Treatment Pointers for Topical Acne and Anti-Aging Treatments

Acne and anti-aging treatments contain drying medications such as adapalene (Differin) or tretinoin (Retin A), making it essential to use gentle, unscented cleansers and moisturizers. Facial moisturizers can be broadly divided into two groups: “Light Facial” and “All-Purpose Light to Medium Face and Body.” It’s really helpful to have both depending on how dry your skin is on a given day.

Treatment tips and how to’s:

• Start using the topical adapalene or tretinoin every other night for a couple of weeks, then gradually increase to nightly if tolerated.
• Skip nights from time to time if needed for excessive dryness.
• Using over the counter 1% hydrocortisone cream two or three mornings weekly will help reduce irritation. Do not use more than three days weekly. For acne patients who have been prescribed benzoyl peroxide, start out applying the medication once daily. It may be applied in the morning or over the adapalene gel at night.
• If tolerated, both benzoyl peroxide and adapalene can gradually be increased to twice daily.
• Apply these medications lightly over the entire face while avoiding the eyes.
• Stop treatment and call the office if you get a rash. Benzoyl peroxide will bleach fabrics.
• Apply skin care products in order of thickness, starting with the lightest and finishing with the heaviest.
• If you care about your skin and health, use sun protection.

These products below can be found locally or on Amazon. All are sensibly priced. People with sensitive skin may need recommendations for specialty skin care products.