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The Neck Regimen Perform twice per day
- Effective
- Detailed
- Neck acne treatment guide
(click here for the light to moderate regimen)
The moderate to severe Neck Regimen contains three steps, using only over-the-counter products. While the products are important, it is equally important how you apply them.
You'll need a gentle cleanser and plenty of 10% alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and benzoyl peroxide to get started. In my experience, an alpha hydroxy product with licochalcone works best. These three products, when applied using the step-by-step instructions on this page should help get your neck completely clear.
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.]
A.
Dispense a generous amount of cleanser into your palm and get a good lather going. If using Acne.org Cleanser, use 1 full pump.
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.
B.
In the shower or at the sink, gently wash your neck for only about 5 seconds and with a gentle touch. Rinse.
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.
C.
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.
Anything which rubs, scratches, or scrubs the skin can cause irritation. Stay very gentle with your towel.
D.
Wait 10-15 minutes until your skin is completely dry.
Do not begin Step 2 until your skin is completely dry.
A.
Wash and dry your hands.
This helps remove any oils that may have accumulated on your hands. Exposure to oils can aggravate acne.
B.
Dispense a generous amount (2mL) of benzoyl peroxide. If using Acne.org Treatment (2.5% benzoyl peroxide), dispense one full pump.
Using an extremely generous amount of benzoyl peroxide is the heart and soul of this regimen. When in doubt, use more!
Note: This refers to only after you have worked up your dosage to the full amount (2mL). If you have sensitive skin, start with a small amount of benzoyl peroxide and work up the amount you use over 2-3 weeks until you are using the full amount.
C.
Apply very gently, allowing your fingers to glide over the neck until the benzoyl peroxide is more or less absorbed.
Staying super gentle reduces irritation.
D.
Wait 5-15 minutes for your skin to dry. Do not rinse off the benzoyl peroxide.
Benzoyl peroxide oxygenates skin, and dries and peels inside the pore. It is important to give it the time it needs to properly medicate and treat acne.
A.
Wash and dry your hands.
This helps remove any oils that may have accumulated on your hands. Exposure to oils can aggravate acne.
B.
Dispense a quarter-sized dollop of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA).
The neck requires a lot of AHA to properly treat.
C.
Apply very gently, allowing your fingers to glide over the neck until the AHA is more or less absorbed.
Staying super gentle reduces irritation.
D.
Wait for skin to dry before dressing.
This will allow the skin to absorb the AHA, and will prevent clothing from absorbing the AHA instead.
Tips
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.
Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) 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.
