When my skin was at its worse few years ago and I was forced to go on birth control to stop my acne, I would spent hours at a time on acne.org forums. I would read reviews, others’ experiences with acne, etc. Being the genius that I am, I never thought of trying out the regimen, created by Dan Kern, the founder of acne.org.
I finally decided to give the regimen a try after many, many recommendations. I’m currently two weeks into using it. The whole regimen revolves around using a 2.5% benzoyl peroxide treatment in large amounts along with a gentle cleanser and a very rich moisturizer. The regimen products can also be substituted with drugstore products and Dan actually recommends specific ones right here.
Here’s the overview of the products:
1. Cleanser.
This cleanser is very much like my favorite Cetaphil: fragrance free and gentle. There is a specific way that is suggested to using this: first splashing your face with warm water, then lathering up the product and gently washing your face for 10 seconds or less.
2. Treatment.
This is the whole key to this routine. The treatment is supposed to be spread evenly and very gently on the skin and left to absorb. I currently only use this treatment at night, I think it’s way too drying on my skin (at least for now) to use it in the morning. I might start using this in the mornings once my skin gets used to it a little more.
3. Moisturizer.
This has to be one of the best moisturizers I’ve used. It’s very rich but at the same time it feels light and doesn’t leave any residue on the skin and it’s fragrance-free. On those days when my skin feels extra dry from the treatment, I add few drops of 100% argan oil to the moisturizer.
Like I’ve mentioned before I’ve used the regimen for exactly two weeks and so far so good. My skin actually wasn’t in a bad shape, I’ve had a few breakouts, but mostly I’m battling acne marks/scars. Once in a blue moon I’ll experience a breakout galore when my skin goes nuts.
Right now I’m still waiting to see any major improvements. My skin is extremely dry at the moment and I started getting few blemishes in places where I don’t usually get them, but they go away just after few days. I will do an update in two weeks or so.
To see an update on my skin, see this post.
12 Comments
Sophie Sierra
November 17, 2013 at 8:02 pmThis is such an inspirational post Paula, you should be really proud of yourself! <3
The skincare regime you're using sounds really promising; there's certainly nothing better than something soft and fragrance free on the skin.
Sophie xox
Paula
November 17, 2013 at 8:33 pmAww, thank you Sophie <3 You're such a sweetheart, it's so nice to know that there such sincere and nice people out there like You! These products are really lovely, especially since I'm quite sensitive to fragrances:)
Sophie Sierra
November 18, 2013 at 11:17 amAww bless you hun, you are too! I think blogging can feel quite lonely when you start up so now it’s lovely and means a lot that I’ve been made so welcome by you and others <3
The products sound wonderful :) xxx
Paula
December 4, 2013 at 4:31 pm<3
Christel
November 18, 2013 at 8:15 pmI also have acne prone skin and have found that products with benzoyl peroxide work best for my skin, these products look great for sensitive skin…. I also swear by Josie Maran’s argan oil, it seriously has transformed my skin and would highly recommend it for acne prone skin. I hope these products work for you and look forward to reading your update!
Paula
November 19, 2013 at 9:16 amThank you Christel! I actually used Josie Maran’s Argan Oil for years now and totally agree! It’s amazing especially after the BP, since it’s so drying. I was a little afraid at first to use an “oil” on my face, but I absolutely love it now.
Liv
November 20, 2013 at 10:31 amI really like this post especially as i suffer from Acne as well. I love your blog layout and photography. Best of all, well done for being able to bare it all (acne and all) for people to learn from your experience..x
Paula
November 20, 2013 at 3:53 pmAww thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed the post!
Sara
November 21, 2013 at 4:12 amA great post Paula! I hope it works for you <3
Paula
November 21, 2013 at 8:27 amThank you Sara:)
Maria
November 22, 2013 at 10:31 amWOW
Paula M
November 24, 2013 at 11:15 pmHey Paula,
I’ve been on the regimen for over 4 months now and had great success. Be aware though that your skin is going to dry up and that you shouldn’t hesitate to use a lot of moisturiser. Looking forward to you posting your progress!
PaulaM