Important:
The Neck Regimen needs to be performed twice a day, about 12 hours apart if possible. This regimen is the end result of many years of trial and error and works best when followed precisely.
My 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.
By high school, my acne had spread to my neck and was pretty severe. It ruined many a day at school for me. 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.
Gentle cleanser: A gentle cleanser helps remove surface oils, allowing topical products to work well. 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.
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.
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.
Important:
The Neck Regimen needs to be performed twice a day, about 12 hours apart if possible. This regimen is the end result of many years of trial and error and works best when followed precisely.
Important:
Gently let your hands gently glide over the skin. This will reduce irritation. Also, do not use soap on the Neck Regimen; soap tends to over-dry and irritate. Instead, use a gentle cleanser (I prefer liquids) which is made for the face to wash the neck.
Benzoyl peroxide can bleach fabric. Even after it is dry, just a slight sweat can reactivate the benzoyl peroxide and ruin your colored shirts. I recommend wearing white while on this regimen. I've also personally found that red clothing tends to resist bleaching properties of benzoyl peroxide better than other colors. Alternately, you can try the light to moderate Neck Regimen which uses only alpha hydroxyl acid and see if that works well enough.
Alpha hydroxy acid most increases your skin's sensitivity to the sun and increases the chance of sunburn. Make sure to use a sunscreen and limit sun exposure while using alpha hydroxy acid and for a few weeks afterward. I prefer zinc oxide based sunscreens. Olay Complete for Sensitive Skin works well.
Allergy: A small percentage of people are allergic to benzoyl peroxide. If you suspect that you might be allergic to benzoyl peroxide, try applying a small amount of benzoyl peroxide for the first few days to a small spot on the upper back to test for sensitivity. Allergy is indicated by severe crusting or swelling. If you experience either symptom, stop using benzoyl peroxide right away.
Now you know all about the moderate to severe 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-moderate-severe3.html to view recommended moderate to severe Neck Regimen products.
Good luck everybody!
