AMPM
Wash gentlyWash gently
Apply moisturizer with sunscreenApply moisturizer
Wait 15-20 minutesWait 15-20 minutes
Apply topical benzoylperoxide/erythromycin creamApply topical Retin A
Take Tetracycline Take Tetracycline (1st 2 weeks)
Gentle washing
Wash your face gently, by hand with a mild daily facial cleanser. Do not use regular soap. Neutrogena and Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser are both good brands. An astringent or alcohol pad once or twice a day may help remove excess oil or makeup without the necessity of repeated washing. Use non-comedogenic (Non-comedogenic = doesn’t cause pimples)cosmetics, if any.
Moisturization
Use a non-comedogenic moisturizing lotion made for the face. We suggest using one with a sunscreen already in it. Good choices are easy to find and can be inexpensive. For instance, Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion is about $10 for a 16oz bottle. Look for one that has at least 30 SPF. You may want to keep a pocket-sized bottle with you so you can use it throughout the day. Dry skin is a good sign that you’re using the benzoyl peroxide and Retin-A properly.
Sun protection
Use a non-comedogenic sunblock and avoid sunburn. Acne medications can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
Topical antibiotics (topical = on top of your skin)
Benzoyl peroxide/erythromycin helps to kill bacteria on the surface of your skin. Use it on all the areas where you might get acne. WARNING: Benzoyl peroxide bleaches things like pillows, towels, and clothes
Topical Retin-A
Tretinoin (Retin-A) at bedtime. Your skin should be dry, so wait at least 20 minutes after washing.
Place a pea-sized amount on your finger. Touch this to your forehead, chin and both cheeks; then spread it over your face. Don't spot treat pimples. Use it on all the areas where you might get acne.
Oral antibiotics (oral = by mouth)
Oral antibiotics also help kill the bacteria that make acne red. There are several antibiotics that can be used. Yours is: Tetracycline 500mg by mouth twice a day for 2 weeks, and then once a day for 3 months
Tetracycline is more effective when you take it on empty stomach. So take it 1hr before or 2hrs after meal
PATIENCE: Expect 4-6 weeks to pass before improvement. Your skin may look worse at first but don’t give up! During the first few weeks of therapy, Retin-A pushes the dead cells and plugs that are responsible for acne to the skin's surface. As it does, you may (or may not) experience some mild burning, stinging, feeling of warmth or peeling. Some patients also notice their skin begins to take on a reddish blush. These reactions do not happen to everyone. You may not get any reactions at all, which just means your skin is tolerating treatment. During weeks three through six, blackheads are being dislodged and shed from the skin. During this time period, it may appear as if your acne has worsened, but, in actuality, it's a sure sign that Retin-A is doing its job. By seven weeks, your skin may look better than it has in a long time.Be encouraged! Stick with it! If you would like extra assurance, call your doctor. After six weeks, you should notice steady improvement in your skin. DO NOT STOP TREATMENT AT THE FIRST SIGN OF IMPROVEMENT. Remember, acne cannot be cured it can be treated with medications and will return if you stop them too soon.