How to Pick an Acne Facial Cleanser
Finding the right facial cleanser for your acne prone skin is very important; not all cleansers are created equally. Acne facial cleansers work to clear your skin of impurities, bacteria, make-up, dirt, grime and environmental pollutants that can lead to more acne.
The use of an appropriate cleanser that is gentle but effective is the foundation for treating existing acne and preventing further outbreaks. The acne facial cleanser also prepares your skin for the application of any topical acne medication or creams that you might be using for your acne problems. In general, you should use an acne facial cleanser morning and night. The use of an acne facial cleanser may also be part of an acne facial.
You’ll find good reading on acne facials and the benefits they provide in our article, Acne Facials: an Overview.
Finding a Product for Your Skin Type
Not every person with acne has “oily” skin. When selecting your acne facial cleanser, you should search for one that is made for your personal skin type, whether that is oily, dry, or combination. While there are many acne facial cleansers that are billed as being for “all skin types”, choosing one that is formulated and engineered just for your skin is optimal because it will help address issues that are prevalent in user’s with that particular skin type. Read the label of the cleanser to determine if it meets the needs for your type prior to purchase.
What to Look For
Other than finding an acne facial cleanser that is made for people with your type of skin, you should also look for a cleanser that is non-irritating and non-comedogenic. These cleansers will not clog your pores (which could worsen your acne). Because acne is caused in part by overactive sebaceous glands that produce oil, choose an acne facial cleanser that is oil-free. You should also look for a cleanser that is hypoallergenic to avoid any further irritation to your already irritated skin. If you experience any irritation when using your acne facial cleanser, discontinue use and consult with a dermatologist.
Medicated Acne Facial Cleansers
Many products on the market (both prescription and non-prescription) are medicated. Many of these medicated cleansers contain benzoyl peroxide, which has been shown to be effective against acne, and is also available in cream or gel form for topical application. Clearasil, Clean and Clear, and other commercial formulations have this ingredient.
Your dermatologist might also prescribe a medicated acne facial cleanser that contains benzoyl peroxide. Salicylic acid-medicated acne facial cleansers may also be beneficial. If choosing a salicylic acid cleanser, make sure that it contains no more than 2% salicylic acid. Other acne medicated cleansers may contain other antibacterial ingredients that help to stave off bacteria that cause further acne breakouts. Use antibacterial products with caution, however; these types of products can make your skin overly dry, which can worsen your condition.
Acne Facial Masks
In combination with your acne treatment plan that includes an acne facial wash, you can also choose to use an acne facial mask. Acne facial masks are different than cleansers; they are used only twice weekly in most instances (unless recommended otherwise by your doctor or dermatologist). Acne masks provide a more targeted treatment than acne facial cleansers.
Our article, How to Choose an Acne Facial Mask provides valuable insight into this treatment option for acne prone skin.
