Choosing an Acne Wash

Acne is a skin condition that affects both teenagers and adults, and can be emotionally upsetting and lead to self esteem issues for both. There are multiple products and strategies for treating acne. The local drugstore shelf is loaded with acne creams, toners, masks and cleansers with differing ingredients and methods of application. If you see a doctor for your acne, they can prescribe many different types of medications, or combination of medications for treating acne as well.

But what about the basics of treating acne? It all starts with clean skin. Clogged pores cause blackheads and bacteria causes pimples and other skin issues. Washing the skin with the proper acne wash suited for your particular skin type and skin issue will give you the best results. Begin by knowing your skin type.

Is your skin excessively oily like many teenagers? Many adults with acne have dry or partly dry skin. Some acne washes contain extra moisturizers to prevent additional drying of the skin. If your skin is oily, choose an acne wash that helps eliminate oily shine. If you have any allergies or are susceptible to skin rashes, pay attention to the ingredients in the acne wash. There are mild acne washes available for use on sensitive skin.

It’s important to know what type of acne you actually have when choosing the proper acne wash. You may have blackheads, which would require one type of acne wash, while whiteheads would use a different type of wash. When making your acne wash selection, read the labels and look for specific formulations that treat specific issues.

Ingredients and medications in the acne wash are important as well. Acne washes that contain mostly water and fragrance will not clear up your acne. Common acne medicines that are found over the counter include benzoyl peroxide. There should be at least 5-10% of it in your cleanser. Salicylic acid is another ingredient that works well on acne and is found in many acne washes.

Once you find the right acne wash for your skin type and acne issue, it’s important to use the product as instructed. Many acne washes are part of a line of products meant to be used together as a program. In most cases, the acne wash does produce better results if used with the other products.

Tips for getting the most out of your acne wash include rinsing your face with lukewarm water before applying the wash. After a few splashes, apply the acne wash scrub gently in circular motions, for at least a minute or more, using a soft cloth. Rinse gently with cool water and pat your skin dry. After cleansing, it’s a good idea to finish with an acne cream as well.