Neutrogena Complete Acne Therapy System :: Day 3
I learned a couple things yesterday. First, acne tends to worsen in humidity. This from acne expert Daniel Kern, at Acne.org. In addition, benzoyl peroxide won’t dry as quickly in the humidity, so he recommends letting it dry at least 15 minutes before applying a moisturizer. Given that it’s 90 degrees in the shade here in South Florida, and we’re second only to the bayou in terms of humidity, I figure this probably applies to me, so I give it a try.
And that’s when it begins. After letting the benzoyl peroxide dry and applying the moisturizer, I felt this burning sensation, which lasted for about 10 minutes or so. Ordinarily, I’d just “work through the burn” (I am a child of the ’80s after all), but this is my version of home science, so I figure I’d better follow the directions on the label. I made the hopefully logical assumption that the benzoyl was causing the problem, so I checked the warnings section on the label. It says:
“Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are: Currently under the care of a physician for your acne…”
Nope.
“Using other topical acne medications at the same time or immediately following use of this product. This may increase dryness or irritation of the skin. If this occurs, only one medication should be used unless directed by a doctor.”
Hmmm. This is tricky. The whole system uses two medications — salicylic acid in the cleanser and benzoyl peroxide in the lotion. So what the heck do I do?
Then I read on to the “Directions” section, which I thought I’d read pretty thoroughly, but now realize I did not interpret correctly. This is what it says:
“Cover entire affected area with a think layer in the morning and again at night. Allow to dry.”
OK, that’s what I did.
Here’s the part I guess I missed:
“For day use, follow with sunscreen.”
Oops. I was using the sunscreen in the morning and at night. Which was not logical, obviously. The sunscreen directions even say:
“Before sun exposure or as needed, apply liberally on face, neck and other exposed areas.”
Obviously, one does not receive sun exposure at night. Therefore, I am sort of an idiot.
Anyway, the benzoyl lotion directions go on to say:
“Because excessive drying of the skin may occur, start with once daily application. If excessive drying or bothersome peeling occurs, reduce application to every other day.”
OK, first it tells me to use it twice a day, now it says start with once daily application, and if you have a problem only use it every other day. Confusing, and now I’m not sure what to do! I’m also kind of bummed, because despite the mild irritation, my skin’s definitely starting to show improvement; my husband even says it looks “noticeably better” (other than the honker on my chin, which is going nowhere fast).
New plan is to use the cleanser twice a day. Then benzoyl at night, and the sunscreen in the morning. Phew. I guess there’s always some degree of trial and error with these things, and the space available on the tubes for directions is pretty small, but you’d think it would be important to really be clear about how to use the products for the best results! How about a more detailed insert in the packaging or something? Geesh. Or maybe this one can be chalked up to user error. Thoughts?
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