Acne.org Products
Last year I was on the acne.org regimen for around...4 months. Whilst it cleared my skin, I never really adjusted to the benzoyl peroxide. I peeled like crazy. Although I did have days where I didn't, it was a process of my skin getting dry (it kinda hardened) and then that skin flaking off, over and over.
Eventually, I had to quit. This was after I slowly reduced it and only used it on my chin for while. I stayed relatively clear...until now. Acne is back with a vengeance.
This time round I want to carry it out as close to the instructions as possible and use the right products. When I started it before I was using a Biore foaming cleanser which was not gentle at all, Dan's BP and a moisturiser that contained salicylic acid (naughty naughty).
So technically, I wasn't on the regimen that Dan (always wanted an excuse to use that!) devised. I didn't use a gentle cleanser, nor did I use a hydrating moisturiser and eventually I stopped being as gentle. Basically I would appreciate some advice from long-term regimen users regarding precisely how slow you need to start out and the best way to avoid flakes. I really want to be one of those regimen users that can say they're fully adjusted and completely clear.
Another query I have is the importance of SPF. Last time I know that I suffered some sun damage and I even developed a few small moles that I never had before, which is slightly worrying.
Thanks!
Well, first I think you should kind of work yourself into the right mindset and accept that you will probably have some flakes, especially in the beginning. To me, flakes don't compare to the nastiness of cystic acne. I have some flakes right now after using a little more BP than normal. I usually use half a finger in the morning and a full finger at night, but I started using 3/4 a finger in the morning after being a little more loose with my diet and having a few small pimples. Basically anytime you adjust your dose upwards, you are going to have some flakes.
The AHA helps a lot with flakes but you will need to wait a while (maybe 5-6 weeks) before you start using it. The best way to avoid a lot of flaking in the beginning is to go super slow. Maybe start with 1/4 finger length, do that for a few days, then 1/3, then 1/2, etc. Dan lays it out pretty well in the instructions. Just follow what he says.
No matter what you do, don't pick at flakes or try to exfoliate them! I know it can be frustrating in the beginning, but once you get to the point where you can use the AHA (which is WELL worth the money for shipping and everything) it will help a lot. I think chemical exfoliation with AHA lotions and chemical peels is far better than scrubbing your skin with anything. No matter what you do, avoid scrubs.
Good luck! I can't really offer much info other than what's in the instructions. <3
Well, first I think you should kind of work yourself into the right mindset and accept that you will probably have some flakes, especially in the beginning. To me, flakes don't compare to the nastiness of cystic acne. I have some flakes right now after using a little more BP than normal. I usually use half a finger in the morning and a full finger at night, but I started using 3/4 a finger in the morning after being a little more loose with my diet and having a few small pimples. Basically anytime you adjust your dose upwards, you are going to have some flakes.
The AHA helps a lot with flakes but you will need to wait a while (maybe 5-6 weeks) before you start using it. The best way to avoid a lot of flaking in the beginning is to go super slow. Maybe start with 1/4 finger length, do that for a few days, then 1/3, then 1/2, etc. Dan lays it out pretty well in the instructions. Just follow what he says.
No matter what you do, don't pick at flakes or try to exfoliate them! I know it can be frustrating in the beginning, but once you get to the point where you can use the AHA (which is WELL worth the money for shipping and everything) it will help a lot. I think chemical exfoliation with AHA lotions and chemical peels is far better than scrubbing your skin with anything. No matter what you do, avoid scrubs.
Good luck! I can't really offer much info other than what's in the instructions.
Thanks! 
Yeah I think I found it hard to just fight through the flaky stage, but I know it's possible to come out of the other end with flake-free and acne-free skin, I see it so often on here.
I finish college on next week, so I think I'll buy the BP then and try get adjusted to it. I'm a little worried about what it may do to the texture of my skin though. I'm so happy with how the upper part of my face looks, but the bottom in contrast is just awful. The issue with using BP in one area would be that I'd probably have half a red face! I'd probably just use less in my less problematic areas and more on my chin and nose...
This time round I definitely want to implement the AHA because soft, smooth skin is really important to me. I have my jojoba oil at hand too, so I'm sure that'll help with the flakes and redness.
I appreciate your response. Maybe people find my threads too boring...
I highly recommend you do the regimen in your whole face, if possible. A lot of us experienced the acne moving into areas where the BP doesn't go (the ears, the hairline) and it would suck to medicate one area, get through the flaky stage, and then have your acne move to a different area and have to go through the flaky stage all over again.