The
acne products you will need
I
am in no way involved with these companies. I recommend these products only
because they work for me.
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Purpose Gentle Cleansing Bar: "Purpose" is the brand name. I have tried many different cleansers. Most of them I have not liked because they are either too drying, too smelly, or don't last long enough for the price. My dermatologist recommended the Purpose Gentle Cleansing Liquid for its non-overdrying quality. I found that the Purpose Gentle Cleansing Bar lathers better and lasts much longer than the liquid and is also non-overdrying. It is important that a cleanser does not overdry because overdry skin is irritated skin. Excess skin irritation can lead to breakouts. I love this cleansing bar. |
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Neutrogena On-The-Spot Acne Treatment, Vanishing: This is a 2.5% benzoyl peroxide cream. It works better than the 5% or 10% solutions I have used in the past, like Oxy-10 or Clearasil. Studies show that a 2.5% benzoyl peroxide solution actually works better than the overdrying 10% solutions. Remember, less irritation means less breakouts. It may take your face a couple of weeks to get used to benzoyl peroxide. Some redness or itchiness is normal at first. A word of caution: about 3% of people are allergic to benzoyl peroxide and experience severe swelling and/or crusting. You may want to test a spot on your face first. Also, benzoyl peroxide can bleach fabrics. Be careful about getting it on clothing that you love. |
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Purpose Moisture Lotion: If you use as much benzoyl peroxide as I recommend you will need a moisturizer in the morning so you can spend the day with non-flaky skin. My dermatologist recommended Purpose Dual Treatment Moisture Lotion because it is oil-free and does not aggravate acne. I used it for years and loved it. I recommend that you start with this as well. I have since changed to the Purpose Alpha Hydroxy Moisture Lotion because it works especially well with benzoyl peroxide cream, and leaves no flaky bits on my skin like the Dual Treatment variety did. The Purpose Alpha Hydroxy Moisture Lotion contains glycolic acid which can sting, so it may be best to wait until your skin has grown accustomed to the benzoyl peroxide before adding in this ingredient. Both Purpose Moisture Lotions are non-comedogenic and oil free. In other words, they do the job of moisturizing without aggravating acne. They also have an SPF of 15. |
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Men: Gillette Sensor Excel Razor for Men: This razor is incredibly smooth and is the best razor I have ever tried at reducing shaving irritation. To prevent irritation, the blade should be changed often--I change it every 4 or 5 days. I have tried the Gillette Mach 3 and did not like it nearly as much. Also, I am not a fan of electric razors. I think they are actually more irritating than blade shaving with the Sensor Excel. |
If you live somewhere outside the United States, or if you want to try other products, try to find products similar to these--click here for more info on what to look for in other products.