The Neck Regimen Perform twice per day

Optimal efficacy achieved only when followed exactly as directed.
  • Effective
  • Detailed
  • Neck acne treatment guide

(click here for the moderate to severe regimen)

My light to moderate Neck Regimen contains two steps and uses over-the-counter products. While the products I use are important, it is equally important how I apply them.

You'll need a gentle cleanser and plenty of 10% alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) to get started. These products, when administered using the step-by-step instructions on this page keep my neck completely clear. When the acne on my neck was moderate to severe, I required a regimen which incorporated benzoyl peroxide in addition to alpha hydroxy acid.

I started getting acne on my face in middle school. By the time I was in high school it had spread to my neck. Through years of intense trial and error, I managed to develop a regimen for my neck that kept my acne there under complete control. I am excited to be able to share it with people so they don't have to suffer like I did.

Gentle cleanser: By removing surface oils, a gentle cleanser allows topical products to penetrate. Washing very gently is vital because it helps keep irritation in check. In neck acne, just like in facial acne, avoiding irritation is extremely important.

10% alpha hydroxy acid with licochalcone keeps my neck completely clear. Alpha hydroxy acid rapidly exfoliates the surface of the skin, which signals the skin to bring new cells to the surface. Licochalcone calms and soothes the skin. An AHA without licochalcone works for me as well, albeit not quite as well.

Wash Gently (in the shower works best)

  • Vital: When washing, your fingers should gently glide over your skin.

    [Medical research shows reducing irritation is vital to clear acne.]

How
Why
dispense

A.

How

Wet Hands. Dispense a generous amount of cleanser into your palm and get a good lather going. If using Acne.org Cleanser, use 1 full pump.

Why

Using a generous amount of cleanser will allow you to generate a good lather. The more lather you generate, the more easily your hands will glide across your skin, thereby reducing irritation.

lather

B.

How

In the shower or at the sink, gently wash your neck for only about 5 seconds and with a gentle touch. Rinse.

Why

Cleansing is necessary because it removes surface oils which allows the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) to penetrate, but you can easily achieve this goal with bare hands and only a few seconds of washing. Washing for this short a period of time reduces irritation and is one of the most important steps in The Neck Regimen.

Note: Washcloths are far too irritating and should be completely avoided.

dry

C.

How

Gently pat dry your neck. Do not rub. You may not get your skin completely dry with a towel this way, but that's ok. The remaining wetness will air dry quickly.

Why

Anything which rubs, scratches, or scrubs the skin can cause irritation. Stay very gentle with your towel.

wait

D.

How

Wait 10-15 minutes until your skin is completely dry.

Why

Letting your skin dry completely allows the AHA (Step 2) to absorb. Do not begin Step 2 until your skin is completely dry.

Apply 10% alpha hydroxy acid (AHA)

How
Why
wash hands

A.

How

Wash and dry your hands.

Why

This helps remove any oils that may have accumulated on your hands. Exposure to oils can aggravate acne.

dispense alpha hydroxy acid

B.

How

Dispense a quarter-sized dollop of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA).

Why

The neck requires a lot of AHA to properly treat.

C.

How

Apply to your neck gently, allowing your hand to glide over the back until the AHA is more or less absorbed. Remember, be gentle.

Why

Staying super gentle reduces irritation.

Tips

fabric softner Fabric softener: Fabric softener can leave a waxy residue on clothing and while there exists no research on the topic, this theoretically may aggravate acne. Anti-static balls may be an alternative. You can google "anti-static balls" to find them.

sun Alpha hydroxy acid increases sensitivity to the sun and increases the chance of sunburn. Use a sunscreen and limit sun exposure while using alpha hydroxy acid and for a few weeks afterward.

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