Soap for Sensitive Skin

• Acne on black or brown skin can be exacerbated and inflamed when the face is cleaned with standard, commercially-milled soaps and cleansers. To properly clean darker skin tones with acne blemishes, be as gentle as possible. Select a cleanser or a soap that is designed for sensitive skin types. Usually, soaps for sensitive skin do not contain ingredients that irritate skin, such as fragrances or perfumes. Use a gentle touch when washing the face, and never scrub or pick the skin. All that is needed is to lather your face, then rinse well with water.
  
  

Benzoyl Peroxide

• Using a low concentration benzoyl peroxide cream will clear African American skin effectively without causing negative reactions, such as severe redness, blotchiness, peeling or burning. Using a concentration higher that 2.5 percent can worsen acne, making the pustules, cysts and nodules inflamed and irritated. It is more effective to use a larger quantity of a lower concentration benzoyl peroxide cream. Make sure that the skin has been towel-dried before applying the cream. A nickel-sized amount, gently massaged onto the skin until it is absorbed can clear up even the most severe acne breakouts.
  
  

Oil-Free Moisturizing Lotion

• When a benzoyl peroxide cream is used on African American skin, it must be followed with a moisturizer in order to avoid dryness. Make sure that any moisturizer you use is noncomedogenic and oil-free, which means that it will not clog the pores or contribute to more acne blemishes on the skin. Even acne-prone skin will benefit from the use of a daily moisturizing lotion. Use a nickel-sized amount, spreading it around the face as gently as possible. Once the moisturizer has been absorbed, you can dab off any excess moisturizer using tissue or a soft cloth.