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The Acne.org Regimen
A step-by-step program to clear skin
using only over the counter products
- ABOUT THE REGIMEN
- STEP-BY-STEP
- FIND YOUR SUPPLIES
Other recommended Regimen products
Click here if you liveI've added some other good products below. Most of the products are available from local drugstores. Alternatively you can click on the products and buy through drugstore.com. Acne.org is not associated with Drugstore.com. I receive no compensation for linking to any product.
Gentle Cleanser
Cleansing liquids
(Preferred--liquid cleansers are usually less drying and help leave your skin pH balanced.)
Acne.org Cleanser, 8 oz. or 16 oz.
Ultra gentle liquid formula that's pH balanced so it won't overdry. Unscented and dye-free, lathers well (great for shaving), and rinses clean.
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser Wash, 4 oz., 8 oz., and 16 oz.
It takes some getting used to because it doesn't feel like cleanser, more like thick water or something. I didn't like it, but some people do and it should work ok. Exceedingly gentle. Inexpensive.
Read reviews for Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser or write your own.
Neutrogena Extra Gentle Cleanser, 6 oz.
I really liked this cleanser. It is as gentle as you can find. Pricey though.
Read reviews for Neutrogena Extra Gentle Cleanser or write your own.
Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash, 6 oz.
Goes quickly for the price, but works fine.
Read reviews for Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash or write your own.
Cleansing bars
(I prefer liquid cleansers, but these should work as well.)
Purpose Gentle Cleansing Bar, 6 oz.
Lasts a long time, smells nice, gentle, good lather (great for shaving). Some people claim it is overly drying.
Read reviews for Purpose Gentle Cleansing Bar or write your own.
Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar, Antibacterial, 4.5 oz.
Lathers well (great for shaving). Antibacterial properties are unnecessary. Packs a powerful odor.
Read reviews for Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar, Antibacterial or write your own.
Basis Sensitive Skin Bar, 4 oz.
My favorite cleansing bar. Unscented, gentle, lathers well (great for shaving), inexpensive.
Read reviews for Basis Sensitive Skin Bar or write your own.
Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar, Unscented 4.5 oz.
Robust lather (great for shaving).
Read reviews for Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar or write your own.
2.5% benzoyl peroxide
Acne.org Benzoyl Peroxide Treatment, 8 oz. or 16 oz.
Works great. Gel based, so it goes on clear and spreads easily. pH balanced, fragrance free, and dye free. Won't "clump up" with moisturizers, and won't turn white when you perspire.
Neutrogena On-the-Spot Acne Treatment, .75 oz.
Works well. Cream based product that can leave white residue. May clump up with moisturizer. If so, gently slough off clumps. Small tube. Pretty expensive.
Moisturizer
Complex 15 Therapeutic Moisturizing Face Cream, 2.5 oz.
Has a great feel. Doesn't take care of flakiness well enough for me. Mix in 4-5 drops of jojoba oil to handle flakes. Comes in a small 2.5oz tube. Contains no SPF.
Lac-hydrin Five Moisturizing Lotion, 8 oz.
A nice 5% lactic acid moisturizer in a generous 8oz. size. A little thick for my taste, but works well. May sting if used within the first few weeks of the Regimen. Contains no SPF.
Olay Complete, Sensitive Skin, 4 oz. or 6 oz.
Used to be my favorite moisturizer, but they changed the active ingredient to avobenzone in July 2009. I no longer recommend. 
Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion, 8 oz. or 16 oz.
Moisturizes well. Comes in a large 8 oz. or 16 oz. size for a good price. The feel is a bit thick and not everyone likes it, including me, but it seems to work well for some people. Contains no SPF.
Acne.org Moisturizer, 8 oz. or 16 oz.
This is the one I use every day. It takes care of flakiness entirely. Goes on clear and absorbs quickly with a super light feel. I like adding in 4-5 drops of jojoba oil to make it super awesome.
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Face Lotion, 2.5 oz.
Moisturizes very well. Small 2.5oz. size, and somewhat expensive. Heavily scented. Contains a pretty high percentage of alpha hydroxy acid, so it may sting a bit at first. This is not for people who are just starting the Regimen. Make sure you've been on the Regimen for at least three weeks or so before starting with any high percentage alpha hydroxy acid. Contains SPF15.
Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture, 4 oz.
Works ok as a starter lotion. Add 4-5 drops of jojoba for flakiness control. Not my favorite SPF active ingredients. Contains SPF15.
Jojoba oil
- Jojoba oil is great for flakiness control, overall skin oil balancing, as well as lots of other uses.
Acne.org Jojoba Oil, 8 oz.
Drop-at-a-time dispenser. Try mixing 4-5 drops of jojoba oil with your moisturizer in your palm before application. This should completely take care of flakiness. Jojoba oil is non-comedogenic and may actually be beneficial for acne prone skin.
Desert Essence Jojoba oil, 4 oz.
The cap isn't ideal for me, but oil is high quality. Try mixing 4-5 drops of jojoba oil with your moisturizer in your palm before application. This should completely take care of flakiness. Jojoba oil is non-comedoegnic and may actually be beneficial for acne prone skin.
Alpha hydroxy acid
- I use alpha hydroxy acid for spot treatment and to take my skin from clear to "perfect". It can also be used for chronically dry skin.
Acne.org AHA+, 6 oz.
This is my new favorite AHA. It contains licochalcone
Alpha Hydrox Enhanced Lotion, 6 oz.
I used this for years with good results. Nice creamy skin feel. Spot test for a few days before using.
Razors
Gillette Good News Disposable Razors
These razors work fine. It seems like two blades, which both these razors and the SensorExcel razor have, is the magic number. In my experience, single blade shaving is irritating, and 3 or more blades is very irritating.
Gillette SensorExcel Razor
One of the top two razors I've ever tried, very low irritation. Handle pivots. 5 or 10 pack refill cartridges.
Gillette Trac II Plus
One of the top two razors I've ever tried. Doesn't pivot. Low irritation. Handles no longer made by Gillette, but compatible handles are available at Razors Direct, Amazon.com and Treasured Locks.
