How to Choose the Right Acne Med Strength
If you are using Face Reality Acne Med or thinking about adding it into your routine, you might be wondering which strength is right for you, or if it is time to increase your percentage.
At Clover Skin, our team of Master Estheticians are all Face Reality Certified Acne Experts who help clients build acne routines around their unique skin type, sensitivity, and goals! Whether you are just starting out or ready to level up, this guide will help you understand each strength and know when it is time to adjust!
What Acne Med Does
Face Reality Acne Med is a professional grade benzoyl peroxide treatment that kills acne-causing bacteria, clears pores, and prevents new breakouts from forming. It targets acne at the root instead of just the surface, making it one of the most effective treatments for achieving clear, balanced skin.
Acne Med is a benzoyl peroxide treatment that targets acne-causing bacteria and helps clear pores. Clinical studies confirm that topical benzoyl peroxide is one of the most effective and well-studied ingredients for treating acne.
Unlike harsh over the counter formulas, Acne Med is designed to be powerful, yet gentle. It includes soothing and hydrating ingredients that help minimize dryness and irritation while supporting the skin barrier.
Understanding Each Acne Med Strength
| Strength | Best For | What It Does | Skin Type Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acne Med 2.5% | First-time users or sensitive skin | Provides gentle antibacterial action with minimal dryness | Combination, reactive, or delicate |
| Acne Med 5% | Normal to oily skin | Deep cleans pores, reduces blackheads and whiteheads | Balanced to oily |
| Acne Med 10% | Stubborn or body acne | Strongest formula for tolerated skin; targets persistent breakouts | Oily or acne-prone areas like chest and back |
Clover Tip: Strength is never about “stronger is better.” It’s about what your barrier can handle. Clear skin comes from balance, not force!
Thinking About Changing Your Strength? Ask Yourself These 5 Questions
1. Is this my first time using Acne Med?
If you’re new to Acne Med, start with the 2.5% strength unless your esthetician at Clover recommends otherwise. Starting too strong can cause unnecessary irritation and slow your progress. We’ll help you build tolerance safely and effectively.
2. Am I experiencing dryness, flaking, or tightness?
If you are feeling dry or tight, pause before increasing your strength. Your skin barrier may need extra repair before it can tolerate benzoyl peroxide. Our team often recommends adding HydraRemedy Gel Serum, a deeply hydrating acne-safe barrier serum that floods the skin with long lasting hydration, and instantly relieves that tight, stripped feeling without ever clogging pores.
If you are already using hydrating products and still feel dry or sensitized, you may need to temporarily stop Acne Med and focus on barrier repair. Continuing through irritation can cause setbacks that take longer to fix than a short break would!
3. Is my skin clear with my current Acne Med strength?
If your skin is clear and calm, that means your current strength is doing its job! There's no reason to fix what's working! However, if you have been using the same strength for several months and are starting to see more breakouts in the same areas, your skin may have built a tolerance and could benefit from a small increase.
4. Are my breakouts more about bacteria or congestion?
If you are seeing red, inflamed, or painful pimples, that usually points to acne-causing bacteria. Your Acne Med may need to be increased slightly (under guidance).
If you are noticing small clogged bumps, rough texture, or dullness, that’s more likely congestion or buildup. You may need to introduce or increase your Face Reality Mandelic Serum to exfoliate and keep pores clear.
5. Have I checked in with my Clover esthetician?
Your esthetician can evaluate your skin in person or through Zoom and help decide whether it is time to increase your Acne Med, focus on barrier healing, or rebalance your actives. We always recommend checking in before making any changes on your own!
How to Build Your Acne Med Routine
Once you and your Clover esthetician determine the right Acne Med strength for your skin, the next step is building the right support system around it. Using the proper products keeps your skin balanced, hydrated, and strong so you see results faster and with less irritation.
Below is a sample routine designed by our estheticians for clients using Acne Med:
AM Routine
| Step | Product | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Barrier Balance Creamy Cleanser | Gently cleanses without stripping the skin |
| 2 | Moisture Balance Toner | Restores hydration and preps the skin |
| 3 | Hydraremedy Gel Serum | Supports the skin’s natural protective barrier and strengthens the microbiome |
| 4 | L Mandelic Serum | Smooths texture, clears congestion, and brightens |
| 5 | Cran Peptide Cream | Nourishes and calms while sealing in hydration |
| 6 | Barrier Care Gel Cream (optional) | Adds lightweight moisture and reinforces the skin barrier |
| 7 | Daily SPF 30 Plus | Protects against UV damage and prevents post-acne marks |
Clover Tip: Let each product fully absorb before layering the next. SPF is essential because Acne Med can increase sun sensitivity.
PM Routine
| Step | Product | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Barrier Balance Creamy Cleanser | Removes daily buildup and makeup gently |
| 2 | Ultra Gentle Cleanser | Provides a soothing double cleanse |
| 3 | HydraCalm Mask | Apply for 15 minutes to soothe and rehydrate |
| 4 | HydraRemedy Gel Serum | Supports the skin’s natural protective barrier and strengthens the microbiome |
| 5 | Advanced Acne Med | Targets acne-causing bacteria and clears pores |
| 6 | Barrier Care Gel Cream | Locks in moisture and protects the barrier overnight |
Clover Tip: If your needs extra hydration in the morning, add a thin layer of Barrier Care Gel Cream before applying SPF. Products perform best when skin feels hydrated, not dry.
Why Clients Love Acne Med at Clover
Clients see their clearest skin through Acne Bootcamp, where Acne Med plays a key role in customized treatment plans.
Our team helps you:
1. Find your ideal Acne Med strength
2. Build a routine that supports your barrier
3. Adjust your plan as your skin improves
Clover Skin offers both in person and zoom consultations so you can work with an expert wherever you are.
Let’s Keep Your Skin Thriving!
Acne Med works best when your barrier stays strong and your plan stays personal. If you are unsure which strength or routine is right for you, we’re here to help.
Reach out to our team or book an Acne Consultation at Clover Skin Bar in person or through Zoom. Together, we’ll build your custom acne-safe routine and keep your skin clear, happy, and healthy!
