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The Acne.org Neck Regimen - moderate to severe

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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 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 the following page should help get your neck completely clear.

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How I discovered the neck regimen

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By high school, my acne had spread to my neck and was pretty severe. It ruined quite a few days at school. I decided I had to find a way to clear it up, and after years of trial and error I developed a regimen for my neck that got it under complete control. It turns out it's pretty simple after all.

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How the moderate to severe neck regimen works

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(click here for the light to moderate regimen)

  • neck regimen step 1

    Gentle cleanser: A gentle cleanser helps remove surface oils, allowing topical products to penetrate. Washing very gently is important because it helps keep irritation to a minimum. In neck acne, just like in facial acne, avoiding irritation is very important.

  • neck regimen step 2

    Generous amounts of of 2.5% benzoyl peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide penetrates the skin where it creates oxygen that kills acne bacteria. It is also a mild drying and peeling agent, keeping pores from becoming clogged. What I discovered however, is that you need to use a lot of it. It is really simple but it works. I highly recommend 2.5% benzoyl peroxide instead of higher concentrations. Studies show that 2.5% is as effective as 5% or 10% without the irritation.

  • neck regimen step 3

    10% alpha hydroxy acid: After applying benzoyl peroxide, apply a generous amount of alpha hydroxy acid as well. Alpha hydroxyl acid exfoliates the skin. The combo of benzoyl peroxide and alpha hydroxy acid works incredibly well for more severe cases of neck acne. I particularly like alpha hydroxy acid with licochalcone (a licorice root extract which soothes and calms acne-prone skin). The addition of licochalcone has been brilliant for me, but is not required.

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