Apply The Advanced Acne Solution as directed by the dermatologist on your case. Your prescription will come with specific instructions on how much to apply, when to apply it, and how to ease into the routine — and these instructions are personalized based on your skin type, history, prior prescription experience, and tolerance.
A few practical points that apply to most maximum-strength acne prescriptions of this type:
- The ramp-up matters more than usual. Because The Advanced Acne Solution is a higher-strength formula, the dermatologist on your case will almost always start you on a less frequent schedule (for example, every third night for the first one to two weeks, then every other night, then nightly) to let the skin adjust before going to full strength. Skipping ahead in this schedule is the most common cause of avoidable irritation.
- Apply to clean, dry skin. A non-foaming gentle cleanser is recommended; apply the prescription a few minutes after washing, once the skin is fully dry.
- Layer a barrier moisturizer. This is more important with a maximum-strength formula than with a balanced-strength one. A simple ceramide-based or barrier-repair moisturizer applied after the prescription helps reduce irritation and protects the skin barrier during the adjustment period.
- Daily SPF 30 or higher is non-negotiable. Higher-strength prescription retinoids significantly increase sun sensitivity. Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is part of the protocol, not optional.
- Pause other actives. If you are currently using over-the-counter retinols, BHA/AHA exfoliants, benzoyl peroxide, or another prescription product, the dermatologist on your case will tell you which to pause and for how long. See the article Can I keep using my Differin, BHA, or Curology while starting DermClick acne? for details.