The Acne.org Neck Regimen - light to moderate

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 to get started. In my experience, an alpha hydroxy product with licochalcone works best. These products, when administered using the step-by-step instructions on the following 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.

How I discovered my neck regimen

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 trial and error, I managed to develop a regimen for my neck that kept my acne there under complete control. I feel blessed to be able to share it with people so they don't have to suffer like I did.

How my light to moderate neck regimen works

Gentle cleanser: By removing surface oils, a gentle cleanser allows topical products to work their best. 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.

Step-by-step instructions

Important: For best results, the Neck Regimen should be performed twice daily, about 12 hours apart if possible. This regimen is the result of years of trial and error and works best when followed precisely. Once you are completely clear, you can move to just once a day and see if you stay clear with that. If you don't stay clear, go back to twice a day.

Wash Gently

Important: Irritation can exacerbate acne. It is important to be gentle. Let your hands gently glide over your neck. Also, do not use soap on the Neck Regimen; soap can strip the skin and irritate. Your best bet is to find a gentle cleanser which is specifically made for the face and simply use it on the neck.

• Dispense one pump of cleanser into your palm and get a good lather going.
• Gently wash your neck for only about 5 seconds and with a gentle touch. All you are doing is prepping the neck for topical treatment. Rinse.
• After your shower, 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 in no time.
• Wait 10-15 minutes until your skin is completely dry.

Apply 10% alpha hydroxy acid

• Wash and dry your hands.
• Dispense one thick finger's length worth of alpha hydroxy acid cream.
• Apply to your neck gently, allowing your hand to glide over the back until the alpha hydroxy acid is more or less absorbed. Remember, be gentle.

Finding your Neck Regimen supplies

Now you know all about the light to moderate Neck Regimen, how it works, and how to apply it, so it's time to get your supplies. For years the Regimen consisted of only drugstore brand products, but they can be expensive. I lobbied the large brand names to make us larger size products, and got friendly responses but little in the way of action. So I decided to make larger, and more cost effective products for us myself. While I was at it, I made them higher quality and less drying so they would work specifically for the Regimen. You should see faster and better results with my products. However, not everybody can order online so I've made sure to also recommend some good alternatives. Go to www.acne.org/neck-acne-regimen-light-moderate3.html to view recommended light to moderate Neck Regimen products.

Good luck everybody!