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Moderate Acne

Patients with moderate acne generally have many clogged pores and many inflammatory pimples. Moderate acne does not come with deeper-seated cystic nodules. The chest and back may be involved as well. There may be pink or red marks present called post-inflammatory erythema after pimples have resolved. As some of the inflammatory pimples heal, there can be scars.

Main Treatments - Face

• Use adapalene gel or other retinoid at night on the entire face
• Use benzoyl peroxide leave-on gel in the morning on the entire face
• Use anti-acne cleansers when washing the face
• If very oily, use anti-acne toner

Main Treatments - Chest, Shoulders, or Back

• Use benzoyl peroxide leave-on gel in the morning on the entire zone
• Use anti-acne cleansers when washing the zone in the shower
• If very oily, apply anti-acne toner

Skin Care

Add ons

• For new zits, use pimple spot treatment
• For flat red or pink blemishes, use a blemish spot treatment
• For any raised scars, use scar spot treatment
• Take oral zinc supplements for 2-3 months
• Take fish oil supplements on an ongoing basis

For Women Only

• If you use hormonal contraception, make sure it’s acne-friendly birth control
• If you are pregnant or attempting conception, your treatment options are more limited. Visit our page on acne during pregnancy
• Breastfeeding patients may safely use all the treatments recommended on this page