What is the best topical treatment for mild acne AND sensitive skin?

I just recently stopped using my proactiv system (the trial kit) and I hated it. It made my skin peel and it really hurt. I know my skin is sensitive, but I thought Proactiv was the most popular for working. So I started using St. Ives Apricot Scrub like I did before I used that horrible stuff. Please let me know if you have tried something better!! Keep in mind my skin condition is not severe. Thanks guys!

What is the best topical treatment for mild acne AND sensitive skin?
Don't scrub! Don't scrub, don't scrub, don't scrub. Don't use anything that has "scrub" in the name, either. I can't emphasize that enough. That will not only make your skin more irritated, but also more prone to acne. Wash your face only once a day, in addition to washing it in the shower.



The best topical treatment for acne is a combination of benzoyl peroxide (the active ingredient in Proactiv) and an antibiotic. A great formulation is Benzaclin (prescription), which contains benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin. It's relatively gentle on the skin. Although it contains benzoyl peroxide like Proactiv, the vehicle is different and it's not as drying. At first, apply it every other night before bed. You may experience a little dryness/redness, but your skin will get used to it. Just hang in there. Another option is to apply it only for a few hours (say, 4 hours after school) and then wash it off. Take note that benzoyl peroxide will bleach your clothes (and sheets). Another option is to try plain clindamycin, which is generally not drying at all. It's also a prescription drug. It doesn't work as well as Benzaclin, but it is worth a try.



For dry and irritated skin, don't use a face wash with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide in it, unless you don't intend to use any other acne treatments. There is a new benzoyl-peroxide acne wash called Benziq. Benziq also comes in a leave-on gel (5.25% or 2.75%, for sensitive skin). Benziq is said to hydrate and treat at the same time. I've heard good things about it, although I can't speak from personal experience.



If you choose a topical treatment, I suggest using Cetaphil cleanser to wash your face. It's recommended for use with infants, if that gives you an idea of its gentleness. Cetaphil lotion and cream are good, too. I usually use the cream in the cold months and the lotion in warmer months.



I must add that toners are bad. All they do is remove the oil from the surface of your skin. Surface oil is not a predominant cause of acne. Also, don't worry about what you eat (in terms of acne). Though there have been a few studies that have shown that regions of the world that have no access to simple carbohydrates have fewer acne problems, the researchers themselves have admitted that there is not enough information to make a concrete statement about the effects of diet on acne severity. The regions sampled are very sunny; sun exposure is known to improve acne. It's hard to define a cause-effect relationship in the aforementioned studies.



Good luck!
Reply:i alternate between proactive and aveeno moisturizing bar for dry skin because if i use only the proactive, my skin tends to get dry patches. i only use the proactive in the areas i have breakout problems -- t-zone -- at night.



during the day i wash with the aveeno bar which is soap and fragrance free, and i tone with the proactive toner. then i apply my daily moistureizer which is from avon -- moisture 24. it is light and non greasy.



it could be that you are overcleanising your skin.



another thing that could help with your mild breakouts is to avoid sweets, caffine and drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated....
Reply:i recommend 'Hibiclens' .. it is an antibacterial soap that surgeons use. i just started using it for a different condition i have on my legs and the dermatologist said i can use it on my face as well. i have not gotten one pimple since i started using it and i have pretty bad acne. all of thos commercial acne medications are CRAP created to rob consumers like you.
Reply:umm try clean and clear

or neutrogena which im using but its not really working for me

also have u tried seeing a dermatologist
Reply:I used that ProActive stuff too and it made my face turn bright red! Try Clinique cleansing soap in mild (you can buy it at the Clinque counter in any major department store)
Reply:I use Dr. Haushka and Aubrey's Organics.

I tried Proavtiv as well and it just dried my skin out and i pretty much had an allergic reaction to it.

I had tried clearisil did nothing, tried Differn drying to my face. Finally decided to try organic and it works plus doesnt affect my skin.

I use Aubrey's Cleaning Cream for washing my face 2 times a day.

I have Clarifying toner for my blemishes and redness, evens out my skin tone.

I then use Normailizing Day oil to mosteruize my face in the morning.



I also use a home remedy Honey dabbed on blemishes/redness

mask making