We all know that T can cause acne. Binders can make it worse! Here are some tips to treat your acne at home.
If you have a lot of redness to your acne – they get big, swollen, red, and tender, you will want to try Option 1.
If you have more blackheads and smaller, less tender acne, you will want to try Option 2.
Option 1
Mornings:
- apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer with sunscreen
Before Bedtime:
- apply a thin layer of benzoyl peroxide cream to areas that are break-out prone (chest, back, etc)
Once a day:
- wash your body with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser with 2% salicylic acid
- pat – don’t rub – your body dry
Option 2
Mornings:
- apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer with sunscreen
Evenings:
- wash your face with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser with 2% salicylic acid
- pat – don’t rub – your body dry
Important tips and tricks…
- Benzoyl peroxide will bleach fabric –
- use old sleep clothes/sheets or white fabrics at night
- Use 2.5% benzoyl peroxide, it works just as well as 5% or 10% AND it causes LESS redness and drying
- Binders –
- Wash them daily
- You can hand wash them in the sink and let them air dry overnight
- Use fragrance-free/dye-free soaps and detergents
- Wash them daily
The dryness of it all
- These medicines can cause a lot of redness, drying, and flaking of the skin. If this happens, space out how frequently you use them – try every other day or every two days. Gradually increase your frequency to daily as your skin lets you.
The brand names of it all
- avoid products with fragrance or dyes
- brands like CeraVe, Neutrogena, Cetaphil, and Clean and Clear can be found in local drug stores
- it is fine to use these or store brands as long as the product doesn’t have any fragrance
How long does it take?
Acne treatments need at least 3 months of consistent use for you to start seeing results, and things may get worse before they get better. Hang in there and stay consistent. If after 3 months, your acne continues to persist, talk to your healthcare provider about other prescription treatment options!
