Acne Medicine Tips

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Please keep in mind the following tips for applying acne medicine to your skin.

1. Help yourself remember

Place your acne medication where you can see it every day. Keep it in plain view on the bathroom sink next to your toothbrush, or in a portion of your purse or backpack that you use daily.

2. Use your acne medicine as directed

Using more than the recommended amount of medicine or applying the medicine more frequently will not make your acne go away faster, but may irritate and dry your skin.

Topical retinoids are the most commonly prescribed acne medications. They include Differin, Differin 3.0, Tazorac, tretinoin, and Retin A Micro. These have a reputation for causing irritation, but are generally well tolerated if used as directed.
      
3.  Gently wash your face before applying your medicine

Gently washing your face with soap or a mild cleanser removes dirt, excess natural oils (sebum), bacteria, and cosmetics, and it prepares your skin for the medicine.

However, if you scrub your skin too vigorously or use hot water or harsh soaps, it may become too dry and irritated to tolerate the medicine.

Use warm water and a mild cleanser, such as Cetaphil, instead of soap. Wash your face with your fingertips or a very soft cloth instead of an abrasive washcloth.

You may also try waiting 10 to 15 minutes before applying the medicine to reduce the chance of skin irritation.

Limit washing to twice a day, or after heavy perspiration.
      
4. Apply the medicine to the whole area (not just the spots)

Apply your medicine to the entire acne-prone area. This prevents new acne lesions from forming on clear skin.

5. Use a skin care regimen that does not dry out your skin

If your skin feels dry while using your acne medicine, consider changing your skin care routine. Astringents and “skin toners” can lead to excessive dryness.

Avoid skin care products that contain alcohol or alpha-hydroxy acids (glycolic acid).

Use a moisturizer immediately after applying the medication. This may be especially helpful during dry winter months. Use a moisturizer labeled noncomedogenic or nonacnegenic, if possible. This means it won’t clog your skin pores.

6. Protect your skin from UV light

Everyone should protect themselves from the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation (UV rays), but it is especially important if you are using a topical retinoid (Differin, Differin 3.0, Tazorac, Retin A Micro). This means avoiding sun exposure and the use of tanning salons or sun lamps.

If you can't avoid sun exposure:

  • Apply a sunscreen to all exposed skin. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 that protects from both UVA and UVB rays. Apply sunscreen every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or heavy perspiration. Look for brands labeled as noncomedogenic.
  • Wear long sleeves, pants, a hat, and sunglasses.
  • Stay in the shade whenever possible.

7. Be patient

Give your acne medicine time to do its job. It can take several weeks for pimples to fully heal, and they may look worse before looking better. Meanwhile your acne medicine is hard at work preventing new pimples from forming.

It is important that you continue to use your medicine.

For more information about acne, please refer to AcneNet from the American Academy of Dermatology.

© 2008 - 2009 Vivacare.
Last updated December 4, 2009.