3) Moisturizer
This may vary based on your skin and acne type. More than anything, below are products that I often recommend in an acne routine.
CLEANSER
I recommend this cleanser when starting new prescription topicals
Drug store brand
Cetaphil Gentle Clear BPO Cleanser
Benzoyl Peroxide
This is an excellent benzoyl peroxide cleanser that can be combined with prescription clindamycin in the morning
Drug store brand
CeraVe - Acne Foaming Cleanser
Benoyl Peroxide
This is an another benzoyl peroxide cleanser that can be combined with prescription clindamycin in the morning
Drug store brand
Salicylic Acid
Only use this cleanser if you are well established in your acne medication routine without irritation
Drug store brand
AM SUNSCREEN
This lightweight sunscreen has a slight green tint which reduces visible redness/acne scars.
Mid-Tier Brand
I love this sunscreen. It's a mineral sunscreen that feels good on the skin. Also has 5% niacinamide to help treat acne/scarring.
CeraVe Am is an excellent sunscreen for acne prone skin. Contains niacinamide (an acne-fighting ingredients)
Drug store brand
ACTIVE TOPICALS
For milder acne, when first starting an acne routine or in individuals with sensitive skin, we often start with adapalene.
Mid-Tier Brand
For milder acne, when first starting an acne routine or in individuals with sensitive skin, we often start with adapalene.
PM MOISTURIZER
After applying your retinoid (This may be Adapalene, Akleif, Altreno, Arazlo, Epiduo or Twyneo)
BODY ACNE AND FOLLICULITIS
Apply to body
Leave on for 3-5 minutes before washing off
Apply while the shower is warming up or listen to an entire song in the shower while it works.
Drug store brand
Great to keep in your sports/gym back to cleanse your skin if you don't have time after activity.
Drug store brand
Solution for applying acne creams to difficult to apply locations
ACCUTANE TOOL KIT
While on Accutane, you don't want to use any potentially irritating products on your skin. You can stop all other acne treatments.
Instead, focus on moisturizing and sun protection.
Take a non-sedating antihistamine once daily for the first 12 weeks to reduce acne flare.
Options include:
Fexofenadine (Allegra) 180 mg or Levoceterizine (Zyzal) 5mg or Ceterizine (Zyrtec) 10 mg
Drug store brand
Dry skin is common with Accutane. CeraVe cream can be used on face and body.
Drug store brand
You will be more sensitive to the sun while on Accutane. Use daily sunscreen. Elta MD Elements and CeraVe am are good options.
Nose bleeds are common. Xlear nasal spray is excellent. Also, put a humidifier in your bedroom.
Drug store brand
Aquaphor healing ointment is excellent for dry or breaking skin or lips.
Drug store brand
DIET AND ACNE
Limit High Sugar Foods
Limit High Sugar Foods
(Avoid sugary drinks and foods that raise blood sugar)
Reduce Non Fat Dairy
Reduce Non Fat Dairy
Dairy- Specifically non-fat dairy has been show to worsen acne.
Don't eat chocolate daily
Don't eat chocolate daily
I’d never tell you to give up chocolate completely, but eating it every day can make acne worse
Avoid Whey Protein if you are using protein supplements (Consider isolated soy or egg white as alternatives)
Take Omega-3 Fatty acid or Gamma-linolenic acid
Vitamin D 1000 IU x 2 months can reduce inflammatory acne
Avoid high doses of B12. B12 can worsen acne.
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