Facial Skin Treatment Guidelines

Acne Treatment

• The American Academy of Dermatology recommends azelaic acid 20% cream applied twice daily for mild to moderate inflammatory acne, with a thin film gently massaged into affected facial areas 1, 2.
• The American Academy of Dermatology suggests adapalene applied once daily to the entire face in the evening after gentle washing for acne vulgaris in patients ≥12 years 4, 5.
• Combination clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide applied once daily to the face in the evening is effective for inflammatory acne, as recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology 1, 4.

Application Precautions for Facial Skin

• The American Academy of Dermatology advises keeping most topical acne medications away from eyes, mouth, nasal creases, and mucous membranes 1, 4.
• Minimize sun exposure and use SPF 15 or higher sunscreen when using photosensitizing agents like retinoids, adapalene, or tazarotene, as recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology 2, 4, 5.
• Start with once-daily application and monitor for irritation before increasing frequency, according to the American Academy of Dermatology 1, 2.