According the Acne Resource Center (ARC), over 60 million Americans suffer from acne and 20 million of those people have acne so bad that it will cause scarring. The ARC also reports that over 40% of those who suffer from acne never do anything about it. There are solutions out there that will help clear up acne.

Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Remedy

One popular method that works to clear up acne is a benzoyl peroxide acne remedy. People who choose this method should wash their face with a gentle facial cleanser once in the morning and once at night. It's important that there aren't any harsh chemicals because a lot of things can irritate acne, just keeping it red and bothersome. Cetaphil facial cleanser, or a generic form of it, is a great cleanser for people who suffer from acne.

What Products are Required to Use the Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Remedy

• A gentle facial cleanser with no harsh ingredients
• Benzoyl peroxide - available in strengths of 2%, 5% and 10%
• Oil free moisturizing gel or lotion
  

Step-by-Step Guide to the Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Treatment

It should first be noted that this guide can be used both in the morning and at night. The exact same products can be used and the steps remain the same.

1. Wash hands before you think about touching your face. In fact, try to wash your hands several times per day - especially if you have a habit of touching your face.
   
2. Wash face with the gentle facial cleanser. It's important to clean the face to get rid of oil and impurities that are on the surface and in the pores.
3. Apply a thin layer of benzoyl peroxide acne gel all over the face. This can be a bit drying so it's suggested to start with one application daily. If one has sensitive skin, they may only be able to use it once per day, if this is the case, apply it during the nighttime routine. Another thing, most people find that 10% benzoyl peroxide products are too harsh, so just try the 2% or 5% to begin with. They even make a benzoyl peroxide gel that contains tea tree oil - that's the one I use and it's made by DDF. It's around $22 for 2oz., but it's a gel and should last for a couple of months.
4. Apply a thin layer of an oil free moisturizer. Even if one has oily skin, a moisturizer needs to be applied after cleansing - especially if benzoyl peroxide is used. When you rinse the oils from your face, the moisturizer helps to restore your skin's Ph levels. If moisturizer isn't used, the skin will become dry and flaky in areas and probably really oily in other areas.

This Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Remedy Works

I have been suffering from acne off and on throughout my life. It has gotten notably worse after having my two sons. I don't have a lot of problems with blackheads or whiteheads, but I get cystic acne or nodules on my chin. These are the red, hard bumps that you cannot pop and they can be very painful and will last for weeks or even months. Talk about UGH.

The only remedy I have found that really helps my cystic acne, is using a gentle cleanser, benzoyl peroxide and a good oil free moisturizer in gel form - Clinique makes a good one. I used to always try the over-the-counter cleansers and they wouldn't do anything. This is probably because they were just irritating the acne even more. One thing I have never done until recently is use a moisturizer. I have oily skin so I always thought moisturizers would make my skin more oily. Turns out, I just hadn't found the right one for my skin type. I highly recommend moisturizers that are in gel form if you have oily, acne prone skin.

If you don't believe me, just take a look at some reviews of benzoyl peroxide and you'll see how many people use it religiously. Though I can't guarantee it will work for everyone, it definitely is something to try and it's relatively inexpensive. Much cheaper than a prescription so I do believe it's at least worth a shot.